Political News Headlines 4/7 Vietnam, Germany boost security cooperation The Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and Germany’s law enforcement agencies have agreed to strengthen their collaboration in the fields of information and experience sharing, delegation exchanges, and personnel training. The two sides reached the consensus during talks between visiting Vietnamese Minister General Tran Dai Quang and the German Government’s intelligence coordinator Gunter Heiss in Berlin on July 3. They discussed regional and international of mutual concerns, including network security and coordination in fighting cyber crimes. Quang also informed his host of the current situation in East Sea after China illegally placed its oil rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 in Vietnam ’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, affirming Vietnam ’s view of settling disputes by peaceful measures on the basis of international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Thanking the German Government and people for backing Vietnam ’s efforts in settling the issue, he suggested that the German side raise a stronger voice in support of Vietnam ’s just struggle and in demanding China end its violations of Vietnam’s sovereignty. For his part, Gunter Heiss expressed his deep sympathy and concurrence with Vietnam ’s policies and solutions to the East Sea issue. He described Quang’s visit as a contribution to deepening the friendship and strategic cooperation between the two countries and their law enforcement agencies in particular. Argentina, Vietnam foster parliamentary links The legislative bodies of Vietnam and Argentina will increase delegation exchanges to share experience in legislation and support their governments’ efforts in strengthening bilateral cooperation. The agreement was reached following working sessions between Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan and Provisional President of the Argentina Senate Geraldo Zamora and many other officials of both houses, during the former’s visit from June 30 to July 2. They noted with satisfaction the fine development of friendship and cooperation between the two countries in recent times, especially the rising trade value from US$316 million in 2007 to a record high of US$1.6 billion in 2013. They said both countries have great potential for stronger cooperation, primarily in investment. Argentinean legislators asked Vietnam to facilitate Argentinean operations in wind and hydro power projects in the country, while establishing twin cities and increasing cooperation with Vietnamese localities.  They said the Argentina parliament will soon establish a parliamentary friendship group with Vietnam at the Senate. The two sides spent much time examining issues relating to gender equality, women’s leadership role in society, and protection of the rights of women and children. Vice Chairwoman Ngan also briefed her hosts on Vietnam’s foreign policy and answered their questions on the country’s development policies and the current tension in the East Sea after China’s oil rig placement in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. Argentinean legislators and scholars hailed Vietnam’s stance of resolving the territorial dispute in the East Sea by peaceful measures in accordance with international law. On July 2, Ngan left Argentina for Chile for a visit till July 5. Vice NA Chairman Luu visits the Netherlands A Vietnam National Assembly delegation led by NA Vice Chairman Uong Chu Luu on July 2 held a working session with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). At a meeting with OPCW Director General Ahmet Uzumcu, and Deputy Director General Grace Asirwatham, Luu noted Vietnam was one of the first countries joining the organisation and signing the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). The country has well responded to all requests of the OPCW technical secretariat for member states, and enhanced information dissemination to raise awareness of the CWC among sectors and businesses. Since 2013 Vietnam has received and worked with the OPCW’s technical and inspection teams at its chemical plants, he said. Luu proposed that the OPCW continue to provide training, supply testing equipment, send experts to Vietnam for experience sharing, receive Vietnamese citizens to work at its centres, and help Vietnam prevent and deal with chemical incidents. He also briefed his hosts on China’s placement of its floating drilling rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 deep inside Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. He said the move is a serious violation of Vietnam’s sovereignty and jurisdiction, as well as international law, especially the 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea in the East Sea (DOC). Luu reiterated Vietnam’s consistent policy of resolving the territorial dispute by peaceful measures in accordance with international law. He called on the international community and organisations, including the OPCW, to support Vietnam’s stance. He invited OPCW Director General Uzumcu to visit Vietnam in the near future. The same day, the NA delegation held talks with a House of Representatives delegation led by Raymond de Roon, President of the House’s Committee on Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation. Raymond de Roon hailed Vietnam’s efforts in maintaining steady economic growth despite the global economic-financial turmoil, and hoped to learn from it. Luu spoke highly of effective cooperation between the two countries, noting that two-way trade hit US$6.2 billion last year. He especially appreciated the Netherlands’ shifting of its policy from development cooperation to development investment in Vietnam, and expressed hope that the Netherlands will soon become a leading European investor in Vietnam. He thanked the Dutch government for supporting the European Unions’ statement on the situation in the East Sea, as well as the Dutch PM, the House and people for backing Vietnamese people’s just struggle to defend its sovereignty. He invited House leaders to visit and attend the 132nd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) General Assembly to be held in capital Hanoi from March 28 to April 1, 2015. Vietnam-Singapore political consultation due next week Vietnam and Singapore will hold the 8th political consultation at the deputy foreign ministerial level in the island state during Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh’s visit from July 9-12. They will discuss practical measures to further the strategic partnership in an array of areas the two countries established in September 2013. They will also exchange regional and international issues of mutual concern. Human rights workshop opens The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights yesterday started a two-day workshop in Ha Noi. Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh praised the commission for helping ASEAN build a community respecting international laws and meeting international legal standards. He said that by the end of the year, Viet Nam would become a member of seven out of nine UN conventions on human rights. He said Viet Nam would meet all international commitments. Phu Quy residents urged to help defend fishing grounds Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong yesterday advised Phu Quy island fishermen to establish their own association to support their aims - and to help defend traditional fishing grounds. Trong was speaking during his first visit to Phu Quy Island in central Binh Thuan Province. At meetings with local authorities and people, the Party chief said he was impressed by the green environment and beautiful landscapes. He said the important position held by the district in the country's sea-based economic development strategy should enable it to work out a long-term development plan for fishing, aquaculture and the processing and export of seafood. Trong also suggested the locality could build reservoirs, plant more trees, upgrade schools and hospitals, and develop its handcraft industry. Regarding district proposals to build sea embankments and ship shelters as well as upgrade transport infrastructure, Trong said he would present this advice to the relevant agencies. Phu Quy has maintained a catch output of 24,000 tonnes and contributed VND34 billion ($1.6 million) a year to the State coffers. More than 95 per cent of the district's population has electricity and 98 per cent of households have clean water. All children of school age attend classes. The Party leader visited armed forces stationed in the district and later toured Nam Hai Co. Ltd., a seafood processing plant that provides stable work for more than 2,000 people. President comforts law enforcement forces, fishermen President Truong Tan Sang met and presented gifts to law enforcement officials and 25 fishermen, who have braved Chinese aggressiveness to safeguard the national sovereignty in the East Sea, in the central city of Da Nang on July 2-3. Meeting with Zone 2 fisheries surveillance officials and coast guards, Sang promised to provide them with more personnel and equipment, making it easier for them to fulfil tasks at sea. Despite forecasts that the situation may turn complicated, the Party and State always believe law enforcement officials will accomplish assigned mission, he said, emphasising the support of over 90 million Vietnamese people, fellows abroad and the world community. The leader also praised the National Defence Ministry’s technicians for repairing broken ships suffering from confrontations with the Chinese side at the rig site. Senior officials of the Departments of Fisheries Surveillance and Coast Guards were also asked to effectively use the upcoming aid package of 16 trillion VND (761 million USD) meant for them, ensuring that it is used to the right purpose as originally planned. Responding to fishermen’s concerns about the falling prices of aquatic products, the President suggested creating an integrated production chain involved by fishermen, fisheries trade union and processors. The fishermen also asked for the State support to seek new markets, prevent market speculation and access loans to build high-powered ships. In a working session with the municipal authorities, President Sang asked the city departments and agencies to bring the aid to law enforcement officials and fishermen as soon as possible. The State units are working on an aquatic processing technology that will come to fishermen soon, he informed. About pilot projects on seaports, he requested the city to seek more markets as well as chances to develop successful transport-trade-tourism models, a promising source of earnings. Surpassing others in urban expansion, the city should drive on this momentum using both its budget and official development assistance efficiently, he said The city’s senior officials sought the State’s assistance to turn Da Nang into a modern container port in the region, build a fisheries hub with key fishing grounds in the East Sea and Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago by 2020, with a vision up to 2030. They also plan to upgrade Tho Quang fishing port up to the top-grade national standard. Lying in a key fishing grounds in the central region, Da Nang boasts modern technical and social infrastructure, including a range of seaports and logistics centres. It has so far launched 68 tourism projects worth 8 billion USD and built 40km of coastline dotted with new residential areas. The city’s My Khe beach was listed among six beautiful beaches in the world by the US Forbes magazine last year. Thanks to the above achievements, Da Nang was named as the ASEAN environmentally-sustainable city in 2011. Gov’t discusses offshore fishing vessel building aid use The Government will provide 4.5 trillion VND (214.28 million USD) for fishermen to help them build offshore fishing vessels. The decision was made during a meeting of Government standing members in Hanoi on July 3 that looked into the use of the 16 trillion VND (761.9 million USD) package designed to support the building of offshore fishing vessels and those for coast guard and fisheries surveillance forces. The remaining 11.5 trillion VND (547.61 million USD) will be reserved for constructing 32 ships of all kinds for coast guard and fisheries surveillance forces, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said. He said the financial aid is to help raise the law enforcement capacity of authorised forces, and ensure fishermen’s safe and long stay in Vietnam ’s waters, thus increasing their fishing harvest. The support will also help safeguard the country’s sea and island sovereignty, protect fishermen, and better perform search and rescue duties, as well as other important missions, he added. PM Dung pledged all possible sources to be gathered to further improve the relevant forces’ capacity and assist fishermen. Also at the meeting, it was agreed that 426 billion VND (20.28 million USD) will be advanced for the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to repair seriously deteriorated reservoirs across the country. The ministry was assigned to work with provincial authorities to ensure the absolute safety of reservoirs and dams in the approaching flooding season. Around 1,150 reservoirs nationwide are in dire need of repair. Up to 320 of them are unable to withstand floods, reports said.- Vietnam concerned about violence in Iraq Vietnam is deeply concerned about the current escalating violence in Iraq, said the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry’s spokesman Le Hai Binh. He was answering a Vietnam News Agency question on the country’s reaction to the growing violence in Iraq at his ministry’s regular press conference in Hanoi on July 3. “We support efforts by the international community and the Iraq administration aiming to soon resume stability and ensure Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity for the sake of peace and stability in the region,” the spokesman stated.- US Independence Day marked in Ho Chi Minh City The US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City on July 2 held a ceremony to mark the 238 th Independence Day of the American country (July 4). Speaking at the event, US Ambassador David Shear said he is optimistic about prospects of the two countries’ relations, adding that bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, science and environment has been developed constantly over the past times. The number of 400,000 US visitors to Vietnam last year and the arrival of more US enterprises in Ho Chi Minh City from the beginning of this year showed that Vietnam has become an increasingly attractive tourism and investment destination to US people, he stated. Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Le Manh Ha hailed the big strides in bilateral relations, including the establishment of a comprehensive partnership and the dynamic ties in different fields from politics, diplomacy to trade, investment and education and health care. He noted that the completion of negotiations on a Trans-Pacific Partnership will create favourable conditions to speed up economic ties between the two countries. Last year, the US was the second largest trade partner of Vietnam with two-way trade hitting nearly 30 billion USD. It now ranks seventh among the nations and territories investing in Vietnam. As of May, US investors ran 285 projects in HCM City with a total investment of over 524 million USD. On the day, the US Ambassador paid a farewell visit to Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Le Thanh Hai, who highly valued the diplomat’s contributions to consolidating the relations between the two countries in general and between their localities in particular. Vietnamese economy looks to run on faster, sustainable track The Vietnamese government is working on an economic development plan, targeting a faster and more sustainable economy between 2016 and 2020, Deputy Prime Minister, Vu Duc Dam told 400 business executives at the first Forbes Vietnam business forum in Ho Chi Minh City on July 3. It will be done in tandem with addressing social and environmental concerns and bringing in asweeping overhaul in education and health care, he said. The ambitious plan also requires the development of the farming sector and rural areas to ensure that all walks of life across the nation enjoy its fruits. Challenges, however, are still ahead in the next 20 years, he acknowledged. “Vietnam is able to keep up with regional countries only when it records an annual economic growth of 8-9 percent,” he stressed. According to his announcement, the Vietnamese government will strive to reduce the tax filing duration from 870 hours to 170 hours per year between now and 2015, as part of efforts to improve the business climate. Rich Karlgaard, Forbes’s publisher, in his speech, underscored the importance of creativity that will help businesses beat their rivals. Attendees showed their interests in how to foster economic growth, rise to the top, and access capital for business expansion and innovation investment. Vietnamese economy looks to run on faster, sustainable track The Vietnamese government is working on an economic development plan, targeting a faster and more sustainable economy between 2016 and 2020, Deputy Prime Minister, Vu Duc Dam told 400 business executives at the first Forbes Vietnam business forum in Ho Chi Minh City on July 3. It will be done in tandem with addressing social and environmental concerns and bringing in asweeping overhaul in education and health care, he said. The ambitious plan also requires the development of the farming sector and rural areas to ensure that all walks of life across the nation enjoy its fruits. Challenges, however, are still ahead in the next 20 years, he acknowledged. “Vietnam is able to keep up with regional countries only when it records an annual economic growth of 8-9 percent,” he stressed. According to his announcement, the Vietnamese government will strive to reduce the tax filing duration from 870 hours to 170 hours per year between now and 2015, as part of efforts to improve the business climate. Rich Karlgaard, Forbes’s publisher, in his speech, underscored the importance of creativity that will help businesses beat their rivals. Attendees showed their interests in how to foster economic growth, rise to the top, and access capital for business expansion and innovation investment. Source: VNA/VNS/VOV/VNN