Vietnam News Update (December 2): President’s Japan Trip Results in Extensive Achievements

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son. (Photo: VNA)

President’s Japan visit yields comprehensive outcomes: FM

President Vo Van Thuong’s freshly-concluded visit to Japan has reaped significant and comprehensive achievements, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son told the press.

The President, his spouse, and a high-ranking delegation of Vietnam arrived at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on November 30 evening, concluding theỉ four-day official visit to Japan at the invitation of the Japanese State.

Son stressed that the Japan visit, the first by Thuong in his capacity as the head of state, demonstrates the thriving relations between the two countries, and called it a hallmark in a series of about 500 events celebrating the 50th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties.

A highlight of the visit was the issuance of a joint statement on the elevation of the relationship to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World”, he continued.

The upgrade reflects the high political trust and maturity of the Vietnam-Japan relations, and opens up a new period of more substantive and effective development cooperation in all fields, for the sake of the two peoples, and for peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region and the world.

The official said the two sides reached high consensus on major orientations for the bilateral ties, emphasizing that President Thuong and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio had an in-depth discussion during which they agreed on specific measures to strengthen multifaceted cooperation between the two countries, including strengthening all-level exchanges and contacts, further deepening cooperation in economy, trade, investment, official development assistance (ODA) and labor, strengthening collaboration in national defense and security, and expanding cooperation in such new spheres as emission reduction, clean energy, digital transformation and green transition.

The two countries will also step up people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between localities, and enhance coordination in regional and international issues of shared concern.

Japan reiterated its support for Vietnam to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Year 2027 and its willingness to coordinate with the Southeast Asian nation to successfully organize this event, Son said.

On this occasion, the two sides signed five cooperation documents covering energy transition, health care, and the improvement of law enforcement capacity at sea, space technology and cultural heritage, cited VNA.

The minister stressed that nearly 40 activities within the visit reflects the high trust and closeness between the leaders, peoples and localities of the two countries.

Another highlight of the visit was the President’s delivering a speech at the National Diet of Japan, in which he sent out a message to all Japanese leaders and public on an innovative, open, peace-loving Vietnam that aspires for development; its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation, development, diversification multilateralization of relations, and being a friend, reliable partner and responsible member of the international community; and its wish to foster cooperation with Japan, Son went on.

The official expressed his belief that Thuong’s visit to Fukuoka prefecture will create new momentum for cooperation between Vietnamese localities and the Kyushu region.

The minister suggested the two countries focus on implementing the comprehensive partnership with priorities given to raising political trust, which can be achieved by maintaining annual high-level exchanges and contacts in many flexible forms and on all the Party, State, Government, and National Assembly channels.

They should put forth orientations for cooperation in specific fields such as fostering economic links; expanding collaboration in emerging areas like semiconductor, innovation, technology transfer, digital transformation and green transition; and intensifying human resources connections, and promoting people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between localities.

Son also proposed that Vietnam and Japan maintain their close coordination at regional and international organizations and forums, including the United Nations, ASEAN, Mekong, and APEC.

The minister expressed his belief that with the comprehensive strategic partnership framework, the Vietnam – Japan relations will develop strongly and practically in all spheres, especially in the above-said priority realms.

Vietnamese e-commerce services likely to reach US$20.5 billion this year

Vietnam’s e-commerce services have grown considerably at between 16% and 30% annually over the past few years, with market size likely to hit US$20.5 billion this year, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT).

Unveiling the figures at the Vietnam E-commerce Development Conference in Hanoi on December 1, MoIT Deputy Minister Do Thang Hai emphasized that with such levels of continuous growth, the country’s e-commerce has become an important component of the digital economy.

Vietnamese e-commerce is not only growing rapidly and strongly but also developing sustainably, leading to the formation of secondary service supply systems for the market, including technology platform services supporting e-commerce transactions, marketing services, online marketing and delivery services, helping to optimize links between manufacturers and consumers, said Hai.

Apart from positive results, however, he admitted the domestic e-commerce market has also encountered numerous difficulties in ensuring origin of goods, the confidentiality of personal information, and consumer confidence in transactions, according to VOV.

An overview of the Vietnam E-commerce Development Conference.

Furthermore, logistics infrastructure is yet to keep pace with the fast growth of e-commerce services, pointed out the Deputy Minister.

Meanwhile, Le Hoang Oanh, director of the Department of E-Commerce and Digital Economy, stressed the need to pay due attention to maintaining steady growth, meeting the requirements of the green trend, as well as protecting the environment and consumers to develop e-commerce in a sustainable manner.

At the event, the Ministry of Industry and Trade launched a digital ecosystem model to sustainably develop e-commerce, including digital transformation activities, the development of digital infrastructure, and solutions to protect the legitimate rights of consumers and stakeholders that participate in e-commerce transactions.

A signing ceremony of a co-operation agreement took place at the event among management agencies, e-commerce platforms, payment intermediaries, and banks in a bid to protect stakeholders involved in the digital ecosystem and consumer rights.

Vietnamese, Chinese firms seal 21 deals across sectors

Vietnamese firms and their Chinese peers inked 21 agreements and economic contracts in agro-forestry-fishery import and export, trade, logistics, and high-tech agriculture at a November 30 business networking forum held in the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh.

The forum took place as part of the ongoing 15th Vietnam-China tourism and trade fair in Mong Cai city. It was held to enable managers, policy planners, and businesses from both countries to exchange information, identify difficulties and challenges, and propose measures to promote their trade of agro- forestry-fishery products, VNA reported.

Vietnamese firms and their Chinese peers sign 21 agreements and economic contracts at a November 30 business networking forum held in the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh. (Photo: VNA)

Opening the forum, Le Thanh Hoa, Deputy Director of the Department of Quality, Processing, and Market Development under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, stated that China is the largest export market for Vietnam’s agro- forestry-fishery goods, especially farm produce, fruit, and seafood.

However, these products have yet to deeply penetrate the domestic Chinese market and connect with large corporations, modern distribution channels, online sales networks, and large supermarkets in China.

Fu Zhenghua, deputy head of the municipal Party Committee office of China’s Fangchenggang port city, said both sides need to actively implement standardized management of imported and exported goods and promote their linkage of standards related to quality, packaging, labeling, food safety, and source traceability. Efforts should be made to add more products such as frozen seafood, jellyfish, pharmaceuticals, and traditional medicines to their trading list.

Ho Chi Minh City listed among 10 Asian places to ring in New Year 2024

Ho Chi Minh City, the most populous city and largest financial hub in Vietnam, has been named among the top 10 places to celebrate the new year in Asia by travel website Asiahighlight.com.

The southern city is a great place for travelers to enjoy the biggest party of the year in Vietnam, offering an unforgettable experience for New Year’s Eve, the foreign media outlet stressed.

Thousands of people usually celebrate this special time with their friends and families along the Saigon River as they wait for the midnight fireworks near the Bitexco Tower, once the tallest building in the country, cited VOV.

Ho Chi Minh City is among the top 10 places to celebrate the new year in Asia (Photo: Chill Sky Bar)

The travel website also suggested that if tourists don’t want to join the crowds, then they should instead take a cruise on the Saigon River to admire the colourful fireworks displays.

There are numerous nice restaurants or rooftop bars on offer throughout the city where travelers can spend the whole afternoon waiting for the countdown and the midnight fireworks.

Asiahighlight.com recommended that for a short trip, tourists could spend time exploring the oldest Buddhist shrines in Ho Chi Minh City, such as Giac Lam Pagoda. The War Remnants Museum is also a good place to learn more about the Vietnam War.

Another fantastic trip is the Bonsai River Cruise, which allows travelers to take in night views of the city along the river, writer Mike Ho shared.

Bangkok, the amazing capital of Thailand, is one of the most popular destinations in Asia for welcoming in the New Year thanks to its fantastic and colourful fireworks on New Year’s Eve and great parties.

Siem Reap (Cambodia) is full of flea markets and many temples, ranking second in the list.

Elsewhere, Singapore and Bali (Indonesia) came third and fourth, respectively. The others in the top 10 consist of Goa (India), Kyoto (Japan), Vientiane (Laos), Hong Kong (China), and Unawatuna (Sri Lanka).

Fantastic fireworks, exciting street countdown parties, friendly people, and rich travel opportunities, not to mention warmer weather, make Asia a perfect place for the festive season, according to Asiahighlight.com.

PM Chinh arrives in Dubai, starting activities at COP28

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his spouse and the Vietnamese delegation arrived at Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai city, late November 30, starting a trip to attend the World Climate Action Summit in the framework of the 28th United Nations climate change conference (COP28) and bilateral activities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from November 30 to December 3, at the invitation of the UAE Government.

The PM and his entourage were met at the airport by representatives from the COP28 organizers and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Vietnamese Ambassador to the UAE Nguyen Manh Tuan, among others.

During his stay, PM Chinh is scheduled to attend and speak at important conferences, forums and discussions within the framework of COP28, and hold bilateral meetings with leaders of countries and international organizations. He will also engage in bilateral activities with the UAE, cited VNS.

A welcome ceremony held for PM Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse at Al Maktoum international airport, Dubai. Photo: VNS

The Prime Minister’s participation in COP28 sends a strong message to the international community about a proactive, active and responsible Vietnam in addressing one of the biggest and most concerned global challenges today, climate change, and at the same time, affirms Vietnam’s role and position in regional and international cooperation frameworks, along with its consistent policy on building a green, circular economy and proactively responding to climate change.

Regarding bilateral relations with the UAE, Vietnam and the UAE are seeing their cooperation flourishing after 30 years of diplomatic establishment (1993-2023). The two sides share the wish to enhance cooperation in all fields. Recently, the two sides have regularly exchanged delegations at all levels and regularly supported each other at international forums and organizations.

The UAE is the leading trade and investment partner of Vietnam in the Middle East with bilateral annual trade turnover averaging around US$5 billion in recent years. It is also one of the major foreign investors in Vietnam with 38 investment projects. At present there are about 4,500 Vietnamese workers working in the Middle East country.