The government’s stimulus policy for agricultural products has not been very effective despite being put in place for over a year. In the context of the global economic crisis, farmers are considered some of the most economically vulnerable as they have experienced a great deal of difficulty. Last year, the Prime Minister decided to provide financial aid for farmers to buy machinery, equipment and materials to boost agricultural production, as well as construction materials to build houses. According to figures released by the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), this stimulus package had cost VND776 billion by December 31, 2009, accounting for only 0.22 percent of total government expenditure. The SBV Monetary Policy Department says that the decision paid off as expected. Most of the beneficiaries are small household businesses who are unable to access small loans. Nguyen Duy Luong, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Farmers Association, says there are still a number of snags in preventing … [Read more...]

The announcement accompanied a memorandum of understanding for the project signed between the US Agency for International Development (USAIDS) and Vietnam’s Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) in Hanoi on August 5. The project, with US$2.2 million sourced from the US and VND500 million from the Vietnamese government, began in October 2009 and will run to September 2011. It aims to strengthen enforcement of laws and improve inspection capacity in building and promoting sound industrial relations in Vietnam. Beneficiaries are MoLISA, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL), the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance and several localities. The project supports MoLISA’s efforts to build a national strategy on labour relations, improve inspection capacity, and strengthen its information system. It also helps the VGCL strengthen the capacity of trade unions at all levels and assist recruiters to promote … [Read more...]

The event was organised by the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance (VCA) in coordination with SOCODEVI, a Canadian nonprofit international development corporation. The event focused on analysing and assessing the advantages and difficulties during process of building and carrying out local policies concerning cooperatives, as well as the State’s measures in developing cooperatives in the upcoming time. At the seminar, Vice Chairman of the VCA Nguyen Xuan Hien said cooperatives have made strong contributions to socio-economic development, hunger eradication and poverty reduction, as well as gender equality and environment protection, and therefore, it is necessary to expand cooperatives on a strong legal base. Meanwhile, SOCODEVI’s representative, Lise Jacob, shared Canada’s experience in developing cooperatives and suggested that Vietnam should simplify administrative procedures, put capital accumulation and assistance into practical effects and encourage close … [Read more...]

Vietnam attends Bangkok cooperatives conference Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Dang Khoa affirmed this at the 9th Asia-Pacific Cooperative Ministers’ Conference in Bangkok from February 27-29. Khoa said Vietnam’s agricultural sector has developed well with a variety of products to gain a strong foothold in international markets, such as rice, coffee, rubber and nuts. As a result of cooperative efforts, people’s incomes and living standards are gradually improving in many rural areas in Vietnam. In his speech, ICA President Pauline Green quoted a UN report as saying cooperatives have helped improve the living standards of 50 percent of the world’s population. Every year the ICA makes public a list of 300 largest cooperatives around the world. The total capital and assets of these top cooperatives have so far amounted to US$1.6 trillion, equivalent to that of Spain, the world’s ninth largest economy. On … [Read more...]

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung emphasized that, with great efforts and determination from the Party and the people, Vietnam will overcome its difficulties and fulfill its targets to develop into a modern industrialized country by 2020, and the cooperative sector, including the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance (VCA), will play an important role. He added that he hopes the VCA will continue making contributions to the nation's development. The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) is one of the largest international organizations, representing 750,000 cooperatives from 100 member countries with nearly a billion members. The cooperative sector has contributed directly to improving living conditions for half the world's population, especially in terms of sustainable development, poverty reduction and implementing the millennium development goals. Through this year’s theme of “Cooperative Enterprises Building a Better World”, the IAC hopes … [Read more...]

The DWCP was signed on May 24, 2012 and two meetings were held in May 2012 and May 2013 to set priorities for each partner. Over the past two years, relevant DWCP parties have implemented the program within the confines of the set priorities, including improving the quality and sustainability of growth through high qualified human resources and sustainable work and business development. It promoted equitable and comprehensive growth through social welfare and job generation for vulnerable groups. It contributed to fulfilling Vietnam’s target for becoming a modern industrialised country through consolidating institutions and management of labour market. The MoLISA, ILO and tripartite parties in Vietnam have implemented a wide range of the projects under the program. For instance, they cooperated in revising the Labour Code, Trade Union Law and building legal documents, and fixing minimum wages. They also carried out projects on labour relations, occupational health and safety, … [Read more...]

There are about 300,000 cooperative groups and 20,000 cooperatives throughout the nation. The Vietnam Cooperative Alliance has engaged in most of economic sectors attracting about 12,000 members. The cooperative economic sector has greatly contributed to the nation's poverty reduction, new rural development, and improvement of people’s lives, especially those in remote and disadvantaged areas. The main message of International Cooperatives Day 2015 is to call on governments and cooperative movements to take action to promote equality. Vice President of the Vietnam Co-operative Alliance Hoang Van Thinh, the co-operative economic sector has grown steadily as a result of great efforts by the Party, State, National Assembly and Government. Philip Hanzen, International Labour Organisation (ILO)’s representative, glowingly spoke of cooperation between ILO and the Vietnam Co-operative Alliance, particularly in implementing the Vietnam Labour Code and Co-operative Law. He … [Read more...]

Mr Trong made the remarks at the 8th International Cooperative Alliance (ICA)’s Regional Assembly for the Asia-Pacific region, held in Hanoi on December 3. He described the event as a valuable opportunity for Vietnamese cooperatives to share experience from their regional peers and further boost future cooperation in a long-term and sustainable manner. He expressed his hope that the regional assembly will propose measures to enhance cooperatives’ competitiveness and increase their contributions to socio-economic development. Chairman of the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance Nguyen Tien Quan said that the Asia-Pacific region has the largest number of cooperatives and plays an important role in developing the cooperative movement worldwide. “In the region, cooperatives are considered a suitable model to provide a basis of services for its members who have little access to social services,” said Mr Quan. Li Chung Sheng, President of the ICA for the Asia-Pacific … [Read more...]

The announcement was made by event organizers at a press conference in Hanoi on March 5. Secretary of the Binh Dinh Provincial Party Committee Vu Hoang Ha, Romanian Ambassador Dumitri Olaru, Most Venerable Thich Giac Toan and Marital Art instructor Ho Hoa Hue will also be among the cup winners. This year, the Gold Cup will be presented to 95 units and individuals who have gained outstanding achievements in the field of economics, social affairs and science. The winners have actively participated in charity activities, helped build houses for the poor and taken care of orphans and Agent Orange victims. Another Gold Cup will be granted to 85 executives who have excelled in management, put forward many initiatives and played an important role in production and business activities as well as scientific research. According to the organising board, these enterprises earned total revenues of VND50,000 billion and contributed VND6,000 billion to the State budget. The event will be co-hosted … [Read more...]

This was announced at the 4th National Congress of the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance (VCA), which opened in Hanoi on August 13. Present were former Party General Secretary Le Kha Phieu, Party Politburo member Truong Tan Sang, Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai, 630 deputies from cooperatives and cooperative unions across the country, and representatives from international organizations. In his speech, Mr. Sang stressed that the Party and State value the sector’s contributions to Vietnam’s socio-economic development. VCA Vice President Nguyen Xuan Hien said that under the slogan “Solidarity, cooperation, and development for the community and social security”, the alliance will make a greater effort to overcome shortcomings, accelerate comprehensive reforms, and attract greater participation by farmers and small businesspeople. The VCA will improve the operational effectiveness of cooperatives and promote cooperation among its members in line with the … [Read more...]

According to FNF Director Hans-Georg Jonek, FNF is a non-profitable and non-governmental organisation operating in more than 70 countries. FNF opened its representative office in Vietnam in 2012 mainly to support Vietnam’s market economy development projects. FNF has cooperated with the Institute of Co-operative Economy Development (ICED) under the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance in capacity building projects. Last year it assisted the ICED to draft and publish a handbook on the Cooperative Law. For his part, Mr Nhan said FNF activities are highly appreciated in Vietnam as the country has made significant effort to accelerate the reform of the socialist - oriented market economy. Vietnam wants to study German model as the country has much experience in conducting cooperative economy. Nhan briefed the host on VFF role, tasks and major activities while Hans introduced training workshops for officials and invited VFF officials to take part in. The two sides also discussed measures … [Read more...]

Visiting the Tra Vinh Patriotic Monks Solidarity Association in Tra Vinh City and Py-Seyva-Ra-Ram Pagoda in Cang Long District, the VFF leader praised the monks for their dedicated religious activities and participation in local social programmes, helping improve living conditions for the Khmer community. On the occasion, he handed over 100 cows worth VND1 billion (around US$46,000) to 100 poor families. The cows were donated by the Vietnam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development. The same day, the VFF President held a working session with local officials, the provincial VFF chapter and the provincial branch of the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance on directions for socio-economic development. … [Read more...]

The awards have been organised by Radio the Voice of Vietnam in coordination with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, the Association of Asian Social Science Research, the Centre for Ethnic Studies and Development, the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance and the Vietnam Civilisation Magazine. The awards aim to honour and encourage the Vietnamese business community to build up prestigious brand names for goods and services and help the business community to develop sustainably. The programme will also honour leading individuals and business leaders for their contributions to charitable activities and community development. The organising board will select the 100 best enterprises and the top 100 individuals for the awards. The award’s ceremony is scheduled to take place in mid-August at the Hanoi Friendship Cultural Palace and be broadcast live on VTV1 and VTV3. … [Read more...]

At a meeting in Ho Chi Minh City on March 11 experts forecast that this year’s exports will not see a breakthrough growth as Vietnam’s key markets have yet to recover completely. They said earnings from exports in the first two months reached only US$8.9 billion, equal to that of the same period last year. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam made a great effort to get a better foothold in markets in Africa, the Middle East and Latin America in 2010. However, these markets are far away from Vietnam and have various differences in terms of customs, culture and consumption habits. As a result, progress remains limited despite concerted efforts from both sides. A number of exporters have even refused to ship products to Russia - a traditional market which is expected to help them boost their overall export turnover - due to import tariff barriers and the methods used to calculate taxes. Chairman of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (Vitas) Le … [Read more...]

The Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance Nguyen Xuan Hien told a press briefing on November 12 that the event will offer a chance for domestic cooperatives and enterprises to promote their products and boost trade, investment and tourism between Vietnam and China as well as with regional countries. During the week, there will be a meeting on the trading of cassava starch, a seminar on the need for agricultural supplies and consumption of agricultural and handicraft products in Vietnam and China, talks on tariff and border trade between Vietnam and China’s Guangxi province, and trade promotion activities and exchanges between Vietnamese and Chinese cooperatives and economic organisations. The fair expected to attract 400 exhibitors, including those from ASEAN countries. … [Read more...]

Speaking at the conference, the President of the International Cooperative Alliance Pauline Green, cited the UN view that cooperatives improve the living standards of 50 percent of the world’s population. She said the UN also recognises the role of the cooperative model in global socio-economic development over the past 180 years. Nearly 1 billion people now belong to cooperatives, generating a great number of jobs across the globe. They often help to prevent disputes, build communities, develop professional skills and help millions of people escape from poverty. On the sidelines of the conference, the Vietnamese delegation met with the Malaysian delegation and discussed more bilateral cooperation, especially between the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance and the Cooperative College of Malaysia. … [Read more...]

Held on June 15, the ICFO conference brought together professionals from East Asia to discuss global issues that affect local fisheries. The ICFO, an organisation that aims to improve the social status of the world’s fisheries and protect the rights of its fishermen through international regulations on independence, democracy and equality, highlighted sea water pollution, sharp increases of oil prices, a notable decline of resources and global warming to be among the uphill challenges that mar the industry. The ICFO concluded that international fisheries should work together to overcome these challenges. The ICFO’s Korean Chairman Lee Jong Koo hailed the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance (VCA) for organising the event. He stressed that it will serve as a forum for discussing solutions to sustainable development of fisheries in the future. Participants heard reports from representatives from the Republic of Korea, Japan, India, the Philippines and Vietnam. Last year, Vietnam … [Read more...]

Have a great New Year's Eve celebration and Happy New Year, readers! Have a great New Year's Eve celebration and Happy New Year, readers! Society -- All streets leading to Tan Son Nhat International Airport were filled with people on Friday as they rushed to take flights to hometown or tourist areas on the occasion of the New Year. -- Vietnam’s traffic safety was improved in 2016 with decreases in all the numbers of accidents, deaths and injuries, according to data released at a national conference in the central city of Da Nang on Friday. -- A court in the northern province of Quang Ninh on Friday sentenced to death six of 26 convicts in the smuggling case of more than 5,000 packs of heroin, while handing life imprisonment to six others. -- An 18-year-old man in the southern province of An Giang has been arrested for selling firecrackers, which have been banned in Vietnam for more than two decades, on Facebook. -- The Ho Chi Minh City transport department is expected to … [Read more...]

Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnam Cooperative Alliance (VCA)’s Cooperative Union of Agricultural Consumption have reached with Israeli partners a deal to develop a supply chain of clean agricultural products using Israeli technology. The deal was signed in Hanoi on December 30 by the union and the Israel Chamber of Commerce and Technology in Southeast Asia and IVA Corporation of Israel. VCA President Vo Kim Cu said the two sides with work togerther to build farms producing vegetables, fruits and farm produce in Vietnam and abroad; help the union develop a chain of supermarkets and build brands for safe farm produce. The VCA will embark on projects in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong, the southern province of Binh Phuoc, the northwestern region and the Mekong Delta, with a total area of 20 ha in the second quarter of 2017. The area will be expanded to 100ha in the fourth quarter. Outlets for safe farm produce will be built along with the development of farms.-VNA … [Read more...]

He made the statement at a signing ceremony on December 30 for a new multi-year contract aimed at bringing Israeli hi-tech farming methods to Vietnamese farmers in hopes of boosting production and farming skills. It is common knowledge that Israeli farmers are four to five times more productive for produce such as cherry tomatoes, seedless cucumbers, brinjals and coloured capsicums, said Mr Cu, using the same amount of land as their Vietnamese counterparts. Pursuant to the agreement between the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance, the Israeli Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Southeast Asia and IVA Israel, experts from Israel will regularly visit centres in Vietnam and organize free training sessions for farmers, teaching them – protective agriculture – to increase their crop yields while optimally using fertilizer and water. In addition, corporates and professionals will also be taught ways to produce quality vegetable seedlings. The idea is to transfer applied research … [Read more...]