Government News 6/5 Prime Minister Dung receives RoK Trade Minister Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung received the Republic of Korea (RoK) Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Yoon Sang-jick, who is in Hanoi to sign the Vietnam-RoK bilateral free trade agreement. PM Nguyen Tan Dung appreciated the efforts made by the two negotiating delegations and said the agreement would promote the relationship between the two countries across economics, trade, investment and tourism. Sincere cooperation is vital to the smooth and effective implementation of the agreement, he said. He hoped the RoK would provide technical support to Vietnam in the implementation of the agreement and create favourable conditions for Vietnamese agro-products to enter the RoK market and reduce the widening RoK surplus. The cooperation potential between the two countries is still very large, the PM said, adding that the Vietnamese government attaches importance to the relationship and is willing to work with the RoK government to deepen the relationship, making it more practical and effective for the benefit and development of both countries. He also wanted the two countries to work together to accelerate the tech start-up park project in Mekong Delta Can Tho City. Minister Yoon said that the signing of the agreement is the result of great efforts from the two negotiating delegations under the direction of the two governments. Minister Yoon committed to working closely with the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade to promote trade exchange, especially exporting Vietnamese agro-products to the RoK and the implementation of the tech start-up park in Can Tho City.- Vietnam, Belize boost bilateral relations Governor-General of Belize Colville Norbert Young agreed to foster cooperation between Belize and Vietnam while receiving the first Vietnamese Ambassador to the country, Le Linh Lan on May 4. The leader expressed his admiration for Vietnamese people during their past struggle for national liberation and reunification, while speaking highly of the country’s economic achievements in its reform process. He also pledged to back bilateral coordination at multilateral forums. Later, the Vietnamese diplomat met with Belizean Prime Minister Dean O.Barrow and Minister of Public Service, Elections and Boundaries Charles Gibson. Both sides discussed potential and opportunities for economic and trade cooperation. Ambassador Lan said that Belize’s recognition of Vietnam’s market economy status in 2015 will help consolidate and expand bilateral ties. PM Barrow agreed to consider the proposal within this year as the two countries are celebrating the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties.- Cambodian Party leader congratulates Vietnam on Reunification Day Chairman of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party Chia Xim has sent a congratulatory message to Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Vietnam’s Southern Liberation and National Reunification Day (April 30, 1975-2015). The message underscored that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), the country made numerous achievements in national development and people’s living condition improvement. The Cambodian Party leader also expressed his belief that the CPV will lead the country to a successful future. He wished for the consolidation and development of the traditional relations between the two countries and parties. Party Central Committee continues future personnel discussion Members of the 11th Party Central Committee on May 5 debated which people should sit on the committee during its forthcoming 12th tenure, as part of their ongoing 11th plenary session. On the same day, they deliberated the number and allocation of delegates who will attend next year’s 12 th National Party Congress, the Party’s biggest meeting that takes place every five years. During the session, the committee is also discussing local governance models, the Long Thanh International Airport project in Dong Nai province and reporting on the performance of the Politburo since it began its most recent tenure. The plenary session will last until May 7.- VNA