|
Vietnam News Today (May 19): Notable Headlines Breaking News: Vietnam Reports Record Increase in COVID-19 Cases Vietnamese Government Announces Reopening of Schools and Universities Vietnam Launches Nationwide Campaign to Increase Vaccination Vietnam is playing an increasingly important role in addressing regional and global challenges. With its commitment to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the country is striving to ensure all its citizens have access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Vietnam is also taking steps to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and promote clean energy sources. Additionally, the country is actively engaging in regional and global dialogues to foster peace and stability, combat climate change, and protect human rights. By building partnerships and strengthening its regional and global connections, Vietnam is demonstrating its commitment to a sustainable future for all.
Vietnam and Japan have been actively fostering cooperation in the aerospace supporting industry. This follows an agreement between the two countries to collaborate in the area of aerospace technology, which was signed in Hanoi earlier this year. The agreement also includes the establishment of a joint venture to promote the development of the aerospace industry in Vietnam. The joint venture will focus on research and development, manufacturing, sales, and services related to aerospace technology. It is expected to bring together the expertise of both countries in the field, as well as to develop new products and services that will benefit both sides. In addition, the venture will be able to provide training and other related services to support the growth of the aerospace supporting industry in Vietnam. The joint venture is expected to create new opportunities for both countries in the aerospace industry, as well as to promote greater cooperation between them. Furthermore, it is hoped that the venture will help to increase the competitiveness of the aerospace industry in Vietnam, and that it will contribute to the country’s economic growth. The agreement between Vietnam and Japan is an important step forward in the development of the aerospace supporting industry in the two countries. With the signing of the agreement, the two countries will be able to build on their existing relationships and share their knowledge and resources to further develop the industry. This will lead to more efficient and effective use of resources, and ultimately to improved products and services for both countries. The Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between Vietnam and the United States seeks to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries. The forum has become an important platform for dialog between the two countries, and has seen tremendous growth in trade and investment since it was established in 2000. The forum has facilitated the exchange of ideas and information on various topics related to trade and investment, including taxation, customs, finance, banking, insurance, environmental protection, and energy. The forum has also helped to identify ways to improve Vietnam-US economic cooperation in various sectors. The forum has advanced initiatives to improve the business environment in Vietnam through policy dialogues, capacity-building activities, and other measures. The forum has also provided a platform for the two countries to discuss and identify challenges and opportunities for further economic cooperation.
Vietnam has enhanced its bilateral cooperation with Tanzania in recent years. The two countries have agreed to strengthen their cooperation in various areas, including trade, investment, infrastructure development, and education. In 2017, Vietnam and Tanzania signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, finance, technology, and tourism. The two countries have also held several joint meetings to discuss ways to promote economic and commercial ties. Furthermore, Vietnam has provided Tanzania with technical assistance in the fields of agriculture, health, and education. The Vietnamese government has also established a Vietnam-Tanzania Business Council to promote trade and investment between the two countries. Longer e-visa validity will significantly boost Vietnam’s tourism industry, according to the government. The move is seen as a way to encourage more people to visit the country, as it offers more flexibility and convenience for travelers. The new e-visa policy will allow travelers to stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days, instead of the 15-day limit that was previously in place. The government has also announced plans to expand the list of countries eligible for the e-visa program. This will open up the country to tourists from more countries, further boosting its tourism sector. The government is also working on other initiatives that will make it easier for travelers to visit the country, such as increasing the number of visa-on-arrival facilities, improving airport infrastructure, and simplifying customs procedures. With these measures in place, the government is confident that Vietnam’s tourism industry will see a significant boost in the coming years.
Hot weather continues to scorch Vietnam, with temperatures reaching unbearable highs in some parts of the country. The heat wave has been particularly intense in the south, where temperatures have been soaring over the past few days. The extreme heat has caused discomfort for many people, and has made living conditions difficult for those living in areas without air conditioning or other cooling systems. Health experts have warned of the potential dangers of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and are urging people to take precautions to protect themselves. To beat the heat, people are advised to take frequent breaks in air-conditioned spaces, stay hydrated, and wear light, loose-fitting clothing. Vietnam and the Philippines held their 10th round of bilateral talks on maritime and ocean concerns, acknowledging the need for joint efforts to maintain regional peace and stability. The talks, hosted virtually on Thursday, were co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin Jr. The two sides discussed the positive developments in their bilateral relations, especially in trade, investment, and security. They also expressed their commitment to further deepening their ties, as well as to strengthen cooperation in maritime and ocean affairs. In addition, the two countries discussed the importance of maintaining a rules-based order in the South China Sea, and agreed to continue working on their joint statement on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. They also discussed the need to protect the environment and ensure sustainable development in the region. Vietnam and the Philippines reiterated their commitment to fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and to actively work together towards the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. The 10th round of talks between Vietnam and the Philippines marked a milestone in the two countries’ maritime and ocean relations, emphasizing the need for continued cooperation in the region. The two sides expressed their hope that the discussions will further strengthen their ties and contribute to regional peace and stability. Vietnam have been drawn into Group C for the second women’s football qualifiers of the Paris Olympics. The group consists of Korea Republic, Thailand, and Vietnam, with each team playing each other once. This will be Vietnam’s first time participating in the Olympics qualifiers for women’s football, and the team is looking to make an impression on the world stage. With strong performances in the recent Southeast Asian Games, the Vietnamese team is confident they can make it through to the next round of Olympic qualifiers. The team has worked hard to prepare for this tournament, and the players are determined to do their best to secure a spot in the Olympics. With the support of their fans, the Vietnamese team is sure to make a strong showing in the qualifiers. General Roberto Azevêdo The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, recently received the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) Director-General, Roberto Azevêdo, in New Delhi. This was the Director-General’s first official visit to India since taking office in 2013. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen the cooperation between India and the WTO, and to promote the country’s economic growth. They also discussed the ongoing Doha Round of global trade talks and how to make progress towards their successful conclusion. Moreover, Prime Minister Modi and Director-General Azevêdo discussed the need to simplify international trade rules and procedures, as well as to reduce the cost of doing business. They also discussed the potential of the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement and its role in helping to make global markets more accessible for developing countries. The Prime Minister and the Director-General agreed to collaborate closely on various fronts, including in the area of global trade. They also expressed their commitment to work together towards a successful conclusion of the Doha Round talks. This meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Director-General Azevêdo marks an important step forward in India’s engagement with the WTO. It is hoped that the two leaders’ discussions will lead to increased cooperation between India and the WTO, and help to drive the global economy towards a more prosperous future. |
 |
| Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu. |
Vietnam enhances role in addressing regional and global challenges
Vietnam’s inclusion in the upcoming expanded G7 summit in Hiroshima, as extended by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, is a sign of international recognition of the country’s rising role and status on the global stage, according to Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu. He noted that this is a clear indication of the community’s appreciation of Vietnam’s standing among the nations of the world.
The ambassador further pointed out that the invitation is a testament to the strong ties between Vietnam and Japan, and the former’s commitment to building a prosperous future together with the international community. He expressed his hope that the G7 summit will be an opportunity for the two countries to discuss ways to further their collaboration and address global issues.
The summit is also expected to provide a platform for Vietnam to share its experiences and perspectives on global challenges and contribute to the successful resolution of these issues. Ambassador Hieu concluded that the participation of the nation in such a high-level event is a reflection of its growing importance in international affairs and its positive impact on the global economy.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will lead a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation to the expanded G7 Summit in Hiroshima from May 19-21 at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Vietnam is among the eight countries to be invited by Japan, the current president of the Group of Seven (G7) industrialized nations, to the summit in Hiroshima. Additionally, Indonesia, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has also been invited to the summit, along with Vietnam.
In an interview with the press ahead of the summit, Hieu noted that Vietnam has been widely praised internationally for its constructive and responsible involvement in tackling global issues like sustainable development, climate change, food security, and energy security, among others.
Vietnam has recently taken comprehensive measures to implement its energy transformation and green and circular economy-based growth models to meet its net zero emissions commitments by 2050. The National Steering Committee for fulfilling its COP26 commitments, headed by the Prime Minister, has been established to mobilize and coordinate resources, as reported by VOV.
The G7 members have come to an agreement to put Vietnam on the list of priority countries for energy cooperation, presenting the country with a great opportunity to access investment and bolster cooperation with the G7 countries in order to bring about a transformation of the economic model and recover from the economic losses caused by the pandemic, the ambassador stated.
.
In his opinion, all members of the G7 and the expanded group attach great importance to and wish to strengthen multifaceted cooperation for mutual gain with Vietnam in order to increase the group’s presence in Southeast Asia in particular and the Asia-Pacific region in general.
The diplomat emphasized that Japan places great importance on its extensive strategic partnership with Vietnam, stressing that Vietnam’s role and position in the region is greatly valued. He also expressed Japan’s hope that Vietnam will continue to coordinate and support Japan in multilateral forums, and provide an active voice and contribution to resolving international and regional issues.
Since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1973, bilateral relations have developed steadily in a variety of areas, from politics, diplomacy and defense-security to trade, investment, labor, education, culture, health, science and technology, tourism, local cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.
Vietnamese expatriates, the second largest expatriate community in Japan with nearly 500,000 individuals, have established themselves stably in the country, making invaluable contributions to the development of Japan and the strengthening of bilateral relations.
According to the ambassador, Vietnam and Japan have an “infinite potential” for enhancing their relations, and the two countries are taking steps to strengthen and expand their strategic partnership in the future.
Vietnam, Japan foster cooperation in aerospace supporting industry
A conference was held on May 16th at the Kobe Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) headquarters in Japan to seek measures to promote Vietnam-Japan cooperation in manufacturing components and products of the aerospace industry.
Addressing the event, Nguyen Hoang, Chairman of the Hanoi Supporting Industry Association (HANSIBA), highlighted the numerous advantages of economic cooperation between Vietnam and Japan. He mentioned the two country’s extensive strategic partnership, Vietnam’s strong workforce, various bilateral and multilateral economic agreements, and Japan’s wealth of experience in the aerospace industry. This, he noted, would be advantageous for both countries in the long run.
He said that the conference was part of activities to specify Vietnam’s industrialization program within the Vietnam-Japan cooperation framework, especially in supporting industries and high technology, aiming to connect businesses in the supporting industry of Hanoi and Vietnam and their partners in Kobe and Japan in these fields.
Jon Liljia, Boeing’s Supply Chain Business Development Manager, expressed his desire to collaborate directly with Vietnamese manufacturers.
 |
| Illustrative image (Source: vtv.vn) |
Meanwhile, Ishida Takayuki, a representative from Onaga Japan Company, underlined the potential of Vietnam’s aviation component market amid rising traveling demands both inside the country and in the region.
Onaga Masaru, Chairman of Onaga, has affirmed that the company will remain committed to working in close partnership with Vietnamese businesses in the supporting industry to produce high-tech components, such as aircraft spare parts, according to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).
To address the needs of Japanese investors, the HANSIBA has created a dedicated support unit. This unit is responsible for coordinating with Japanese companies on administrative formalities such as applications for investment, construction, and import permits, as well as providing support in recruiting and training personnel in accordance with Japanese standards.
Hoang argued that the Vietnamese supporting industry community has seen remarkable progress, with the production of products being incorporated into production chains in Japan and globally, including aerospace components, renewable energy products, and smart products catering to the marine economy.
Forum seeks to enhance Vietnam-US economic cooperation
The United States is one of Vietnam’s leading partners in key cooperation fields, reaffirmed Hoang Anh Tuan, Vietnamese Consul General in San Francisco, at the Vietnam – US Business Forum 2023 held in the State of Oregon on May 18th. Tuan expressed his delight with the strong development of the Vietnam–US comprehensive partnership, citing numerous achievements in trade, investment, and defense and security cooperation. He noted that the two countries had successfully established a strategic partnership in 2013, and the bilateral trade value had surged to nearly $80 billion in 2020.
Addressing hundreds of Vietnamese and US business executives at the forum, Tuan underscored the importance of international trade and investment for Vietnam’s economic growth and development. He emphasized that Oregon is well-known as a pioneer in innovation, technology, and sustainability, boasting a hub for start-ups.
With a number of similarities, Tuan expressed his confidence that the collaboration between the two sides is likely to generate new opportunities for businesses going forward.
Vince Porter, Economic Development and Workforce Policy Advisor to Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, has highlighted Vietnam as one of the state’s leading trading partners. This is due to its status as a major production base for some of Oregon’s largest and most renowned companies, such as Intel, Nike, and Columbia Sportswear.
Vietnam and Oregon have great potential for cooperation in the fields of agriculture, food, and beverage production, according to Porter. He stated that a delegation of businesspeople from Oregon will attend the Vietnam Food Expo 2023 in Ho Chi Minh City this November, as reported by VOV.
 |
| Hoang Anh Tuan, Vietnamese Consul General in San Francisco addresses the 2023 Vietnam – US Business Forum. |
Sharing this perspective, Nguyen Hong Duong, deputy director of the Europe-America Market Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, highlighted the potential for further strengthening relations between the two sides in traditional areas such as renewable energy, manufacturing, and education.
The two governments will collaborate and negotiate cooperation frameworks with partners, including the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, to bolster economic unity and create advantages for the businesses of both countries, Duong highlighted.
At the forum, participants discussed the local investment climate, shared their expertise in market development, and discussed ways to meet the rigorous demands and technical regulations of the US market. By doing so, they could gain insight into how to best support their own business activities.
Experts have put forth a range of solutions to increase import and export activities, attract the supply chain, and draw in FDI inflows from the United States in the future. This could include initiatives such as creating incentives for foreign investors, reforming tax policies, and providing financial and technical support for businesses. Additionally, countries should look to build strong diplomatic ties with the US and promote their countries as attractive investment destinations to American investors. Such efforts will help to drive economic growth and stimulate economic development.
Vietnam enhances bilateral cooperation with Tanzania
President Vo Van Thuong on May 18 received Abdulrahman Omar Kinana, Politburo member and Vice Chairman of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM – Party of the Revolution) of Tanzania, who was on a working visit to Vietnam.
Welcoming the delegation right after the CCM’s 10th National Congress, Thuong said that this is an opportunity for leaders of the two Parties and countries to exchange ideas and evaluate the international situation, bilateral relations, and orientations for cooperation in the coming time.
He affirmed that Vietnam keeps a close watch on the situation of Tanzania and is pleased to witness the country’s impressive achievements in maintaining economic development momentum, significantly improving people’s living standards, and significantly enhancing its reputation and role in East Africa in particular and Africa in general, cited VNA.
 |
| President Vo Van Thuong (R) receives Abdulrahman Omar Kinana, Politburo member and CCM Vice Chairman. (Photo: VNA) |
Abdulrahman Omar Kinana emphatically reaffirmed the steadfast policy of Tanzania’s ruling party, CCM, and the state itself in cultivating strong, long-standing relations and furthering meaningful cooperation with the Party and State of Vietnam.
He spoke highly of the contributions made by Halotel, a telecommunications joint venture invested by Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms in Tanzania, to the country’s socioeconomic development. He also committed to creating all favorable conditions for Halotel’s business and investment activities, as well as those of all Vietnamese enterprises in the country.
The two sides agreed to expand and strengthen the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation, including exchanging delegations at all levels, facilitating the sharing of experience in leading the nation, personnel training, promoting trade and investment activities, and collaborating in the fields of agriculture, processing, science – technology, telecommunications, and digital transformation.
They also pledged to foster cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, closely coordinate with each other at international multilateral forums, and act as a bridge for each other to expand collaboration with the two regions, for the benefit of each Party and country, and for peace, stability, cooperation, and development.
Longer e-visa validity will boost Vietnam’s tourism: Govt
The Government of Vietnam proposed extending the e-visa validity to 90 days in order to attract foreign tourists and investors seeking to explore the country’s investment prospects. The extended validity period will allow for a longer stay in the country, allowing tourists and investors to explore more of the nation’s offerings. This move is expected to further boost tourism and business ventures in Vietnam, as well as increase foreign direct investment.
On behalf of the Government, General To Lam, Minister of Public Security, has submitted a report to the National Assembly outlining a proposal to amend immigration procedures, e-visa issuance, and visa exemptions for foreign visitors. The report seeks to address current issues associated with the visa process, such as lengthy wait times, outdated technology, and a lack of clear guidance for travelers. If passed, the proposed changes would streamline the visa process and make it easier for foreign visitors to enter Vietnam. Additionally, the report suggests introducing new policies to ensure visa applications are handled fairly and in a timely manner.
The current 30-day validity period of e-visas is proving to be too short to attract more foreign travelers to Vietnam. As such, the Government has proposed extending the e-visa validity to three months with single or multiple entries, in order to create favorable conditions for foreigners to conduct research, market or investment surveys in the country. This move is expected to attract more tourists who prefer to spend more time in Vietnam, as reported by the Saigon Times.
 |
| Foreign tourists in HCMC. Photo: Le Vu |
The e-visa validity extension would make it easier for foreign individuals who are responsible for establishing a commercial presence, providing services, and supplying services to have enough time to remain in Vietnam, as stated in the commitments made by the country under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). This will enable them to complete their business activities without any issues. Additionally, this move will make it simpler for foreign visitors to explore and experience the culture, history, and beauty of Vietnam.
Therefore, the proposed extension allows foreign tourists to explore our country in more depth and experience the unique culture and attractions it has to offer. Additionally, the extended stay would benefit the local economy by providing more tourism revenue, creating new jobs, and stimulating industrial development.
Regarding the proposal to lengthen the visa-free stay for foreign tourists to 45 days from the current 15, the Government explained that visitors from international markets such as Europe often prefer vacations that last 15 days or longer. Therefore, the proposed extension would enable foreign tourists to explore our country in more depth and experience the unique culture and attractions it has to offer. Moreover, it would not only benefit the local economy by providing more tourism revenue, but also create new jobs and stimulate industrial development.
According to the Ministry of Public Security, the number of foreign nationals applying for e-visas has steadily risen since 2017. Following the Government’s resumption of its pre-pandemic immigration policy, the issuance of e-visas has dramatically increased by a staggering 46.6 times.
Currently, citizens of 80 countries can obtain a single-entry e-visa from the Immigration Department that offers a maximum duration of 30 days. Vietnam provides this service to its visitors from around the world.
The proposal will be presented to the National Assembly session, which is scheduled to start on May 22nd.
