Government News 8/2 Vietnam, China Party leaders exchange New Year greetings    Tet atmosphere in Vietnam (Illustrative image. Source VNA) General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong and General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and President Xi Jinping on February 8 extended greetings to each other as the two countries’ people are preparing to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The two leaders lauded the development of Vietnam-China relations in recent times and affirmed their determination to deepen the friendship and comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two Parties for the benefits of people. The Vietnamese Party chief wished Chinese leaders and people a happy Lunar New Year, while Xi Jinping hoped Vietnam will gain more remarkable achievements in the new year. HCM City leader thanks US veterans for boosting ties with Vietnam    Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Huynh Cach Mang (right) and US POW/MIA Chair Grant T Coates.  Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Huynh Cach Mang thanked US veterans for developing friendship between the two countries when meeting the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) delegation on February 7. The VVA delegation, led by POW/MIA (Prisoner of War/Missing in Action) Chair Grant T Coates, is on a visit to Vietnam to provide information on Vietnamese soldiers killed or reported missing in action during the war as part of the Veterans Initiative Programme. Speaking at the meeting, Mang lauded the VVA’s goodwill and efforts to heal the aftermath of the war, notably the Veterans Initiative Programme. He thanked the VVA for helping deepen mutual understanding between the governments and people of Vietnam and America and promoting reconciliation, normalisation and cooperation between the two nations. He mentioned HCM City’s good relations with the US and its active role in fostering the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Partnership. The city has cooperated with partners from America in multiple projects, including Fulbright University, he noted. The VVA’s visit aims to provide Vietnam information and documents about Vietnamese soldiers who died or went missing during the war, discuss with Vietnam’s agencies on MIA issues of both sides and exchange views on Vietnam-US relations, said Coates. The 25-year-old Veterans Initiative Programme will continue working with concerned parties to address post-war issues, such as aftermath of Agent Orange/Dioxin and unexploded ordnance disposal, he added. Cambodia’s friendship order to Vietnamese individuals, organisations    Twelve Vietnamese organisations and individuals were conferred with Cambodia’s friendship order. Twelve Vietnamese organisations and individuals were conferred with Cambodia’s friendship order at a ceremony held in Ho Chi Minh on February 7 by Vietnam’s Defence Ministry and a working group of the Cambodian Government. The decoration was made in recognition of their contributions to Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Year 2017. Keo Ba Phnom, advisor to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen presented the Order of Thephaden to five organisations and Order of Moha Sena to seven individuals. At the event, Keo Ba Phnom lauded the support from the Vietnamese Ministry of Defence, organisations and individuals in making a documentary about Cambodia’s history and culture. He also thanked the Vietnamese Party, Government, army and people for helping Cambodians escape the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime. Deputy Director of the General Department of Politics under the Vietnam People’s Army Senior-Lieutenant General Nguyen Trong Nghia thanked Cambodia for honouring Vietnamese organisations and individuals. He affirmed that the two countries’ armies will continue to carry out cooperative agreements between Vietnam and Cambodia, making contributions to the “traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation and long-term sustainability” between Vietnam and Cambodia.- HCM City, Netherlands boost cooperation in flood prevention    Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan (R) and Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sigrid Kaag The Netherlands is ready to boost cooperation with Ho Chi Minh City in the fields of its strength like water resources management, agriculture and aviation, said Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sigrid Kaag. During a meeting in Ho Chi Minh City on February 7 with Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan, Kaag said as a country with most areas lying below sea water level, the Netherlands is willing to share experience with Ho Chi Minh City in water resources management and urban flood prevention. The minister told her host that the two countries will hold many activities to celebrate the 45th founding anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties this year. Nhan, for his part, said the Netherlands is a strategic partner of Vietnam in climate change adaptation, water management, sustainable agriculture and food security. He lauded the efficiency of the cooperation projects between the Netherlands and Ho Chi Minh City such as climate change adaptation and the construction of the largest flower and ornamental plant centre in Vietnam. Nhan asked the European country to assist the city in monitoring and refining flood prevention projects and designing components to build a smart city. The Netherlands is the largest trade partner of Vietnam in Europe and a leading European investor in the country. Tay Ninh strengthens friendship with Cambodian localities    Leaders and army commanders of Cambodian localities present gifts to Chairman of the People’s Committee of southern Tay Ninh province Pham Van Tan (R)  Chairman of the People’s Committee of southern Tay Ninh province Pham Van Tan has asked Cambodian localities bordering Vietnam to continue implementing cooperative programmes for the interests of the two peoples. Tan hosted a reception on February 7 for leaders and army commanders of Cambodia’s Prey Veng, Tboung Khmum, Svay Rieng and Kampong Cham provinces which border Tay Ninh, ahead of the Lunar New Year (Tet) festival. He informed the guests of his locality’s development achievements, affirming that cooperative progarmmes in trade, education, health, transport, border marker planting and crime prevention have contributed to stabilising border security and building a border of peace and friendship. Governor of Svay Rieng province Men Vibol, on behalf of the Cambodian delegation, extended New Year wishes to Tay Ninh’s leaders, officers, soldiers and people. He reported that Tay Ninh and Svay Rieng provinces have coordinated in protecting security and order in border areas and planting border markers. He took this occasion to thank Tay Ninh authorities for helping build and repair roads in border areas, and organising free medical check-ups and treatment for poor people in Cambodia. Art show welcomes overseas Vietnamese returning for Tet    President Tran Dai Quang beat the drum to kick off the Xuan Que Huong (Homeland Spring) 2018 festival in the evening of February 7, welcoming a delegation of overseas Vietnamese (OVs) who returned home to enjoy the Lunar New Year (Tet). The delegation included 90 delegates from 25 countries and territories worldwide, representing 4.5 million overseas Vietnamese living in 109 foreign nations and territories. Addressing the programme, President Quang highlighted Vietnam’s major achievements in various fields and extended warmest Tet greetings to OVs and applauded their contributions to building and developing the country as well as strengthening solidarity among Vietnamese expats and promoting their integration into host nations. “2017 was the first time in many years we completed and exceeded all 13 socio-economic development targets set by the National Assembly,” he said, noting that macroeconomic stability, inflation under control, budget revenues and large balances of the economy were guaranteed. GDP growth reached 6.81 per cent while export-import turnover reached 425 billion USD, the highest figure ever. The President also briefed the OVs about the success of the APEC Vietnam Year 2017 and the 25th APEC Economic Leaders Meeting. “We have successfully completed the role of host, making history in the process of economic integration of the Asia-Pacific region, demonstrating the stature and wisdom of Vietnam and contributing to strengthening cooperation with other countries in the region, major partner countries and traditional friends,” he said. He stressed that the overseas Vietnamese community was consistently considered an integral part of the nation, adding that the Party and Government would continue supporting and creating favourable conditions for OVs to integrate into host countries and make further contributions to national development. Earlier the same day, President Quang and the delegation of OVs offered incense to commemorate late President Ho Chi Minh at House 67 in the presidential historical relic site in Hanoi. The activity took place to celebrate the 88th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (February 3) and the upcoming Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday which falls on February 16. President Quang, his spouse and the delegates then released carp into Uncle Ho’s fish pond to observe the traditional Kitchen God Day ahead of the Lunar New Year. The same day, the State leader and his spouse also offered incense to ancestors who died to defend the country at the Kinh Thien Palace in the imperial citadel of Thang Long. Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc also had separate receptions to the delegation of overseas Vietnamese on February 7. Government, NA leaders pay Tet visit to former Party General Secretary   Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) and National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (R) visit former General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Do Muoi Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan visited former General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Do Muoi on the occasion of the upcoming Lunar New Year (Tet). They wished him good health and informed him about the country’s socio-economic development situation in 2017. They said the economic growth reached the highest level over the past few years while the local lives in remote, disadvantaged and natural disaster areas were taken care of. Particularly, the historical achievement of the U-23 national football team as the runners-up of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-23 Championship won the heart of millions of Vietnamese people. The former Party leader hoped PM Phuc and NA Chairwoman Ngan will fulfil their missions assigned by the Party, State and people to boost the country’s sustainable development in politics, economics, culture and society. Born on February 2, 1917, former Party General Secretary Do Muoi assumed the position as the Party leader from June 1991 to December 1997. Defence minister receives Chinese ambassador    Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Hong Xiaoyong Defence Minister Gen. Ngo Xuan Lich spoke highly of contributions of outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Hong Xiaoyong during a reception in Hanoi on February 7. Lich said the ambassador has served as a bridge connecting the two Parties, States, governments and peoples during his tenure, including bilateral defence ties which have become a pillar in Vietnam – China diplomatic relations. Minister Lich believed that the ambassador would continue making important contributions to boosting ties between the two nations and bilateral defence link in particular. Hong, for his part, thanked the minister for creating favourable conditions for the Chinese embassy and himself to accomplish assigned tasks. He vowed to take specific actions to contribute to the development of friendship and comprehensive partnership between the two nations. Party chief welcomes overseas Vietnamese home for Tet    Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong meets overseas Vietnamese on February 7. Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong on February 7 held a reception for a delegation of overseas Vietnamese (OV) who returned home to join the “Xuan Que huong 2018” (Homeland Spring 2018) programme. The delegation included 90 delegates from 25 countries and territories worldwide, representing 4.5 million overseas Vietnamese living in 109 foreign nations and territories. At the meeting, General Secretary Trong extended his warm Tet (Lunar New Year) greetings to OVs and applauded their contributions to building and developing the country as well as strengthening solidarity among Vietnamese expats and promoting their integration into host nations. The Vietnamese Party and Government consistently consider the overseas Vietnamese community as an integral part of the nation, he affirmed, informing them about significant events in the country in 2017 with the delegates. He added that the Party and Government will continue supporting and creating favourable conditions for OVs to integrate into host countries and make further contributions to the national development. The OV community expressed their delight at the country’s achievements in various fields and pledged to make concerted efforts to strengthen solidarity and promoting traditional cultural identity, towards the homelands. NA Chairwoman receives outgoing Chinese Ambassador    National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (R) and Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Hong Xiaoyong Chairwoman of the National Assembly (NA) Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan congratulated outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Hong Xiaoyong on fulfilling his assigned tasks in Vietnam during a reception in Hanoi on February 7. Ngan spoke highly of his important contributions to promoting Vietnam - China friendly neighborliness and comprehensive cooperation as well as ties between the two legislatures in particular over the past three years, saying that leaders of the two law-making bodies and the Vietnam – China Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group have maintained regular visits and exchanges. The Vietnamese NA is ready to work with the Chinese legislature to effectively implement the cooperation agreement signed in 2015, increase the sharing of experience in the operation of the parliament and its committees, particularly those regarding legislation, legal supervision and deciding on major socio-economic development issues, and providing mutual support in regional and global inter-parliamentary forums as well, she said. Hong, for his part, thanked the Vietnamese NA and its Chairwoman for helping him accomplish assigned tasks during the tenure. He vowed to continue supporting the development of the Vietnam – China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the future. State leader offers incense to President Ho Chi Minh    President Tran Dai Quang and ​overseas Vietnamese representatives offer incense to commemorate late President Ho Chi Minh at House 67 in the presidential historical relic site in Hanoi. President Tran Dai Quang and ​overseas Vietnamese representatives offered incense to commemorate late President Ho Chi Minh at House 67 in the presidential historical relic site in Hanoi on February 7. The activity took place on the occasion of the 88th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (February 3) and the upcoming Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday which falls on February 16. Leaders from ministries, departments and Hanoi capital attended the event. President Quang and the Vietnamese expatriates who returned home to participate in the annual “Xuan Que Huong” (Homeland Spring) 2018 then released carps into the Uncle Ho’s fish pond in observing the traditional Kitchen God Day ahead of the Lunar New Year. The same day, President Quang and ​the overseas Vietnamese delegates also offered incense to the ancestors who shed their blood to defend the country at the Kinh Thien Palace in the imperial citadel of Thang Long. Party leader hails intelligentsia’s contribution to policy making process    Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong meets intelligentsia  Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong said the intelligentsia play a crucial role in research, feedback and application activities, thus serving the making and implementation of the Party and State’s guidelines and policies as well as socio-economic development. The Party leader made the comment during a meeting in Hanoi on February 7 with 150 outstanding scholars, writers and artists along with members of the Party Central Committee Secretariat. Prof. Dang Vu Minh, Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Association (VUSTA), said amid numerous challenges, the entire Party, people and army made efforts to achieve all 13 socio-economic targets last year. Party building work and the corruption fight were enhanced, thus reinforcing people’s trust. The patriotism and national pride of each Vietnamese people can be seen in their support for the country’s U23 team at the recent AFC U23 Championship, he added, expressing his belief that the target of turning Vietnam into an economic ‘tiger’ will come true sooner or later. Poet Huu Thinh, Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations, attributed last year’s achievements to the Party and State’s strong and right policies and the Government’s drastic actions. The successful hosting of APEC Year 2017 also helped promote the country’s stature in the world. Appreciating the participants’ opinions, Party General Secretary Trong applauded the accomplishments obtained by scholars and artists last year, stressing that the entire Party, people and army will push ahead with reforms in 2018 as there remains much to be done in the path full of difficulties ahead. Grasping opportunities, overcoming challenges, and developing the country in a sustainable manner are the common responsibility of the whole political system and the whole society, and scholars and artists should take the lead in this work, he noted. The leader voiced his belief that with their sense of responsibility, enthusiasm, capacity, wisdom and experience, scholars and artists will continue to join the Party, State and people nationwide in successfully realising the targets for 2018 and the Resolution of the 12th National Party Congress. VUFO leader receives Argentine cultural official    Vice President and General Secretary of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) Don Tuan Phong hosted a reception in Hanoi on February 7 for President of the Argentina – Vietnam Culture Institute (ICAV) Poldi Sosa Schmidt. Phong hailed the guest’s efforts in introducing Vietnam’s history, culture and people to Argentine people over the past years, and suggested that both sides should promote exchange and raise mutual understanding between the two peoples. The ICAV president, for her part, wished that friendly ties between ICAV and VUFO would be further tightened, contributing to people-to-people diplomacy between the two peoples. She informed her host that the ICAV delegation held a working session with the Vietnamese National Assembly’s Committee for External Relations to learn about the function, task and apparatus of the legislature and visited craft villages. Since its establishment in 1997, the ICAV and Poldi Sosa Schmidt herself have actively contributed to bilateral ties via holding photo and painting exhibitions, publishing a bulletin on Vietnam, organising celebrations of the birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh and National Day of Vietnam, as well as coordinating with the Vietnamese Embassy in Argentina to hold talks about Vietnam. Apart from introducing Argentine culture in Vietnam and Vietnamese culture in Argentina, the ICAV also offers support to Vietnamese embassy staff and Vietnam News Agency reporters working in the South American country. PM meets Overseas Vietnamese joining Homeland Spring programme    Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Overseas Vietnamese joining the“Homeland Spring 2018” programme Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc hosted a reception for a delegation of nearly 100 Overseas Vietnamese returning home for the traditional Lunar New Year (Tet) festival as part of the “Homeland Spring 2018” programme. The expats showed their delight at the achievements of the country in 2017 as well as their impression of the PM and Cabinet’s great efforts and determination for national development. They expressed their hope to connect with young intellectuals at home for cooperation in producing high value products, while asking for the Government’s support in investing in startups of Vietnam and strengthen links with domestic firms. Vo Quang Hue, a Vietnamese in Germany who is working for Vingroup’s automobile-making project called Vinfast, said that he hopes to make more contributions to the country by working with Vinfast team to introduce first products in September 2018 and calling for other Vietnamese intellectuals abroad to join hands in building the homeland wealthily. Extending New Year wishes to the expats, PM Phuc briefed them on the socio-economic, defence, security and cultural achievements of the country in 2017 as well as contributions of the Vietnamese community abroad. The Government leader also lauded efforts of the community in investing in domestic projects and sharing experience and knowledge in various fields. He underlined that the country needs the expats’ experience in developing startups, knowledge in science, technology as well as resources for the national development. The PM pledged that the Government will continue completing institutions, the legal system and policies to create more favourable conditions for Overseas Vietnamese abroad to invest in the country and develop their businesses. He affirmed that realizing the country’s target of becoming a “new tiger in economy,” it is necessary to strengthen the determination of the whole country to promote national potential and strengths as well as the solidarity of the Vietnamese community both at home and abroad. Homeland Spring is an annual event held by the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs. This year, thousands of overseas Vietnamese have registered to participate in the programme which includes various traditional Tet practices. A special art performance is also scheduled to be held as part of the programme on February 7 with the attendance of President Tran Dai Quang. There are approximately 4.5 million Vietnamese living and working in 103 countries and territories worldwide. They form an indispensable part of the nation and play an important role in intensifying friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the rest of the world.  VNN