Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn (Photo: AP) Phnom Penh (VNA) - The 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting ( AMM-55 ) and related meetings have successfully concluded, with some 30 documents on regional cooperation adopted, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn said on August 6. "We have reviewed the progress made thus far to strengthen ASEAN's community building, advance regional integration, and enhance our cooperation with external partners," he told a press conference. The official said that over the course of three and a half days, 19 meetings were held back-to-back, with the participation of foreign ministers and representatives from 38 countries. On the COVID-19 pandemic, he said the ASEAN foreign ministers encouraged the effective operationalisation of the ASEAN Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies for Public Health Emergencies. He added that the ministers also stressed the need to strengthen supply … [Read more...] about Cambodia announces outcomes of AMM-55 and related meetings
Storm related power outages
Important anniversaries of Vietnam-Laos relations marked in Cuba
This was one of many important activities to honour the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Year 2022. Vietnamese Ambassador Le Thanh Tung highlighted the importance of the special solidarity between the two countries. He emphasised that the year 2022 marks an important milestone for both countries, an opportunity for them to review the heroic history of the Vietnam-Laos Combat Alliance, as well as the mutual help and support between the two Parties, States and people in the past struggle for national independence as well as in the present cause of national construction, development and protection. Lao Ambassador Vantha Sengmeaung affirmed that the bilateral great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation are the valuable heritage of both peoples, as well as a decisive factor to bring the two countries to the revolutionary victories. He affirmed that the special relationship is vividly expressed in the closeness, solidarity, close cooperation and mutual support between … [Read more...] about Important anniversaries of Vietnam-Laos relations marked in Cuba
Vietnam, Laos contribute greatly to ASEAN Community building: Lao Deputy PM
Granting an interview to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s correspondents in Laos on the occasion of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s 55th founding anniversary (August 8), Saleumasay said that Vietnam joined ASEAN in 1995, and two years later, Laos also became a member of the group. Since then, the two countries have become active members, making important contribution to the bloc's policy and vision making. Regarding the building of the ASEAN Economic Community, he said that Vietnam is a major country and plays an important role in the region, and has relations with many countries, especially great powers, which is also its direct contribution to the ASEAN Economic Community’s important role in the region and the world as well. Since their admission to ASEAN, Vietnam has assumed the role as ASEAN Chair thrice, while Laos will take on the position for the third time in 2024. During these times, both Laos and Vietnam have stressed the central leadership role of … [Read more...] about Vietnam, Laos contribute greatly to ASEAN Community building: Lao Deputy PM
EVFTA underpinning growth in Vietnamese tech market
As Vietnam steps into the post-pandemic era, experiences and learnings from the pandemic serve as a reminder of the importance of digital transformation and its crucial technology component. Eunjung Han, consultant at Rouse Legal Vietnam and vice chair of the Digital Sector Committee of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam Despite COVID-19’s negative economic and social impact, Vietnam remains an attractive destination to European investors. According to the European Chamber of Commerce (EuroCham) 2021 White Book, Vietnam’s stable macro-economic climate, with inflation in the single digits, continues to increase investor confidence in the country’s trade and investment environment. Only adding to that, the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) is paving the way for continued foreign direct investment (FDI) from the EU and is viewed as a means for shared recovery and economic rebound. As the first comprehensive FTA between the EU and a developing country in … [Read more...] about EVFTA underpinning growth in Vietnamese tech market
PM expects Nhon – Hanoi station metro line to be completed by late 2022
The work so far has advanced by 75%, whose elevated section (Nhon – Cau Giay) has been completed by 95%. The Nhon - Hanoi Station metro line is expected to be completed by December 31, 2022, and contractors are requested to halve the construction time of the underground section, originally scheduled for 2027. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and leaders of Hanoi during the visit. Source: VGP Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged to accelerate the metro line construction during a site visit today [August 7]. The Nhon – Hanoi station metro project with financial backing from the French Government, the French Development Agency (AFD), and the European Investment Bank (EIB) has a total length of 12.5 kilometers, running through eight elevated and four underground stations. Prime Minister Chinh and delegations on board a train. A report from the Hanoi Project Management Board of Urban Railway noted the metro line project was launched in … [Read more...] about PM expects Nhon – Hanoi station metro line to be completed by late 2022
Work starts on welcome gate on overseas Vietnamese road in Thailand
The construction of a Vietnam welcome gate on an overseas Vietnamese road in Nong Khai province, northeastern Thailand, has begun. (Photo: VNA) Bangkok (VNA) – The construction of a Vietnam welcome gate on an overseas Vietnamese road in Nong Khai province, northeastern Thailand, has begun. A ground-breaking ceremony of the work was held on August 6 by the Vietnamese Consulate General in Khon Kaen in collaboration with the Nong Khai authorities, the Vietnamese Association and overseas Vietnamese organisations in Thailand. This activity aims to celebrate the 46th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Thailand diplomatic relations (1976-2022). Addressing the event, Consul General Chu Duc Dung said the construction of the welcome gate is evidence for the traditional ties, solidarity and friendship between Vietnam and Thailand. He expressed his wish that Thai people of Vietnamese origin in Thailand in general and Nong Khai province in particular continue to serve … [Read more...] about Work starts on welcome gate on overseas Vietnamese road in Thailand
Police probing suspected alcohol poisoning that killed two in Ho Chi Minh City
Police in Ho Chi Minh City have launched an investigation into a suspected case of methanol poisoning that occurred at a local restaurant, affecting eight young people, of whom two died, officers said on Saturday. Among the eight victims, six are employees of Mr Bao Restaurant in Thu Duc City, including a woman, while the other two are outsiders, both female, local police said. These victims, aged 19 to 24, opened a party at the restaurant late on Wednesday evening, after the facility closed, N.D.B., the owner, reported on Saturday. They ate food bought from outside and drank a can of five liters of alcohol available at the restaurant during the feast which ended at 4:00 am the next morning. B. said his restaurant, which started operations on June 1, recently bought five 5-liter cans of bottled water from a supplier but one of them was later found containing alcohol. This can had been kept in the eatery’s storage until it was consumed at the party, B. said, adding that the … [Read more...] about Police probing suspected alcohol poisoning that killed two in Ho Chi Minh City
Demand for cotton forces adjustments
Thanh Cong Textile Garment Investment Trading JSC exported over one-third of its products to the United States in 2021. However, the company started to face challenges following the US’ blanket ban on all Xinjiang cotton. Last year, President Joe Biden signed into law the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. Vietnam’s cotton imports reach up to one million tonnes each year, Photo: Shutterstock Tran Nhu Tung, chairman of the company, said that the company has adopted regulations this year related to this act. Accordingly, buyers have to be responsible for export orders to the US which source Chinese cotton materials. Thanh Cong secures many large orders from the US. In 2022, the company sets a target to generate $179 million in revenues and $10.87 million in profit, up 120 per cent and 188 per cent respectively against last year. Tung noted that yarn exports are the main driving force for Thanh Cong. “There is a rapidly growing demand for yarn imports in the global … [Read more...] about Demand for cotton forces adjustments
Rough waters remain in fuel price pressure
The Government Office last week issued Dispatch No.4648/VPCP-KTTH to the Ministry of Finance (MoF) requiring it to continue proposing a reduction of taxes and fees related to fuel and consumption, especially those that can cause an increase in input costs for production and business. Rough waters remain in fuel price pressure “This aims to help reduce costs and selling prices of products in service of exports, production, and business, contributing to controlling inflation and supporting the government’s monetary policy in the short and medium term,” the dispatch stated. The MoF has also proposed to the government a plan to halve the preferential import tax for petrol and oil from the existing 20 to 10 per cent, in order to help reduce the prices of these items in the local market. Meanwhile, the Vietnamese government has also submitted to the National Assembly a plan on reducing the special consumption tax and VAT for October. According to the General Statistics … [Read more...] about Rough waters remain in fuel price pressure
Scientific seminar highlights President Vo Chi Cong’s merits
PANO - A scientific seminar, “Comrade Vo Chi Cong with Vietnam’s revolution and the hometown of Quang Nam-Danang”, held on August 5th in Tam Ky City, Quang Nam Province, demonstrated glorious life of late President of the State Council Vo Chi Cong. The seminar, hosted by the Central Party Commission for Communication and Education, Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Public Administration and Quang Nam Provincial Party Committee, was attended by Dinh The Huynh, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Chairman of the Central Party Commission for Communication and Education. More than 60 papers, delivered by the Party and the State’s leaders, ex-leaders, scientists, historical witnesses, revolutionary veterans, further made clear the glorious revolutionary life of comrade Vo Chi Cong in different periods and at different positions. The seminar, once again, confirmed that comrade Vo Chi Cong, for more than 80 years, was a bright example on … [Read more...] about Scientific seminar highlights President Vo Chi Cong’s merits