Category: Politics

Budapest: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted separate receptions for leaders of the Hungary-Vietnam Friendship Association, the Hungarian Socialist Party and the Hungarian Workers’ Party in Budapest on January 20 morning (local time), as part of his official visit to the European country.

Receiving President of the Hungary-Vietnam Friendship Association Laszlo Botz, PM Chinh affirmed that Vietnam always treasures the affection and valuable support of the Hungarian Government and people for its past struggle for national independence and reunification and the current nation building and development cause, during which the association has played an important role and made great contributions.

Laszlo Botz praised the good outcomes of Chinh’s visit to Hungary, noting his belief that after the visit, Vietnam – Hungary cooperation will continue to develop in all fields, including in people-to-people diplomacy in general and activities of his association in particular.

He proposed Vietnam work with Hungary in
stepping up people-to-people exchanges, and create favourable conditions for their people to understand more about the other’s land, people and culture.

Receiving Co-President of the Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP) Ágnes Kunhalmi, PM Chinh said that one of the purposes of his visit is to promote relations between the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and Hungarian parties so as to contribute to strengthening the two countries’ fine traditional relationship.

Ágnes Kunhalmi stated that the MSZP always backs and promotes Hungary-Vietnam relations, and has made important contributions to Hungary’s foreign policy, which prioritises relations with Vietnam.

Chinh affirmed that Vietnam supports Hungary’s spirit of great solidarity, for a strong Hungary and wealthy and happy Hungarian people. He expressed his hope that the Hungarian Socialist Party will continue to back the recognition of the Vietnamese community in Hungary as an ethnic minority group, to join with other ethnic groups to build a strong and prospero
us Hungary.

At his meeting with President of the Hungarian Workers’ Party Gyula Thrmer, the Vietnamese Government leader said that Vietnam always treasures and hopes to enhance its traditional relations with Hungary, thus contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the regions and the world.

He proposed the two parties increase information sharing and delegation exchanges to promote mutual understanding, political trust, and the exchange of theoretical and practical issues.

Gyula Thrmer said he will support the Hungarian Government’s policy towards Vietnam, and foster friendship and cooperation between his party and the CPV.

On the same day, PM Chinh visited the Thang Long trade centre – the first and largest invested, managed and operated by Vietnamese people in Hungary – in Budapest.

Later on the day, the PM and his entourage left Budapest for an official visit to Romania at an invitation of Romanian PM Ion-Marcel Ciolacu./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Bucharest: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his spouse and a high-level Vietnamese delegation arrived in Bucharest on January 20 afternoon (local time), beginning an official visit to Romania at the invitation of Prime Minister Ion-Marcel Ciolacu.

The visit is the first delegation exchange at the prime ministerial level between the two countries in five years, taking place in the context of good development of the over-70-year-old Vietnam – Romania traditional ties and cooperation.

During his stay in Romania, PM Chinh will hold talks and have meetings with the Prime Minister, the President, the President of the Senate and the President of the Chamber of Deputies of Romania.

He will visit some Romanian localities and universities, attend the Vietnam – Romania business forum, receive representatives from the Romania – Vietnam Friendship Association, and meet staff at the Vietnamese Embassy and the Vietnamese community in the country.

The visit aims at deepening the traditional friendship and multifaceted coo
peration between the two countries, creating new driving forces to bolster bilateral collaboration across the fields of Romania’s strengths and in line with Vietnam’s development needs such as agriculture, processing and manufacturing, and healthcare. Besides, it is expected to strengthen business cooperation and lure investment in potential fields, contributing to creating favourable conditions for the Vietnam – European Union ties./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Kampala: Vietnam has been elected as a Vice President of the Executive Committee of the 19th Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) Summit, representing the Asia – Pacific region.

Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan is leading the Vietnamese delegation to the event, which opened in Kapala Uganda on January 19.

In his opening remarks, Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni affirmed that with its theme on deepening cooperation for global prosperity, the summit offered an opportunity for NAM member states to overcome differences and consolidate solidarity to re-position and promote the voice of the movement in the world full of uncertainties.

He called on countries to join hands to protect the movement’s values and principles of peace, independence, development, respect of quality, sovereignty and territorial integrity and non-inteference in internal affairs of states, and settlement of disputes through peaceful means without use or threat of force.

President of the UN General Assembly Dennis Francis spoke highly of the
NAM’s historical role in the struggle for national liberation of colonial countries, affirming that the movement has gathered strong forces that support efforts to consolidate multilateralism, uphold the UN Charter and international laws, and boost cooperation for a world of peace, stability, equality and prosperity.

On the sidelines of the two-day summit, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan had meetings with several foreign leaders.

Meeting with Cuban Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa, Xuan affirmed that despite any changes in the world, Vietnam has and will always treasure, preserve and deepen the traditional solidarity and comprehensive cooperation with Cuba. She reiterated Vietnam’s consistent stance on supporting Cuba and objecting to the unilateral sanctions and embargoes against Cuba.

She suggested both sides strengthen cooperation to enhance trade, investment and agriculture, making the economic relations on par with the sound political ones, in line with and meets the expectations of leaders of the t
wo Parties and States.

The Cuban leader thanked Vietnam for assisting Cuba to overcome formidable challenges posed by embargo to develop socio-economy, and described the Vietnam – Cuba relations as a symbol of exemplary solidarity which has been nurtured by generations of leaders from both sides.

He said he will direct ministries and sectors to coordinate with the Vietnamese side to bolster cooperation across trade and investment and agriculture between the two countries.

The two leaders affirmed continued coordination at multilateral forums such as the UN, the NAM and G77 group on issues of mutual concern.

Receiving Vice President of Benin Mariam Chabi Talata, Xuan underscored that Vietnam wants to enhance the friendship and multi-faceted cooperation with African countries, including Benin.

Based on the good political relations, the two countries should promote delegation exchanges, implement cooperation mechanisms in an effective fashion, and promote trade and investment, she said, adding with their st
rategic geographical positions, they should help each other to cooperate with ASEAN, the African Union and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Mariam Chabi Talata, for her part, said Benin sees Vietnam as a model of sustainable development, stressing both sides hold huge potential to cooperate in the areas of trade, investment, agricultural machines and vocational training.

Meeting with the President of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), Xuan held that Vietnam attaches importance to multilateralism and supports the central role of the UN in global management system and response to common challenges.

As an active and responsible member of the international community, Vietnam will make positive contributions to the UNGA President’s priorities, including peace consolidation through promoting international cooperation and solidarity, the UN’s reform, and realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

She underscored that climate change response, digital transformation and green growth are Viet
nam’s top priorities to realise its target of becoming a developed industrialised country by 2045, asking countries and the UN support Vietnam to complete its strategic target.

Francis agreed with Xuan’s recommendations and spoke highly of the cooperation between Vietnam and the UN over the past 45 years.

Vietnam, with its important role and position in the international arena, could contribute to settling issues of the international community’s concern, he said.

He shared Vietnam and ASEAN’s stance on handling disputes in the East Sea in a peaceful manner based on international law, including the UNCLOS 1982, and affirmed continued cooperation with Vietnam to promote the compliance to the UN Charter, international law and multilateralism./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Bucharest: On the threshold of his official visit to Romania, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh granted an interview to the Romanian media on Vietnam’s development experiences, important policies of the 13th National Party Congress and the prospects of the Vietnam-Romania relationship.

The PM reviewed significant historical milestones over the nearly 40 years of reforms in Vietnam, including an over-53-time increase in the economy’s scale and 28-time rise in per capita income. The poverty rate has decreased from 60% in the early 1990s to 2.93% in 2023. Vietnam has fulfilled Millennium Development Goals ahead of schedule, ranking high in human development among economies of similar development levels.

He went on to say that the country ranks high in human development among economies of similar development levels, and plays a crucial role in global and regional supply chains, being one of the world’s 20 largest economies with a network of 16 signed FTAs and 3 FTAs under negotiation.

PM Chinh noted that despite
global complexities in recent years, Vietnam has maintained a stable macroeconomic foundation, controlled inflation, promoted economic growth, ensured major economic balances, and kept state budget, public debt, and foreign debt below regulated limits. In 2023, key indicators such as CPI, GDP growth, trade surplus, and FDI attraction demonstrated robust performance, particularly in the agriculture sector, contributing significantly to both domestic food security and global supply.

According to him, those significant achievements are attributed to various factors and practical experiences, among which there are five outstanding lessons.

First of all is the firm commitment to national independence and socialism, which is a fundamental principle aligned with Vietnam’s revolutionary path and essential in the ideological legacy of President Ho Chi Minh.

Second, the revolution is of the people, by the people, and for the people, with the people placed at the center and considered the subject, the driving force,
the goal, and the most important resource for development.

Third is the lesson of constant consolidation and strengthening of unity: unity within the Party, unity within the people, unity among ethnic groups, and international unity. Unity is also a fundamental factor in garnering support and assistance from progressive forces worldwide for democracy, progress, and peace.

Fourth is the need to combine the strength of the nation with the strength of the times, domestic strength with international strength.

Fifth, the sound leadership by the Party is the foremost factor determining the success of the Vietnamese revolution.

Asked about how Vietnam manages to harmonise communist ideals with certain principles of a market economy, the PM said the significant achievements in developing a socialist-oriented market economy in line with the communist ideals in Vietnam in recent years are primarily thanks to a solid grasp of Marxist-Leninist principles, the ideology of Ho Chi Minh, the innovative application of the
m to Vietnam’s specific conditions, and the embodiment of a patriotic spirit rooted in the country’s cultural and historical traditions.

He stressed that Vietnam’s socialist-oriented market economy is characterised by modern market principles, international integration, and efficient operation following the laws of the market economy. It is managed by the socialist law-governed state, led by the Communist Party of Vietnam, ensuring a socialist orientation for the goal of a prosperous, strong, democratic, just, and civilised country.

The PM said this economy features diverse forms of ownership, with the state sector playing a leading role, continuous consolidation and development of collective and cooperative economies, and a significant contribution from the private sector as a crucial driving force. Encouraging and developing foreign direct investment (FDI) is part of the strategy, evident in Vietnam attracting 36.6 billion USD in FDI in 2023, a more than 32% increase compared to 2022, even amidst challeng
ing global conditions. Such success demonstrates Vietnam’s attractiveness to the international business community and foreign investors, he said.

Chinh explained that in the socialist-oriented market economy, the state manages through policies, laws, strategies, and planning, utilizing market mechanisms, market tools, and the laws of value, supply and demand, and competition. The state regulates these factors harmoniously, effectively releasing production potential and mobilising and utilising resources efficiently. The state issues and effectively enforces a legal system, mechanisms, and policies to create a transparent, fair legal environment conducive to the development of economic components and economic entities. The State regulation is aimed at achieving development goals in each period, connecting economic development with the realisation of social progress and justice, and addressing market mechanism shortcomings, ensuring a balanced benefit, creating a favourable environment and conditions for rapid
and sustainable development.

Regarding the most important decisions made by the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, especially the short-term and medium-term development goals of Vietnam, PM Chinh stressed that the 13th Party Congress clearly defined the goal of striving for Vietnam to become a developing country with modern industry by 2025, surpassing the low average income level; By 2030, it will be a developing country with modern industry and upper middle income, and by 2045 it will be a developed country with high income.

He said to achieve the above strategic goals, Vietnam focuses on building the foundational elements for rapid, sustainable development – that is socialist democracy, the socialist rule of law state and the socialist-oriented market economy.

The country is promoting the implementation of three strategic breakthroughs on institutional improvement, human resource development and building a synchronous and modern infrastructure system.

Vietnam is building an indep
endent and self-reliant economy associated with active and proactive international economic integration, and at the same time, focuses on implementing major policies and guidelines in all fields in the short, medium and long term.

The Vietnamese Government leader highlighted the country’s diplomatic achievements, saying that guided by the spirit of “putting aside the past, respecting differences, promoting commonalities, looking to the future,” Vietnam has orchestrated a transformative journey-turning erstwhile adversaries into steadfast allies, replacing confrontation with constructive dialogue, and evolving into a beacon of healing and progress.

Vietnam now boasts diplomatic ties with 193 countries worldwide. Within its circle of 30 strategic and comprehensive partners, five are permanent members of the UN Security Council, seven belong to the G7, and 16 align with the G20-a testament to Vietnam’s global resonance, he said.

The PM attributed this success to a foreign policy deeply rooted in practicality,
inheriting and advancing Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh’s diplomatic legacy. Embodied in the metaphor of “Vietnamese bamboo: solid roots, strong trunk, flexible branches,” this diplomatic identity reflects Vietnam’s unwavering commitment to self-reliance, national benefit, and a spirit of solidarity, kindness, and loyalty.

This foreign policy, marked by independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation, development, diversification, multilateralization, initiative, and active integration, is implemented with solidity, flexibility, and adaptability across all facets of governance. Vietnam’s dynamic approach, combined with achievements in socio-economic development and an unyielding commitment to the “four nos” defense policy, has elevated the nation’s international standing.

As the regional and global landscape continues its unpredictable evolution, marked by unprecedented challenges, Vietnam’s foreign affairs confront new difficulties. Yet, with a shared wish to collaborate with other nations an
d the international community, Vietnam stands ready to proactively, positively, and effectively contribute to preserving a peaceful, stable, and conducive environment for rapid and sustainable development, the PM said.

Regarding the Vietnam-Romania ties, Chinh said Vietnam and Romania share a longstanding and robust traditional friendship and cooperative relationship, which has been flourishing for almost 75 years. He noted that Romania is one of the earliest nations to formally recognise Vietnam, extending invaluable support and assistance during Vietnam’s fight to reclaim national independence and reunification, as well as its ongoing journey towards nation-building and development.

He underlined that approximately 4,000 Vietnamese officials and experts have been trained with the help of Romania, constituting a significant intellectual asset crucial for the country’s progress and prosperity.

The PM also highlighted that Romania has played an active role in assisting Vietnam with the EU Free Trade Agreeme
nt negotiations, leading to the ratification and implementation of the Vietnam – EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). Moreover, Romania was among the pioneering EU members to endorse the EU – Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), showcasing its support for enhanced economic integration between Vietnam and the European Union. During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, when global health was in peril, Romania distinguished itself as the first EU country to provide vaccine aid to Vietnam.

Vietnam holds in high regard and is deeply thankful for the timely, generous, and heartfelt aid extended by the Romanian government and its people, Chinh said.

He praised Romania’s notable socio-economic advancements in recent times, particularly its persistent economic growth despite global uncertainties, consistently ranking among the upper echelons within the EU.

PM Chinh noted that in tandem with Romania’s achievements, the bilateral relationship with Vietnam is witnessing substantial progress across multiple sec
tors. Trade exchanges have solidified, with two-way turnover nearly doubling from 261 million USD in 2019 to 425 million USD by 2022. Additionally, both nations have inked an Education Cooperation Program for the period of 2023 – 2026, deepening their collaborative efforts in the field of education. People-to-people exchanges are increasingly robust as more Romanian tourists explore Vietnam.

The PM affirmed that with significant opportunities for collaboration and ample potential within the framework of the established and cordial traditional ties between the two countries, Vietnam aspires to enhance its cooperative relationship with Romania. Vietnam wants to fortify political trust by increasing the exchange of delegations at all levels and through every channel; intensify participation in multilateral and regional forums; and create new milestones in trade and investment, solidifying them as cornerstones of the bilateral relations.

He went on to say that Vietnam is keen to advance collaboration in sectors
where Romania possesses expertise and Vietnam has potential, including education, culture, civil society, labor, and the burgeoning spheres of digital economics, green and circular economies, science and technology, artificial intelligence, and emergent industries.

He also called for the Romanian Government’s continued support in safeguarding the legitimate rights of Vietnamese workers in Romania, facilitating conditions conducive to the Vietnamese community’s integration and stable long-term business pursuits, and enhancing their role as a conduit between the two nations.

The PM also shared memories of the time he studied in Romania and worked at the Vietnamese Embassy in Bucharest. He said he believes that this visit will serve as an impetus for further enrichment, deepening, and practical advancement of the amicable ties between the two countries. Such enhancement serves not just the two peoples, but also fosters peace, collaboration, and progress on a regional and global scale, he said./.

Source: Viet
nam News Agency

Hanoi: The 15th National Assembly’s fifth extraordinary meeting wrapped up on January 18 morning in the presence of NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue.

In his speech at closing the session, the top legislator said the meeting completed its entire agenda in the 3.5 days of sitting, passing the amended Land Law and amended Law on Credit Institutions.

Consisting of 16 chapters and 260 articles, the revised land law specifies the land ownership regime, rights, and responsibilities of the state representing the collective ownership of the people over land. It also addresses unified land management, land use and management regimes, as well as the rights and obligations of citizens and land users regarding land within the country’s territory.

The amended law, except for some of its specific provisions, will come into force on January 1, 2025.

Meanwhile, the amended Law on Credit Institutions comprise 15 chapters and 210 articles, will be effective from July 1 this year.

Regarding mechanisms to decentralise the manageme
nt and implementation of national target programmes, the top legislator stressed that the NA unanimously approved a relevant resolution.

This step follows the supreme supervision process by the NA at the previous meeting, towards promptly removing difficulties and obstacles to accelerate the progress and ensure the effective implementation of three national target programmes on building new-style rural areas, sustainable poverty reduction, and socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas, NA Chairman Hue said.

He suggested the Government continue to review, amend, and supplement relevant documents to ensure consistency and alignment with this resolution; and urgently allocate resources and enhance decentralisation between central and local agencies to create favourable conditions for ministries, sectors, and localities to speed up the implementation and well accomplish the programmes’s objectives.

NA deputies also scrutinised and made decisions related to financial and budget plans,
the top legislator said.

Accordingly, the legislature approved the allocation and utilisation of nearly 64 trillion VND (over 2.6 billion USD) for tasks and projects in five sectors: national defence, security, state management, science and technology, and transportation. Notably, nearly 58 trillion VND will be earmarked for 32 key transportation projects.

Along with the national projects that the NA decided to invest in since the beginning of the term, and the resolution on piloting some specific policies on investment in the construction of road infrastructure and transport facilities approved at the sixth meeting, finance- and budget-related issues decided in this session are a crucial prerequisite for expediting the implementation progress of key projects, including promoting the development of a harmonious and modern strategic infrastructure system, especially expressways, coastal roads, airports, and regional linkage projects, contributing to realising the goal of having over 3,000 kilometers of expre
ssways by 2025.

The NA acknowledges and highly valued the responsibility, effort, and close coordination demonstrated by the agencies of the NA and the Government, and relevant organisations in meticulously preparing and ensuring the thoroughness of content, thus making it easier for NA deputies to pass important and necessary matters in a short period of time to prepare and conduct the meeting, he stressed.

He urged the NA to continue upholding the spirit of proactive legislation, effective supervision, timely determination, and breakthrough development, working closely with the Government and other entities within the political system to successfully fulfill socio-economic development tasks in 2024 and the 2021-2025 period, and ensuring rapid and sustainable development of the country./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Hanoi: The amended Land Law and amended Law on Credit Institutions were officially passed on January 18, as part of the 15th National Assembly (NA)’s ongoing 5th extraordinary session.

The revised land law saw 432 out of the 477 NA deputies voting in favour, or 87.63% of the total deputies.

Consisting of 16 chapters and 260 articles, this law specifies the land ownership regime, rights, and responsibilities of the state representing the collective ownership of the people over land. It also addresses unified land management, land use and management regimes, as well as the rights and obligations of citizens and land users regarding land within the country’s territory.

The amended law, except for some of its specific provisions, will come into force on January 1, 2025.

According to Chairman of the NA Economic Committee Vu Hong Thanh, the project holds special importance in the nations’ political, economic, social, defence, security, and environmental aspects. Largely affecting people from all walks of life a
nd business communities, it is a complex and challenging one.

Before being approved, it was presented to the NA at four sessions, two conferences of full-time deputies, and eight official meetings of the Standing Committee. It underwent adjustments and incorporated the opinions of agencies, organisations, experts, scientists, and more than 12 million public opinions.

Meanwhile, the amended Law on Credit Institutions sailed through the legislature with 450 yes votes, or 91.28% of the total NA deputies.

The law, comprising 15 chapters and 210 articles, will be effective from July 1 this year.

It outlines provisions regarding credit institutions’ establishment, organisation, operation, early intervention, special control, restructuring, dissolution, and bankruptcy. It also addresses the establishment, organisation, operation, early intervention, dissolution, and termination of activities of branches of foreign banks.

Additionally, the law covers the establishment and operation of representative offices in V
ietnam of foreign credit institutions and other foreign organisations engaged in banking activities. It further regulates the handling of bad debts and collateral assets of bad debts held by credit institutions, branches of foreign banks, and organisations fully owned by the State with the functions of buying, selling, and handling debts./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Davos: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had separate meetings with his Cambodian and Slovakian counterparts as well as leaders of some international organisations in Davos, Switzerland on January 17 (local time) on the sidelines of the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF-54).

Meeting Cambodian PM Hun Manet, PM Chinh said that Vietnam has organised a solemn celebration of the victory of the war defending the southwestern border and, together with the Cambodian troops and people, defeating the genocidal regime, which was a chance to popularise the Vietnam-Cambodia traditional solidarity and mutual support to people in the two countries, especially the youth.

The two PMs shared the wish to increase transport connections between the two countries, including highway connectivity between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City, and coordinate with Laos to promote ‘One journey – three destinations’ tours.

They agreed to speed up the demarcation and border landmark planting on the remaining 16% of the share
d borderline.

At the meeting with Slovakian PM Robert Fico, PM Chinh affirmed that Vietnam always treasures the traditional friendship and all-round cooperation with Slovakia, and thanked the Government and people of Slovakia for their support throughout the past 70 years, especially in education and training.

The Vietnamese leader also thanked Slovakia for providing 100,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine AstraZeneca to Vietnam amid difficulties in vaccine access, helping Vietnam overcome the pandemic and embark on economic recovery.

PM Chinh highly valued Slovakia’s support and signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and ratifying the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). He affirmed that Vietnam always supports Slovakian firms in investing in the country, and asked for Slovakia’s help to push for the removal of the European Commission’s ‘yellow card’ against Vietnamese seafood export.

The two PMs agreed to strengthen collaboration across all areas, especially education, while coo
rdinating closely in settling regional and global issues, and supporting each other at multilateral forums such as the UN, ASEM and EU-ASEAN cooperation mechanisms.

The Slovakian PM said he hopes Vietnam will apply visa exemption for Slovakian citizens to create more favourable conditions for tourism, business and investment activities between the two countries.

PM Chinh thanked the Slovakian Government to recognise the Vietnamese community as an ethnic minority group of Slovakia, and expressed his hope that the European country will continue to assist the community in integrating into the host society.

Receiving Jose Manuel Barroso, Chair of the Board of the Vaccine Alliance GAVI, PM Chinh lauded the role of the alliance and Barroso himself in promoting the equal allocation of vaccine globally, especially in developing countries, during the pandemic period.

He highly valued the alliance’s effective cooperation with the health sector of Vietnam through providing financial support in adding new vaccines to
the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) for Vietnamese children and implementing activities to eliminate measles and rubella and enhance vaccination quality, and supplying cold storage for vaccine preservation.

The Vietnamese Government leader called on GAVI to continue providing vaccines to Vietnam to prevent diseases and epidemics, build a concentrated vaccine trading centre at the Ministry of Health’s headquarters, and transfer mRNAvaccine production technology to Vietnam. He affirmed that Vietnam is willing to exchange vaccines with GAVI to facilitate vaccine access globally.

Barroso lauded Vietnam’s success in controlling COVID-19, and pledged to help Vietnam access vaccines for diseases, especially for the EPI, and build strategies and plans to receive the mRNAvaccine production technology. The alliance will also help connect Vietnam with experts and reputable businesses in vaccine production, he added.

Meeting World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Director General Daren Tang, PM Chinh
thanked the organisation for supporting Vietnam over the years, including in building and implementing the National Intellectual Property Strategy until 2030, and expressed his hope that WIPO will continue to give Vietnam advice on how to do better in intellectual property protection.

For his part, Tang described Vietnam as a model in attaching importance to IP protection and innovation, and lauded the innovation spirit of Vietnamese youngsters. He affirmed that the organisation will continue to support Vietnam in these fields, especially in protecting IP rights in the traditional culture area.

PM Chinh said that Vietnam is building a communication programme to popularise the value of IP protection and called for WIPO’s assistance in the work. He invited the WIPO leader to visit Vietnam.

At a reception for Tedro Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), PM Chinh said that thanks to WHO’s support, Vietnam has controlled COVID-19 pandemic, re-opened the country and embarke
d on socio-economic recovery.

Vietnam calls on countries to unite and uphold multilateralism and a global and people-based approach in responding to global issues, including epidemics, he stated, hailing the leading role of the UN and especially WHO in this process.

The WHO leader pledged to continue assisting Vietnam in disease prevention and control and health care technology transfer, and asked for Vietnam’s support of negotiations for a Pandemic Preparedness Treaty towards the conclusion of the process in May 2024.

Meeting Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), PM Chinh affirmed that Vietnam always attaches great importance to cooperation with ILO, and asked for the organisation’s support in dealing with issues related to labourers affected by energy transition and digital transformation.

Vietnam supports the UN and ILO’s initiatives, including the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions, he stated.

The ILO leader spoke highl
y of Vietnam’s engagement in labour and employment issues.

The two sides agreed to continue to work closely together in the future, and uphold international solidarity, multilateral cooperation and the role of international organisations in the current unpredictable world situation.

Receiving African Union (AU) Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy Amani Abou Zeid, PM Chinh affirmed that Vietnam highly values and hopes to bolster cooperation with African countries, especially in agriculture and trade. As an observer of the AU since December 2023, Vietnam wants to strengthen cooperation with the union, he stated.

Zeid said the AU wants to exchange experience with Vietnam in economic transformation, and suggested that Vietnam and the AU should strengthen cooperation in tourism, a promising area.

Talking to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, PM Chinh appreciated the WTO’s cooperation and support in Vietnam’s international integration in general and economic integration in particular. He voiced co
ncerns about protectionism and new standards related to climate change, and pointed to difficulties posed by those obstacles to developing economies. He asked the WTO to persuade developed countries to provide technical support for developing economies, noting that a suitable roadmap is needed to meet those standards.

The WTO Director-General described Vietnam as a success story in socio-economic development. She informed PM Chinh that a delegation of the EC had held a working session with the WTO, during which they listened to the views of developing countries and the WTO called for necessary technical support.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala also announced the WTO’s ministerial conference at the end of February, expressing her hope that Vietnam will actively participate in the event.

Also on January 17, PM Chinh also had brief conversations with Timor Leste’s PM Xanana Gusmão, Secretary-general of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Dareen Bogdan-Martin, and Director General of the International Organisa
tion for Migration (IOM) Amy Pope before concluding his trip to Davos for the WEF-24 on January 18.

At noon on January 18, PM Chinh and his entourage left Davos for an official visit to Hungary./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency