Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has highlighted the need to establish a social ethical standard in relations and behaviours regarding water resources, especially transboundary water, in accordance with the principles of fairness, equality, rationality, and respect for the rights and interests of other countries in river basins. He made the call when addressing the opening session of the UN 2023 Water Conference in New York on March 22. Sharing concerns about the fact that nearly one-third of the world's population are living in countries with water stress or scarcity, the Deputy PM stressed that the water agenda should be given a prominent position in sustainable development, alongside climate change, socio-economic development and environmental development. He said a global science-based legal framework is needed to orient and coordinate the sustainable exploitation, use, and restoration of … [Read more...] about Vietnam stresses importance of ethical standards in handling water resources
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Muslim followers in Indonesia start Ramadan fasting month
Indonesian Muslims pray during the start of the holy month of Ramadan at the Baiturrahman Mosque in Banda Aceh, Aceh province, on May 5 (Photo: AFP/VNA) Jakarta (VNA) – Muslims in Indonesia began fasting for the Ramadan festive month on May 6. Minister of Religious Affairs Lukman Hakim Saifuddin said the ministry had received nine reports on sightings of the moon in 102 observation points across the country to decide the beginning day of the most holy month of the year for Muslims in Indonesia. This decision was also considered at a meeting with representatives from the Supreme Court, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN), the Geospatial Information Agency (BIG), and experts from Islamic organisations, according to the Minister. On May 5, Tarawih prayer ceremony was observed in all mosques before the start of the fasting month. Ahead of the festive month, the Indonesian government has … [Read more...] about Muslim followers in Indonesia start Ramadan fasting month
Indonesia targets to become world’s Muslim fashion centre by 2020
At the 2019 Muslim Fashion Festival (Photo: xinhuanet.com) Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesia , the second largest Muslim fashion producers in the world after the United Arab Emirates, is targeting to emerge as the world’s leading Muslim fashion mecca by 2020. Indonesian Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto said at the opening of the 2019 Muslim Fashion Festival that the market for Muslim wear is big, both outside and inside the country, and it needs to be dominated by the Indonesian Muslim fashion industry. He said that the increasing number of Muslims in the world has become one of the main triggers that have driven the growth of the Muslim fashion industry. Last year, the total population of Muslims reached 24 percent of the total global population. The sale of Muslim clothing in Indonesia is at 20 billion USD with a growth rate of 18.2 percent per year. Meanwhile, the State of Global Islamic Economy Report 2018/2019 shows that the fashion consumption among Muslims … [Read more...] about Indonesia targets to become world’s Muslim fashion centre by 2020
One more Vietnamese officer taking on peacekeeping duties
Deputy Defense Minister Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, who is also Head of the MND’s Steering Committee on Vietnam’s Participation in U.N. Peacekeeping Operations, chaired the event. According to the decision, Major Nguyen Van Phong, assistant at the Division of Political Affairs of Brigade 229 under the Engineering Corps, will work as a military observer at the U.N. Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). Assigning tasks to the officer, Sr. Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien asked him to promote the spirit of pro-activeness, self-reliance, overcoming difficulties, being flexible and creative; promptly integrate into the international environment and demonstrate his capability while observing military discipline, U.N. regulations and the host country’s laws, and others. According to Major General Hoang Kim Phung, Director of the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations (VNDPKO), Major Phong participated in various … [Read more...] about One more Vietnamese officer taking on peacekeeping duties
Italy – Vietnam relationship “strongly rooted in history”: Ambassador
The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) and the National Associated Press Agency of Italy (ANSA) sign a professional cooperation agreement at an online ceremony held in Hanoi on February 20. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Antonio Alessandro cited Italian President Sergio Mattarella's words as saying that the relationship between the two countries “strongly rooted in history” while granting an interview to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties (March 23, 1973 - 2023). The following is the full text of the interview. Reporter: How do you evaluate the relations between Vietnam and Italy since the establishment of the bilateral diplomatic ties 50 years ago, especially since the upgrading of the relationship to a strategic partnership in January 2013? Ambassador Antonio Alessandro : I would use the words of the President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella, who has just released a … [Read more...] about Italy – Vietnam relationship “strongly rooted in history”: Ambassador
Bach Long Vy island sees outstanding developments in three decades
A view of Bach Long Vy district from above. (Photo: VNA) Hai Phong (VNA) – Bach Long Vy, Vietnam’s most remote island in the Gulf of Tonkin, about 110km from the northern port city of Hai Phong 's mainland, has been given a facelift following its 30 years of development . The island has a special strategic position in terms of national defense , security and maritime economy. On November 18, 1992, the Prime Minister signed a decision to establish it as a district of Hai Phong. In March 1993, the first contingent of temporary district officials left the mainland to the island to perform their duty. Back then, the island was deserted without civil infrastructure facilities. Life there was hard and heavily depended on the mainland. Secretary of the district’s Party Committee Tran Quang Tuong said with the attention of the Party and the State, the local authorities and people have overcome myriad difficulties to develop the locality. According to him, an … [Read more...] about Bach Long Vy island sees outstanding developments in three decades
Indonesia hastens ASEAN’s adoption of regional QR Code
Jakarta (VNA) – The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) has called for the adoption of the ASEAN Quick Response (QR) Code by all ASEAN countries at the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (BAC) meeting. The transactions carried out via ASEAN QR Code will use local currencies, KADIN Chaiman Arsjad Rasjid said after chairing the ASEAN-BAC meeting in Magelang district, Central Java of Indonesia, on March 22. He said that if a transaction is conducted in Indonesia, it will use the rupiah. Likewise, if it is conducted in Thailand, it will use the Thai baht, and so on, he explained. The QR code adoption will also reduce the cost of transactions, thus it can be the key for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and bigger business players in ASEAN to collaborate, he said. The ASEAN QR Code is one of the comprehensive legacy programs promoted by KADIN as a solution to strengthen digital transformation in ASEAN, which is one of the five ASEAN-BAC priority … [Read more...] about Indonesia hastens ASEAN’s adoption of regional QR Code
Indonesian, Malaysian Muslims start Ramadan fast
Minister of Religious Affairs of Indonesia Yaqut Cholil Qoumas delivers his remarks at a press conference in Jakarta on March 22. (Photo: ANTARA) Jakarta (VNA) – The Ramadan fasting month 2023 in Indonesia and Malaysia started on March 23 based on the emergence of the new moon. In Indonesia, Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas announced the decision in a press conference following a meeting on March 22 attended by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the House of Representatives Commission VIII overseeing religious affairs, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the Geospatial Information Agency, astronomy experts, and several Islamic organizations. This meant that hundreds of millions of Indonesian Muslims can perform the Tarawih prayers on March 22 evening, marking the beginning of the Ramadan month. After the regulations against the COVID-19 pandemic are lifted, there will not be any restrictions on … [Read more...] about Indonesian, Malaysian Muslims start Ramadan fast
Nordic countries share circular economy, waste management solutions with Vienam
Nordic countries, including Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, shared their experience in green solutions to a circular economy and waste management and policy implications for Vietnam at a seminar held in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday. The seminar was organized by the Embassies in Vietnam of Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden and Fulbright University Vietnam to mark the occasion of Nordic Day 2023 (March 23). In his opening remarks at the seminar, Ambassador of Denmark to Vietnam Nicolai Prytz said with a long tradition of working together to find solutions to common challenges, the Nordic countries are proud to share their experience and knowledge with Vietnam. “We believe that sharing experience and best practices with our partners is essential to promoting sustainable development,” Prytz added. Meanwhile, Ambassador of Norway to Vietnam Hilde Solbakken highlighted the role of the private sector in promoting green innovation, saying, "In the Nordic region, we have seen … [Read more...] about Nordic countries share circular economy, waste management solutions with Vienam
US companies upbeat on investment opportunities in Viet Nam
A Coca Cola factory in Viet Nam. The beverage giant was among companies joining the mission. — Photo nld.com.vn Senior executives from 52 US companies in the 'biggest-ever' US business mission to Viet Nam are discussing investment and sales opportunities in the country. Chairman of the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) Ted Osius said the council was never as busy as it is now. Its services are in high demand because many US companies show great interest in the country. He also said USABC representatives from other countries told him that they must act quickly because they were competing with Viet Nam. That was a way of saying Viet Nam has become a destination for growth and opportunities. Rafael Frankel, Director of Public Policy at Meta, said the trip was the second time he had been to Viet Nam since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. He appreciates the diligence of the Vietnamese workforce and sees a bright prospect for growth in the country. As such, he revealed the … [Read more...] about US companies upbeat on investment opportunities in Viet Nam