Vietnam Preparing for Collaboration to Uphold Global Peace and Stability

Vietnamese military officers depart for UN peacekeeping mission (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam ready for joint work to maintain global peace, stability: Minister

The Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security is ready to share its experience with law enforcement agencies and international organisations to achieve sustainable socio-economic development, contributing to maintaining stability and peace globally, regionally, and within each nation, said Minister Gen. To Lam.

Addressing the plenary session of the 11th International Meeting of High-Ranking Officials Responsible for Security Matters that opened in Moscow suburban area on May 24, Lam emphasized that the world is witnessing the emergence of numerous new issues which pose serious threats to the security, sovereignty, and sustainable socio-economic development of each nation. In particular, territorial disputes and maritime tensions are becoming increasingly complex, and have the potential to morph into military conflicts that can directly endanger the maintenance and development of an environment of peace, stability, security, maritime and aviation safety and freedom.

Additionally, high-tech cybercrime activities targeting the theft of information, intellectual property, and state secrets are on the rise. Activities of terrorist organizations in certain regions are exhibiting signs of intensification, while the severity and complexity of nontraditional security challenges, such as epidemics, natural disasters, climate change, water security, nuclear safety, crises, depletion of natural resources, energy, and disruptions in supply chains are escalating.

The minister added that his ministry highly values the significance of the meeting and wishes to continue learning from the experience of international friends, according to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA). He emphasized that such meetings are essential for the exchange of ideas and experiences that can help promote mutual understanding and cooperation.

Earlier on May 23, Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended and delivered a speech at the third ASEAN-Russia Consultations of the High Representatives for Security Issues.

He spoke highly of the organization of the ASEAN Summit held in Indonesia from May 10-11, praising its success and the determination of regional leaders to effectively realize the joint statements and agreements reached. This demonstrated ASEAN’s ambition to become an epicenter of growth, especially during these complex and uncertain times in the region and the world.

He emphasized that Vietnam highly values Russia’s role and positive contributions to timely and effective coordination in addressing both traditional and non-traditional security challenges that are emerging.

Vietnam consistently supports the strengthening of ASEAN-Russia strategic partnership, stressing the importance of Russia maintaining its role and position as a major power that makes active and responsible contributions to peace, security and development in the region. Focus should be placed on priorities such as cooperation in pandemic response, further tapping into the vast economic cooperation potential, and actively resuming tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

Vietnam is resolutely committed to working in close collaboration with Russia and other ASEAN countries to make a responsible contribution to peace, security, and stability in the region and the world, with people at the forefront, as the ultimate goal and motivator, Lam said.

Ninh Binh among world’s top 10 best hidden family vacation spots

The Northern Province of Ninh Binh has been named among the world’s top 10 best hidden family vacation spots to visit in 2023 by Canadian magazine The Travel. Located in the Red River Delta, Ninh Binh boasts stunning landscapes and a rich cultural history. Visitors can explore the stunning natural beauty of Tam Coc and Trang An, take a boat tour of the Hoa Lu ancient capital, and go hiking in the Cuc Phuong National Park. With its stunning scenery, rich cultural heritage, and plethora of activities, Ninh Binh is sure to be an unforgettable adventure for families.

Ninh Binh is ranked fourth on the list of best places to visit. With its stunning landscapes and rich history, it’s no surprise that this destination is so highly-regarded. There are plenty of activities to enjoy here, from trekking through the lush national parks to visiting the local temples and markets. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Ninh Binh has something to offer everyone.

The Travel highlighted that Ninh Binh is a truly captivating place, boasting stunning natural scenery, an intriguing history, and a unique culture. Visitors will be in awe of the area’s picturesque beauty, as well as its interesting past and vibrant culture.

The northern province of Ninh Binh is named among world’s top 10 best hidden family vacation spots.

“Both kids and adults alike will find delight in marvelling at the captivating caves, traversing through the verdant forests, engaging in rock climbing, and relishing a boat ride along the Tam Coc River,” says the magazine.

The northern province of Ninh Binh was the location of the 2016 Hollywood movie Kong: Skull Island and is blessed with stunning natural landscapes, including Cuc Phuong National Park, Mua Cave, and Chau Son Cathedral. This province is a true paradise for nature lovers, offering a wealth of beauty to explore.

Other destinations named in the list include Antigua and the British Virgin Islands of The Caribbean, Haida Gwaii and Banff of Canada, Taveuni of Fiji, Cappadocia of Turkey, the Etruscan Coast in Tuscany of Italy, Krakow of Poland, along with Zhangjiajie and Zhangjiajie of China.

Countries hail Vietnamese role in implementing SDGs

Pauline Tamesis, the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Vietnam, joined with numerous representatives of different countries to applaud Vietnam’s impressive performance in achieving its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Government’s leadership in this field. The SDGs, part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, are a set of 17 goals established by the UN to “transform our world” by 2030. Vietnam has been praised for its tremendous efforts in taking steps towards achieving the goals, with tangible progress in areas such as poverty reduction and environmental protection.

The nation can be viewed as a resounding success story in terms of collaboration between a country and the United Nations (UN). This sentiment was echoed at a dialogue between nations and UN Resident Coordinators and the UN Country Team (UNCT) in New York on May 24th. Tamesis was proud to be part of this conversation and to contribute to the success of this partnership.

The dialogue took place within the framework of a meeting being held by the United Nations (UN) Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Serving as a keynote speaker at the session, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, permanent representative of Vietnam to the United Nations, lauded the nation’s remarkable progress in advancing socio-economic development and executing sustainable development goals in recent years. He expressed his gratitude to the UN Resident Coordinators and UN agencies for their invaluable support in formulating policy proposals, mobilizing resources, and facilitating dialogue with stakeholders in the implementation of sustainable development initiatives and policies.

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA)

Ambassador Giang stressed that governments must take responsibility in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with people being placed at the centre of all policies, programmes, and targets. He emphasized that this would ensure that no one is left behind with regards to achieving the UN’s ambitious goals.

The Vietnamese diplomat proposed that UN agencies, especially resident co-ordinators, should collaborate more closely to help countries increase their competitiveness and form new partnerships that will help them achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By doing so, countries can better realize the objectives outlined in the SDGs.

He also suggested adequate, sustainable, and secure financing for UN agencies and resident co-ordinators in order to help fulfill their functions.

Da Nang ready for international firework festival

The central city of Da Nang is in the final stages of preparing for the upcoming Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF 2023), which is set to take place on June 2. Attendees can expect a vibrant display of pyrotechnics, live music, and other entertainment that will be sure to light up the night sky.

Currently, the stage for the upcoming DIFF 2023 festival has essentially been completed, according to Tran Xuan Hung, leader of the stage construction team. He stated that the construction process lasted for over 2 months, which is significantly shorter than the timeframe of previous festivals.

This year, the stage is decorated with a state-of-the-art LED laser lighting system, offering the most captivating views of the entire fireworks display, he said.

This year, the DIFF stage covers 1,050 sq.m on the banks of the Han River on Tran Hung Dao Street in Son Tra District, with a 5,000-seat grandstand to accompany it.

Set against the backdrop of a world without physical boundaries, “The World Without Distance” Festival is a celebration of global unity and culture. From June 2 to July 8, people from all corners of the globe will gather in [location] to share stories, music, art, and food. The festival will be a platform to foster meaningful connections, build understanding, and forge lasting links between different cultures.

The festival aims to create a safe space for people to express their ideas and opinions, challenge perspectives, and celebrate diversity. Through music, art, film, and workshops, the festival will bring together people who are passionate about creating a more inclusive and tolerant world. Visitors will get to experience a variety of activities, from international cuisine and cultural performances to thought-provoking seminars and inspiring talks.

The World Without Distance Festival is an opportunity to explore and celebrate the unique qualities of different cultures, while also finding common ground. It is a chance to come together, make friends, and create a better future. Join us and be part of a movement that is making the world a more connected and unified place.

Da Nang was recognised as Asia’s Leading Festival & Event Destination in 2016 and 2022 by the World Travel Awards (Photo: VNA)

This year’s event will feature eight teams from the UK, Italy, Poland, France, Australia, Canada, Finland, and Vietnam competing over five nights across two months.

Each team will put on a 20-minute performance based on five themes: No Distance Love, Peace for the World, Equality for Human Beings, No Limits Innovation, and Sustainable Tourism Development. The two best teams will compete to take the top prize on the final night – July 8.

The latest festival in 2019 was seen as a resounding success, with a staggering 1 million visitors in attendance. Finland’s Joho Pyro Fireworks emerged triumphant, capping off a memorable event.

Da Nang is renowned for its spectacular fireworks festival, attracting the world’s best fireworks producers since 2008. The city is working hard to build a “Fireworks Festival City” reputation to make it a popular tourist destination in central Vietnam and throughout Asia. Visitors from around the globe have been drawn to the city’s vibrant displays of light and color, making it one of the most memorable experiences in the region.

The DIFF has helped the city win recognition as Asia’s Leading Festival & Event Destination in 2016 and 2022 by the World Travel Awards.

Vietnam remains leading destination for foreign investment inflows

Vietnam is still an attractive destination for foreign investment despite current hesitation from investors, according to Nguyen Xuan Thanh, a lecturer at the Fulbright School of Public Policy and Management. Despite this short-term caution, Vietnam has not yet lost its advantage as a desirable investment location.

Along with the ongoing global trend of decreasing investments, unnecessary procedures, tax incentives, and low licensing are causing investors to hesitate. Nevertheless, the Vietnamese market still offers numerous advantages for investors in the long run, according to Thanh. With these factors in consideration, the country remains a viable option for those looking to make investments.

Sharing this view, Michael Kokalari, the chief economist at the investment fund VinaCapital, stated that the nation will continue to be a prime destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly from multinationals looking to produce exports and seeking an alternative or additional manufacturing base to China, for the foreseeable future.

According to him, the new global corporate minimum tax (GMT) is unlikely to impede foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to the country, given that tax incentives are not the primary attraction for establishing a factory in the local area.

In 2021, over a hundred countries, including Vietnam, came to a consensus on the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)’s proposal for the Global Minimum Tax (GMT). This proposed tax rate would require companies with consolidated incomes of approximately US$850 million or more to pay a minimum of 15% corporate tax on their income, beginning this year.

The implementation of this agreement was subsequently postponed until 2024.

Some observers have also noted that planned Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Malaysia and Indonesia surged over the last two years, while Vietnam’s registered FDI was essentially stagnant.

However, investments into Malaysia and Indonesia were largely put into the production of goods that Vietnam does not produce, such as electric vehicle batteries, as reported by VOV.

Photo: VOV

Kokalari declared that Vietnam had drawn much more than its “due” portion of FDI since trade disputes between the United States and China appeared in 2018.

The Economist also mentioned Tim Cook’s visit to India in April, which spawned a plethora of articles outlining the intentions of Apple and others to build new factories there. However, it is vital to note that most products of these factories will be directed toward the Indian market. Therefore, new investments in India are not being driven by the “China 1” investment strategy that has been the impetus for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the Vietnamese market for the past decade, particularly since the start of the US-China trade tensions.

We do not perceive India as a threat to Vietnam’s FDI inflow and remain confident that FDI will continue to be one of the main growth drivers for Vietnam in the years to come. The current surge of new FDI declarations in India should not be interpreted as taking away investments from Vietnam,” Kokalari asserted.

Last month, Apple supplier Quanta Computer signed an agreement with the People’s Committee of the northern Vietnamese province of Nam Dinh to develop a large-scale computer factory at My Thuan Industrial Park. The deal marks the latest move in the tech giant’s continued expansion in the region.

In February, Nam Dinh’s neighbouring province of Thai Binh also granted an investment license to a US$260 million factory of Compal, another partner of Apple.

Meanwhile, the US multinational technology giant Apple‘s leading partner, Foxconn, is also set to build a project in the central province of Nghe An, following the successes of its projects in the northern provinces of Bac Giang and Bac Ninh.