Extension of E-visa Validity for Vietnam to Three Months Likely

Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue (R) receives US Senator Mike Crapo in Hanoi on May 26.

Vietnam considers US a leading partner in foreign policy

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue has greatly appreciated the impressive progress of the Vietnam – US partnership in recent times, asserting that Vietnam considers the US as a leading partner in its foreign policy.

On May 26, Hue welcomed a delegation of US Senators led by Senator Mike Crapo in Hanoi. Hue expressed her high appreciation for the US administration’s consistent support for a strong, independent, resilient, and prosperous Vietnam.

He recalled recent contacts and exchanges between the two sides, including a phone call between Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and US President Joe Biden in March of 2023 and a meeting between Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the expanded G7 Summit in Japan in May of 2023, hoping that the two sides would continue to foster closer ties by promoting high-level visits this year.

Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh has expressed appreciation for the United States’ efforts in strengthening cooperation with its partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, noting that it has helped make more active contributions to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region. “We highly value this,” said Minister Minh.

He expressed his hope that the United States would continue to show its strong commitment to upholding ASEAN centrality, the ASEAN-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and the Mekong – US Partnership through the implementation of new strategies and initiatives.

At the reception, the leader of the Vietnamese legislature and US Senators engaged in an open dialogue about the potential for collaboration between the two countries and the two legislative bodies in the near future, according to VOV. Their conversations concluded with a high level of agreement between the parties.

They agreed that economic cooperation remains a bright spot and a driving force for bilateral relations, with two-way trade turnover reaching a record of US$123 billion last year. Vietnam is currently one of the eight largest trading partners of the US, while the US is Vietnam’s biggest export market.

Hue urged the US Congress to not only sustain the maintenance of steady and long-term trade relations between the two countries but also to create favourable conditions for Vietnamese agricultural commodities such as pangasius, shrimp, and fruit to penetrate the US market.

He requested that the United States recognize Vietnam’s market economy regulations, highlighting the Southeast Asian economy’s participation in many new-generation Free Trade Agreements with exceptionally high market standards. Vietnam is devoted to engaging deeply in regional and international cooperation to further linkages and economic recovery, while safeguarding peace and stability for mutual benefit.

He commended the two sides for their close coordination during the negotiations of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and praised the United States for its efforts in driving the advancement of this framework.

Through this framework, Vietnam wishes to promote free, open, and fair trade and maintain a multilateral trading system based on international law, aiming to drive growth, sustainable development, and bring practical benefits to all nations in the region. Hue expressed that this would help ensure that the benefits of the trading system are shared by all.

Senator Mike Crapo and other Senators have reaffirmed the US’s commitment to promoting economic and trade cooperation with Vietnam. They welcomed the proposals of Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and highlighted the need to ‘reverse’ the US’s current investment position in Vietnam from No. 7 to No. 1. Moreover, the Senators expressed their belief that such an endeavour would be mutually beneficial to both countries.

The Senators highly praised Vietnam’s continuous efforts in regards to IPEF and hoped that all involved would make substantial strides towards achieving each goal of the collaboration framework. They applauded Vietnam’s involvement in the global trade sector and expressed their desire to collaborate with Vietnam in order to actualize their respective plans.

At the meeting, Hue voiced Vietnam’s strong support for the US in its role as the APEC Chair in 2023, expressing his hope that the US would reciprocate by backing Vietnam’s bid to host APEC Year 2027.

He expressed his appreciation for the US’ support of Vietnam and ASEAN’s stance on the East Sea, such as safeguarding freedom of navigation and overflight, and peacefully resolving disputes based on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The National Assembly Chairman, Vuong Dinh Hue, and Senators of the United States of America have concurred that the cooperation in overcoming the consequences of war remains a shining beacon in the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Senator Crapo and other members of the delegation reaffirmed their commitment to promoting more effective cooperation between the United States and Vietnam in this field.

The two sides expressed their desire to further strengthen cooperation between the two legislative bodies by increasing the exchange of delegations. They hope that this will help to better promote mutual understanding and strengthen their partnership.

On this remarkable occasion, Hue has invited the United States to take part in the Ninth Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians of the International Parliamentary Union (IPU), which will be hosted by the National Assembly of Vietnam in Hanoi on September 2023. This is an excellent opportunity for the US to engage in meaningful dialogue and exchange ideas with their peers from around the world.

New Zealand highly values potential for cooperation with Vietnam

Deputy Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand Vangelis Vitalis has emphasised the importance of further strengthening the trade ties between Vietnam and New Zealand, expressing his conviction that the two nations will expand their cooperation to other areas in the near future. He noted that by doing so, both countries will be able to reap the benefits of increased economic cooperation.

Vitalis highlighted the outcomes of the 8th meeting of the Vietnam-New Zealand Joint Trade and Economic Commission (JTEC), which was recently held in Hanoi. He emphasized that the two sides focused on practical issues that would benefit their businesses and citizens. He noted that the meeting resulted in concrete agreements that will help to further strengthen the economic partnership between the two countries. This includes the development of a bilateral investment agreement and an air services agreement, which will allow for increased trade and tourism between the two nations. The JTEC also discussed ways to enhance cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, health, education, and tourism.

According to the Deputy Secretary, the two sides discussed customs procedures to make it easier for businesses on both sides to export goods to each respective country. During their discussion, they emphasized the need for electronic certification and set up a process to check each other’s agriculture-related activities.

He emphasized the commitment of both sides to achieving the goal of $2 billion in two-way trade by 2024.

The completion of the market opening process for Vietnam’s lemons and grapefruits, as well as New Zealand’s squash and strawberries, in late 2022 has demonstrated a concerted effort to bring the two countries closer to their shared goal. This achievement has been a major milestone in the two countries’ progress towards achieving their objectives.

Vietnam and New Zealand have been forging a strong partnership in the field of agriculture, which has been beneficial to both of their peoples. Not only have they been able to procure high-quality agricultural products at economical prices, but also the cooperation has helped both countries to increase their respective agricultural productivity.

He mentioned the possibility for New Zealand to export medical management software products to Vietnamese hospitals, highlighting the advantages of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA). This agreement not only provides Vietnamese hospitals with access to advanced software products but also allows Vietnamese engineers to work in New Zealand.

There are numerous prospects for both countries to foster multifaceted cooperation in the near future, further fortifying their bilateral ties, the leader continued.

Deputy Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand Vangelis Vitalis speaks at the 8th meeting of the Vietnam-New Zealand Joint Trade and Economic Commission (JTEC). (Photo: VNA)

Vitalis asserts that education is the most critical sector in bilateral relations, suggesting that both sides should accelerate their collaboration in this area. By doing so, they can leverage the potential of educational exchange and cooperation to maximize mutual benefits. This could include sharing resources, developing joint programs, and creating more opportunities for students and educators from both countries. Ultimately, this could lead to a deeper understanding and stronger relationship between the two nations.

New Zealand can provide top-tier training programs to Vietnam, allowing them to capitalize on the Oceania nation’s renowned educational standards. By taking advantage of this, Vietnam can benefit greatly from the high-quality education offered.

Regarding investment in Vietnam, Vitalis expressed that his country places a high priority on investing in high-quality sectors that can bring about positive transformations, such as in the areas of health and education. These investments, he noted, not only have great potential to benefit Vietnam, but also bring a positive impact to New Zealand.

Trade between Vietnam and New Zealand has been on an upward trajectory since the two countries established a comprehensive partnership in 2009, with an average annual increase of 14.2%, as reported by the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

Vietnam was New Zealand’s 13th largest trading partner in 2022, with two-way trade reaching 1.2 billion USD, an increase of 14% year-on-year. The growing relationship between the two countries reflects their commitment to strengthening economic ties. Both countries have invested heavily in developing bilateral trade agreements, providing a framework for increased trade and investment. This has enabled the two countries to benefit from mutually beneficial economic opportunities. Additionally, Vietnam has become an increasingly attractive destination for New Zealanders, with many businesses setting up operations in the country. As a result, there has been an increase in the number of New Zealanders visiting Vietnam, further deepening the relationship between the two countries. The future looks promising for the two nations as they continue to work together to build strong economic ties.

The two sides have established a target of increasing their two-way trade to 2 billion USD by 2024.

It has been playing an important role in increasing bilateral economic and trade ties. The cooperation mechanism has been instrumental in facilitating cooperation in various fields such as agriculture, trade, finance, investment, and technology.

Established in 2006, the Joint Trade and Economic Cooperation (JTEC) mechanism is a key factor in the development of economic and trade ties between the two countries. Since its inception, the cooperation mechanism has been vital in promoting collaboration in various areas such as agriculture, trade, finance, investment, and technology. It has been instrumental in propelling bilateral economic and trade relations to greater heights.

At the 8th meeting, the two sides agreed to reinforce their bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, and economy. This includes multilateral trade talks, agricultural and agribusiness, clean technology, the growth of agricultural supply chains, education, aviation, and tourism. They made a commitment to collaborate closely in these areas to drive mutual economic growth.

Vietnam likely to extend e-visa validity to three months

On May 27, Vietnamese Minister of Public Security, To Lam, submitted amendments to a bill to the National Assembly, proposing to extend the duration of e-visas from a maximum of 30 days to up to three months.

The Ministry of Vietnam proposed that e-visa holders be allowed to enter and exit the country multiple times during the validity period of their visa.

Under the existing legislation governing the entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam, a foreigner can apply for an e-visa that is valid for a single entry and up to 30 days.

Lawmakers of the current session of the National Assembly are set to voice their opinions on the proposed amendments on May 27 in the afternoon.

The National Defense and Security Committee of the National Assembly, which oversees the bill, agreed with the proposal that regulating the validity of e-visas multiple times would create beneficial conditions for foreigners when they enter and exit the country. This would reduce administrative procedures, as well as save time and costs.

Foreign tourists on an international cruise docking at the coastal city of Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province, come on the mainland for sightseeing in March 2023. Photo: VNA

The Vietnamese government has announced an extension of the validity of e-visas, designed to meet the needs of international travelers and foreign investors entering the country to explore business and investment opportunities. This move provides an invaluable opportunity for those looking to gain access to Vietnam’s burgeoning economy and further their investment prospects.

Some members of the committee posed the question to the bill drafting agency as to why the validity of the EV should not be longer than three months, while others suggested that it should be extended up to a maximum of six months.

The bill watchdog concurred with the plan to extend the list of nations with e-visa access, pointing out that the current policy which permits citizens of 80 countries and regions to request an e-visa to enter Vietnam has not yet fulfilled the demands of international tourists and investors in Vietnam.

The committee recently agreed to a proposal to increase the validity period of temporary residence certificates given to individuals subject to unilateral visa exemptions when crossing border gates, as reported by Vietnam News Agency (VNA). The new validity period is now set at a maximum of 45 days, compared to the previous 15 days.

As of 2023, citizens of 25 countries can travel to Vietnam without having to apply for a visa, with visitors allowed to stay for an average of 14 to 30 days. Additionally, other countries in Southeast Asia such as Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand offer visa exemption policies to citizens from 158, 166, 169, 157 and 70 countries and territories, respectively, when entering their territories.

The bill watchdog proposed that the bill drafting agency expand the list of countries and territories and relax unilateral visa exemption conditions, with the aim of facilitating tourism and investment activities in Vietnam. Doing so would enable the country to capitalize on the potential of these activities, helping to boost its economy and strengthen its international relations.

Lawmakers are set to cast their votes on amendments on June 24.

Most localities record very high-risk UV levels

Most of the provinces and cities across the nation have recorded a high to very high risk of ultraviolet radiation harm on May 27th, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting. The levels of ultraviolet radiation in these areas were classified as “high” and “very high” respectively.

The Ultraviolet (UV) Index in several cities across Vietnam reached highly hazardous levels between 11 AM and 2 PM on the same day. Quang Ninh province’s Ha Long recorded an index of 9.4, while the city of Hai Phong registered a score of 9.4 as well. Hanoi had an index of 8.4, while Thua Thien-Hue province’s Hue city had a score of 9.4. Da Nang’s index was 9.8 and Quang Nam province’s Hoi An recorded a score of 9.6. The city of Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa province had an index of 8.4, while Ho Chi Minh City had an index of 8.5. Can Tho and Ca Mau province’s Ca Mau city had indices of 7.7 and 9.6 respectively.

The Central Weather Bureau has warned that the UV index is expected to remain at “high” and “very high” levels (7.0 – 10.0) across the country from May 28 to 30. These levels can be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken, so the public is advised to take the necessary steps to protect themselves from the sun’s harmful rays.

According to VNA, the UV index scale has three levels: moderate (2.5 – 5.4), high (5.5 – 7.4) and very high (7.5 – 10.4).

Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

At the “very high” level, if the skin is exposed to the sun unprotectedly for 25 minutes or more, it can result in sunburn due to the UV rays.

If the UV index is 10.5 or higher, it is considered “extremely high” and can cause skin damage or eye burns after only 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure.

Vietnam ready for AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup’s second qualifying round

The Vietnam national U20 women’s team is gearing up for their second qualifying round for the 2024 AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup, taking place in Viet Tri City in Phu Tho Province next month. The team is eager to make a strong impression and secure a spot in the tournament. They have been training hard and are ready to show off their skills on the field. With the support of their passionate fans, they are sure to put in a great performance.

Vietnam, who topped Group F in the opening qualifying round, will be competing in Group A alongside Australia, Iran, and Lebanon in the subsequent qualifier.

“Coach Akira Ijiri noted that Vietnam’s opponents in the qualifier are formidable, noting that “Australia is the strongest, but Iran and Lebanon have been particularly strong in recent years. It’s going to be a tough challenge, but Vietnam is ready to give it their all.”

Vietnam underwent an intensive training trip to Japan in preparation for the upcoming AFC event. During the trip, they played three friendly matches against Seisa Academy, JFA Fukushima Academy, and Tokyo High School.

According to Coach Ijiri, this training was an invaluable experience, providing young players with tremendous professional progress in terms of skills, speed, and strength.

The Vietnam national football team will be traveling to Phu Tho on May 28th for a training camp in preparation for their upcoming tournament, according to a report by Vietnam News Service (VNS). The team is expected to use the camp to sharpen their skills and refine their strategies in order to gain an edge over their opponents.

The Vietnamese national U20 female team at a training session in Japan. Photo: VFF

According to the schedule, the hosts Vietnam will face off against Iran, Lebanon and Australia on June 3, 5, and 7, respectively, all at 7.00pm.

In the upcoming second qualifying round, teams will battle it out in a round-robin format. At the end of the round, the top two teams in each group will move on to the final round next year, alongside the top three teams from last season, which include Japan, South Korea, North Korea and host Uzbekistan.

The organizers of Group A will be hosting a press conference on June 2 at the Sai Gon Phu Tho Hotel in Viet Tri City. Be sure to mark your calendars and join us for this exciting event!

The Australian team will be visiting Vietnam on May 27 to take part in a brief training session at the PVF – Youth Football Training Centre in Hung Yen Province. Afterward, they will move to Viet Tri to join the tournament, starting on June 1.

The members of the referee team, supervisors, and Iranian and Lebanese squads will arrive in Vietnam on May 31.

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