Cooperation

Since its establishment in 1996, ASEM has become the world’s largest inter-regional cooperation mechanism, with 53 states from the two continents. It has affirmed its important role in peace, security, stability, and prosperous development in both, making practical contributions to shaping major trends and the state of affairs around the world in the 21st century. It has raised an important voice in maintaining peace, security, and stability as well as socio-economic governance in the region and the world. The spirit of dialogue and coordination in policy and action within the ASEM framework holds major significance, contributing to promoting peace and cooperation in building a rules-based world order. The ASEM forum is entering a period of vigorous development to meet new requirements. The Asia-Europe political dialogue should remain itself as the foundation for global peace and stability, dialogue promotion, trust building, preventive diplomacy, and the effective settlement of global challenges. On the basis of ASEM cooperation, bilateral ties between Vietnam and other member countries have been enhanced and elevated. …

[Read more...] about Deputy FM highlights growing cooperation in ASEM

Countries in the Mekong subregion share the responsibility for the use and management of the Mekong River’s water resources in a sustainable manner in a bid to offset impacts on development and the environment, he added. The diplomat affirmed that Vietnam has always been a responsible member in the joint efforts to cope with challenges in environmental issues, climate change, economic development and security in the Mekong subregion. He proposed that countries work together to build regulations and legally binding frameworks in order to effectively manage transboundary rivers. He also called on the US and other partners to invest in the region in the spheres of energy, infrastructure, climate change adaptation and sustainable development. …

[Read more...] about Vietnam promotes cooperation with Mekong subregion’s countries

Foreign tourists mainly were technical experts and skilled workers who are allowed to enter Vietnam to work, and truck drivers transporting goods through international border gates. In the first two months, the country welcomed 28,700 foreign visitors, a year-on-year decrease of 99.1 percent. According to the report, HCMC saw a decline of 14.1 percent, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province and Da Nang City decreased 15.9 and 16.1 percent, Hanoi and Hai Duong slid 7.6 and 7.8 percent compared with last year. Tourism revenue fell 62.1 percent over the same period last year to VND2,500 billion (US$108.6 million). The most severe drops were seen in Hanoi at 47.7 percent, Da Nang by 67.7 percent, HCMC by 69.2 percent, Thua Thien-Hue Province by 73.3 percent and Hai Duong Province by 89.4. The tourism industry has proposed many preferential policies to support travel firms and laborers that have been severely affected by the Covid-19. However, there was not much support and many businesses could not receive these preferential treatments. A further decline is expected in the coming months, said the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT). At the present, more than 500 enterprises that can not continue their operations have proposed for the withdrawal of the certificate of business registration. In addition, 90-95 percent of travel agencies have stopped operating as a result of the crisis. The tourism sector must spend 5-7 years to recover the workforce. A large number of laborers in the hospitality industry have to move for a new job. Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung said that the tourism industry needs to develop key solutions and long-term plan until the next five years, such as putting the Support Fund into operation, restructuring the tourism industry, building tourist products and smart ecotourism system, implementing digital transformation in boosting Vietnamese tourism. He asked the VNAT to coordinate with Ninh Binh …

[Read more...] about Number of foreign visitors to Vietnam in February falls sharply