President Vo Van Thuong holds talks with General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith in April 2023 (Photo: VNA)

Lao Scholar Highlights Mutual Development of Vietnam and Laos

According to Prof. Dr. Boviengkham Vongdara, the President of the Laos-Vietnam Friendship Association, the Parties, States, and citizens of Laos and Vietnam have consistently supported each other through both triumphs and challenges. This unwavering solidarity has been evident throughout periods of conflict as well as in the pursuit of national defense, infrastructure, and progress.

During an interview with the Vietnam News Agency in Laos, Vongdara highlighted the enduring friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos on the occasion of the 61st anniversary of diplomatic ties (September 5, 1962 – 2023). This strong bond between the two countries has persisted for many decades and is continuing to strengthen.

According to him, the strong connection between the two countries can be attributed to the shared roots of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP), both of which originated from the Indochinese Communist Party.

Since 1945, under the leadership of the Indochinese Communist Party, and subsequently the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP), both nations have consistently nurtured a strong, unwavering, and genuine bond based on fraternal camaraderie.

During the comprehensive renewal period in the mid-1980s, the two countries diligently collaborated to safeguard and enhance their longstanding friendship, exceptional solidarity, and extensive cooperation, as asserted by him.

In recent years, Vietnam has remained a steadfast supporter of Laos in its socio-economic development endeavors. It has consistently ranked among the top three investors in Laos. Two-way trade between the two countries has consistently seen growth, playing a significant role in driving socio-economic advancement in both nations. This information was reported by the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

The Vietnam-Laos and Laos-Vietnam friendship associations have effectively fulfilled their mission of advancing people-to-people diplomacy. They have played a crucial role in promoting the deep-rooted friendship between Laos and Vietnam. The close collaboration and coordinated efforts between the two associations have significantly contributed to enhancing mutual understanding and fostering unity among the Vietnamese and Lao people.

He emphasized the importance of deepening the friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations. This includes enhancing political ideology education for individuals from all backgrounds, particularly the younger generation, to foster a greater understanding of the shared heritage and exceptional bond between Vietnam and Laos. By doing so, we can continue cultivating and advancing this unique relationship.

It is important for Laos and Vietnam to maintain their strong coordination and mutual support in various multilateral forums, particularly within the ASEAN community.

Vietnam Experiences Prolonged Rainfall Spell

According to the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, there are predictions of moderate to heavy rains in various areas across the country in the upcoming days. This will provide relief from the intense heat, particularly in the northern region.

From September 7 to 12, the northern localities are expected to experience heavy rain, strong whirlwinds, and lightning in the afternoon and evening.

According to VOV, the prolonged rainfall is expected to cause a significant drop in temperatures, ranging from 25 to 27 degrees Celsius. However, there are still some areas where high temperatures of 33 to 35 degrees Celsius persist.

Photo: VOV

Weather forecast for Provinces from Thanh Hoa to Thua Thien Hue:
During the daytime, these provinces can expect hot weather. In the evening and at night, there will be showers and thunderstorms in certain areas, with a possibility of whirlwinds, lightning, hail, and gusts.

There are showers and thunderstorms anticipated in the afternoon and evening for the Central Highlands region.

From September 9 to 12, the southern region can expect significant rainfall ranging from 10mm to 30mm, with some areas experiencing up to 50mm. Showers and thunderstorms may occur in the evenings and nights, accompanied by whirlwinds, lightning, hail, and gusty winds.

Vietnam’s Foreign Minister Welcomes Dutch Ambassador

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bui Thanh Son, cordially received the Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam, Kees van Baar, at a reception held in Hanoi on September 7th.

During the meeting, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son expressed his satisfaction with the significant progress made in the Vietnam-Netherlands Comprehensive Partnership. He also welcomed the active engagement of both nations in various meaningful initiatives to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations (1973-2023). These efforts have greatly contributed to the promotion of exchanges and mutual understanding between Vietnam and the Netherlands.

According to NDO, the Foreign Minister also commended the ambassador for their proactive efforts in organizing significant visits and events, which have effectively strengthened bilateral relations.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son receives Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam Kees van Baar.

The diplomat recommended that the promotion of exchange visits should be continued at all levels. This includes ensuring the successful execution of bilateral cooperation mechanisms and collaborating with Vietnamese partners to further enhance the strategic partnerships in climate adaptation, water management, sustainable agriculture, and food security. This can be achieved through the implementation of practical projects and programs that are tailored to the specific context and needs.

The minister additionally put forth a proposal for the two parties to effectively implement high-level agreements and foster strong collaboration in areas including politics, diplomacy, trade, and investment. Furthermore, efforts should be intensified in sectors where the Netherlands excels and aligns with Vietnam’s requirements, such as circular economy, high technology, and renewable energy.

Ambassador Kees van Baar expressed his gratitude to the minister and the relevant Vietnamese agencies for their support in promoting bilateral relations between Vietnam and the Netherlands across different sectors.

The Netherlands has affirmed its commitment to a comprehensive partnership with Vietnam based on strong political relations and close cooperation at multilateral forums. The country supports high-level exchanges and the expansion of cooperation in key areas such as hi-tech, climate change adaptation, water management, and sustainable agriculture.

RoK Firms to Look to Vietnam as a Key Future Destination

According to a recent survey, Vietnam is increasingly becoming a strategic destination for enterprises from the Republic of Korea (RoK) in their future business strategies.

The Korea International Trade Association (KITA) recently conducted a survey of 906 conglomerates and companies to gauge foreign business demand. The survey, which ran from August 10 to 30, revealed that the United States ranked highest in terms of business operations for Korean companies abroad. Interestingly, the survey also indicated a noticeable shift away from China and Japan towards emerging markets like Vietnam and India as preferential destinations for Korean businesses.

At RoK-funded Youngbag Vietnam company in the Binh Xuyen Industrial Park, Vinh Phuc province. (Photo: VNA)

According to our latest analysis, the United States emerged as the leading choice for future business destinations, garnering a substantial 22.9% of the votes. Vietnam followed closely behind with 8.7%, while India secured a 7.3% share. China and Japan also featured prominently, with 7.0% and 5.2% respectively. Germany, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia rounded off the list, each receiving 4.1%, 3.8%, and 3.1% of the votes respectively. These findings suggest a strong interest in these countries as potential hubs for future business endeavors.

According to a survey, companies with strong export capabilities are looking towards India as their prospective business destination. On the other hand, medium-sized export performers are opting for Vietnam and China, as reported by VNA.

According to our findings, companies with export capabilities exceeding US$10 million have ranked their top future business destinations as follows:

1. The United States – 27.3%
2. India – 8.4%
3. Vietnam – 8.2%
4. Japan – 5.1%
5. China – 4.5%

For businesses exporting goods worth less than US$10 million, the top destinations were the United States with 20.5% of the market share, followed by Vietnam with 9.6%, China with 9.1%, and India with 7.1%.

Vietnamese and British Cultures Come Together in Music Exchange Concert

On September 7, the Vietnam-UK Network (VUKN) hosted a prestigious concert in London to commemorate the network’s 10th anniversary since its establishment, as well as the significant milestone of 50 years of Vietnam-UK diplomatic relations.

The event, which saw the participation of approximately 400 attendees, was organized with the goal of raising funds for three esteemed British charities working in Vietnam. These charities include The Christina Noble Children’s Foundation, Facing the World, and Saigon Children’s Charity.

The concert showcased a talented and renowned ensemble of Vietnamese and international artists. Esteemed pianists Tra Nguyen, Tomasz Lis, and Shu-Wei Tseng, along with violinists Stephane Tran Ngoc, Maryna Raievska, Abigail Dance, and Phuong Hoang Linh Nguyen, mesmerized the audience with exquisite performances of acclaimed compositions by British, Vietnamese, and global composers, as reported by VOV.

The concert features famous Vietnamese and international artists.

According to Mark Kent, the Chairman of VUKN and former British Ambassador to Vietnam, the inclusion of renowned Vietnamese artists in performances at the prestigious Royal College of Music in London serves as a significant tribute to the Vietnam-UK relationship. Additionally, such collaborative endeavors contribute to the promotion and recognition of the vital role played by cultural exchange between the two nations.

The Vietnamese Ambassador to the UK, Nguyen Hoang Long, commended the VUKN for successfully hosting a significant event to commemorate two momentous occasions: the 10-year anniversary of the network’s establishment and the 50-year anniversary of Vietnam-UK diplomatic relations. The Ambassador proudly highlighted the thriving state of the Vietnam-UK strategic partnership, particularly noting that people-to-people and cultural exchanges, facilitated by organizations like VUKN, play a pivotal role in fostering this warm relationship.

During the event, Senator Richard Gilbey, Vice Chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Vietnam, emphasized the significance of the network in fostering the bilateral relationship.

The collaborative efforts between the two nations extend beyond formal agreements at the government level. Enabled by the network, civil servants, business professionals, scholars, and cultural practitioners are interconnected, fostering an environment conducive to collaboration in various sectors such as education, trade, and culture. These initiatives greatly enhance the bilateral relationship and make a significant impact.

Founded in 2013, VUKN is a non-governmental organization that focuses on strengthening bilateral relations and fostering a greater understanding between two countries. With a particular emphasis on the economic, cultural, and social spheres, our organization strives to promote meaningful connections and cooperation.