News on Vietnam

VNA 12/03/2010 - The 7th ASEAN Chief of Defence Forces Informal Meeting (ACDFIM-7) will be held in Hanoi on March 24-27, aiming to boost the effectiveness of cooperation among regional armies in response to non-traditional security threats.
ACDFIM-7 is among 13 meetings being held by the Viietnamese Defence Ministry in 2010 as Vietnam officially holds the ASEAN Chair for one year, Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Tuan Dung, Vice Chairman of the General Political Department of the Vietnam People’s Army, said at a press conference on March 12 in Hanoi .
Senior officers from 10 ASEAN armies and defence attachés of ASEAN countries located in Hanoi will attend the meeting, he said, adding they are expected to approve the ACDFIM-7 Solution and a plan of action for 2010-2011 at the end of the meeting.
Lieut. Gen. Dung said successfully organising ACDFIM-7 and other defence and military meetings would help promote the image of the people, land and army of Vietnam on its development track. It will also convey a message to international friends that the Vietnam People’s Army is responsible and actively contributes to building an ASEAN of solidarity, unity, cooperation and mutual assistance.
This will be a chance for Vietnam to emphasise its defence policy of peace, self-defence, as well as the country’s desire for peace, stability, cooperation with ASEAN countries and other nations in the world, Dung said.
Defence and military meetings, including ACDFIM-7, play a special important role in defence, security and military cooperation among ASEAN countries and ensure a peaceful and stable environment in the Southeast Asian and Asia-Pacific regions.
They contribute to building mutual understanding, trust, solidarity and friendship among ASEAN armies and stress the role of ASEAN army in activities regarding sovereignty protection, national interests and keeping national stability and security.
ACDFIM was initially set up as a forum regarding trust-building and informal connectivity and then it turns from dialogue into practical cooperation due to the increasing demand on cooperation among ASEAN armies./  

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MOFA - On March 12th, in response to the media regarding Vietnam's reaction to the asessments on Vietnam's human rights situation in the US Department of State's 2009 Human Rights Report released on March 11th, 2010, Foreign Ministry 's Spokesperson Nguyen Phuong Nga said:

"The US Department of State's 2009 Human Rights Report again releases unobjective assessments based on false information about Vietnam's reality.
Vietnam’s consistent policy is to respect and guarantee human rights. Vietnam has recorded significant achievements in ensuring human rights in all civil, political economic, cultural, social aspects. It is no other than the Vietnamese who benefit and most appreciate this fact. Vietnam’s achievements have been acknowledged and highly valued by international community.
Vietnam is always willing to cooperate and engage in dialogue with countries and international organizations, including the United States to enhance mutual understanding about differences, including human rights issue.”  

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VGP – Deputy PM Phạm Gia Khiêm, Chairman of the National Committee for ASEAN 2010 on March 12 recognized four major sponsors for Việt Nam’s ASEAN Presidency Year 2010.
 

The four sponsors are the Việt Nam National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam), the Bank for Investment and Development of Việt Nam (BIDV), the Military Telecom Corporation (Viettel) and the Việt Nam National Petroleum Corporation (Petrolimex).

The sponsors are allowed to use the logo of ASEAN 2010 for business purposes; appear on the official ASEAN website; and participate in official activities during the ASEAN year. themed “Towards ASEAN Community: From Vision to Action.”

As the chair of ASEAN, Việt Nam will focus on strengthening solidarity and connectivity among ASEAN members, implementing the ASEAN Charter and roadmaps to the ASEAN Community and maintaining the bloc’s role and position in the region as well as in the world.  

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS' SPOKESWOMAN NGUYEN PHUONG NGA
ANSWERS QUESTION ON 09th February 2010

Question: China today said it was launching a dispute in the WTO over European Union duties on leather footwear. The duties also applied to Vietnam. Is Vietnam joining China in this action at the WTO? If not, why? Does Vietnam plan its own action in the WTO?
Answer:
"It is normal in international economic relations for WTO members to use WTO’s dispute settlement system to resolve trade disputes. Vietnam closely follows China’s complaint with WTO over European Union's extension of anti-dumping duties on China’s leather shoes and we will have appropriate action.
On this occasion, we would like to reiterate that the European Commission’s decision to extend anti-dumping duties on leather shoes imported from Vietnam is unobjective and unfair, which fails to reflect the reality of Vietnam’s footwear production and business. The decision also runs counter to the trade liberalization spirit advocated by the European Union." 

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VNA 01/02/2010 - General Secretary Nong Duc Manh and other senior officials of the Communist Party of Vietnam received a number of best-wishing delegations on February 1 on the Party’s 80th anniversary.

Guests came from Government agencies, political and social organisations, State-owned economic groups and local authorities, bringing along baskets of flowers and annual reports highlighting achievements recorded in 2009 to present to the Party leadership.

They expressed pride for the Party and beloved President Ho Chi Minh. They also praised the Party’s sound leadership in national defence and construction, emphasising it is a decisive factor that brings the nation from one victory to another in the revolutionary cause.

Also expressed at the event was optimism of the country’s future under the Party’s leadership and pledged to join hands in bringing the country to overcome difficulties and challenges.

“We pledge to stand by the Party to achieve the goal of Socialist construction and defence and speed up the national industrialisation and modernisation,” said the delegates.

In reply, Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh said the Vietnamese revolutionary success reflected the high determination, dynamism and renovation of the entire political system and people of all classes under the CPV leadership.

“The Party, State and people recognised contributions of primary importance from the Government agencies, political and social organisations and local-level administrations to the nation’s common cause,” said the Party leader.

He concluded by pledging to improve the Party’s leadership and battle power in an effort to fulfil the historic task of “prosperous people, mighty nation and equal, democratic and civilised society”./. 

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VGP – Attending and delivering a speech at the discussion session "Rebuilding long-term economic growth" in Davos on Thursday, PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng shared Việt Nam’s successful lessons on sustaining growth and reshaping national competitiveness.

PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng remarked that, emerging economies, especially those in Asia, have better conditions to mitigate negative impacts of the global financial crisis and maintain a relatively high growth rate.

He stressed the role of prediction in making policies and securing long-term growth. It is necessary to sharpen forecast and evaluation capabilities in order to map out sound solutions and flexible decisions.

The Vietnamese PM also underlined the importance of social consensus in mobilizing resources for the implementation of policies. Analyzing Việt Nam’s experience of coping with the crisis, PM Dũng asserted that, while stabilizing macro-economic balances and overcoming short-term challenges, it is essential to guarantee long-term growth and development through policies on infrastructure development and human resource nurturing.

In the post-crisis period, said PM Dũng, Việt Nam is realizing some priority policies, notably (i) creasing breakthroughs in building the market economy, transforming State-run enterprises, and conducting administrative reforms; (ii) restructuring the national economy toward higher quality, efficiency and competitiveness through upgrading infrastructure, prioritizing hi-tech and environmentally-friendly industries; and (iii) developing human resource and technology. 

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VGP – A nationwide conference was opened this morning in Hà Nội by the Secretariat of the Communist Party of Việt Nam (CPV) in order to review anti-corruption work in 2009 and kick-start new missions in 2010.

The Communist Party of Việt Nam Secretariat opens a nationwide conference on anti-corruption in Hà Nội, January 28, 2010 - Photo: VGP/Đình Hải
In his opening speech, Mr. Trương Tấn Sang, permanent member of the CPV Secretariat, re-emphasized that the CPV describes corruption as one of major dangers threatening the existence of the Party and the regime because it causes negative consequences in various fields of social life and wears people’s trust.

The Party and State have always placed special importance on anti-corruption work, with a view to “preventing and completely eradicating corruption and prodigality,” added Mr. Sang.

Representatives of ministries, sectors and localities all showed their determination to join efforts in fulfilling that overall goal.

They were unanimous that combating corruption is a practical measure to consolidate and people’s confidence in the government and the regime.

Many local leaders shared their anti-corruption experience, such as increasing transparency and openness; speeding up administrative reforms in order to fill “loopholes” of administrative procedures; and strictly punishing corruption cases.

Participants spent much of time on discussing the Central Steering Committee for Anti-corruption’s report on the work in 2009 and new eights tasks in 2010.

1. To continue propagation and education in anti-corruption;

2. To finalize plans and documents on anti-corruption; to revise, supplement and concretize the promulgated regulations in order to perfect anti-corruption regime, focusing on such fields as land, tax, customs, capital construction, resources and mineral management;

3. To enforce regulations on anti-corruption and the National Strategy on Anti-corruption to 2020;

4. To enhance examination, audit, inspection, investigation, prosecution and trial corruption cases; to boost up cooperation among competent agencies in unveiling and dealing with these cases;

5. To perfect the organization and increase capability, quality and efficiency of steering committees and bodies in charge of anti-corruption at all levels;

6. To highlight responsibility of leaders for anti-corruption;

7. To intensify supervision of the National Assembly, People’s Councils at all echelons, the Fatherland Front and its members over anti-corruption;

8. To promptly settle corruption cases and denunciation of corrupted acts.

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CPV - The national poverty rate stood at 11 percent in 2009, finishing the five year target one year ahead of schedule. 

The Ministry of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs reported that some provinces and cities have virtually eliminated poverty based on the current national standard. The capital Hanoi , Danang City and Khanh Hoa province in the central region along with the southern economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City have raised the poverty line by two or three fold over the national standard.

The north-western mountainous region was the poorest with the poverty rate at almost 25 percent while the south-eastern region was dubbed “the richest” with a poverty rate as low as 3.6 percent.

Remote, mountainous regions and ethnic minority communities have been placed high up in the national poverty reduction programme over the last year. The programme disbursed some 8 trillion VND (432 million USD) in preferential credit for over 1 million poor families and provided training and the transfer of technology in agriculture, forestry and fisheries for nearly 700,000 poor and ethnic minority people.

With State budget allocations, local administrations have invested in over 700 infrastructure projects for villages rated as the poorest of the poor and those on alluvial soil along the coasts and on islands which are prone to natural disasters.

The funding has also helped to build houses for over 53,700 poor families, provided free medical insurance cards for over 12.5 million poor people and reduced or exempted tuition fees for 2.5 million disadvantaged students.

The Government’s resolution to quickly eradicate poverty in poor districts made a considerable contribution, reducing the poverty rate in the 62 poorest districts to 41 percent on average in 2009, down from 47 percent in 2008.

The poverty reduction programme targets for 2010 are less than 10 percent for the entire nation and under 40 percent for the country’s poorest districts. 

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CPV: Going through 2009 with a lot of difficulties and challenges, the Party, State and people’s foreign work achieved impressive results, contributing to an increase in Vietnam’s status in the international arena. Communist Party of Vietnam Online Newspaper selects Vietnam’s ten outstanding foreign events of 2009.

1. Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh paid official visits to Japan, April 19-22, Australia and New Zealand, September 6-12, and Cambodia, September 17-19. These visits aimed to increase high-ranking dialogues between Vietnam and foreign countries, reinforce mutual understanding and friendship between Vietnam and people of foreign countries, encouraging the support of foreign countries for national industrialization and modernization, increasing the relationship between the Communist Party of Vietnam and ruling and political parties in foreign countries, and confirming the Vietnamese Party’s leadership position, thus contributing to an increase in Vietnam’s international status.

2. Vietnam successfully realized the role of a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Vietnam was elected as a non-permanent member of the UNSC by the 62nd session of the United Nations General Assembly with a high number of votes in the first round showing the appreciation of the international community for Vietnam’s achievements in the renewal process as well as its increased position and expectations from the international community for contributions to UNSC work. Over the past two years, Vietnam successfully realized the work as a non-permanent member of the UNSC when it actively participated, contributed, cooperated and cleverly dealt with issues of differences between members, fulfilled the tasks set by the Party, State and Government, and contributed initiatives to UNSC activities, including the maintaining of world peace and security, which was praised by the international community.

3. Vietnam was chosen to become ASEAN Chairman in 2010 with the theme of “Towards the ASEAN Community: from vision to action”. The 15th ASEAN Summit which convened in late October 2009 in Thailand announced Vietnam’s selection as chairman of ASEAN in 2010. Vietnam’s focus in its chairmanship year is to contribute to increased unity and links in ASEAN, bring ASEAN Charter into life, effectively build and implement the road to the ASEAN Community, deepen cooperative relationships between ASEAN and its partners, thus furthering the role and position of ASEAN. The theme “Towards the ASEAN Community: from vision to action” shows the 2010 targets will be achieved by specific actions.

4. The first meeting for overseas Vietnamese was successfully organized from November 21-23. The meeting vividly reflected the will and aspiration of nearly 4 million overseas Vietnamese all over the world in uniting to build a stronger community and forward the interests of the homeland. The meeting was an important landmark in overseas Vietnamese work of the Party and State. This was the first meeting with the participation of nearly 900 delegates from 50 countries and territories and nearly 500 delegates from domestic ministries and agencies across 51 provinces and cities nationwide to build up a strong and united community, promote the nation’s cultural and traditional identities in foreign countries, and unite to contribute to national development.

5. Vietnam successfully hosted the ninth ASEM Foreign Ministers' Meeting (FMM9) in May 25-26 in Hanoi under the theme “Forging a Closer Asia- European Partnership to Address the Financial and Economic Crisis and Other Global Challenges”. This was the first Foreign Ministers’ Meeting since ASEM membership was expanded from 26 to 45. Vietnam’s hosting of the 9th FMM was of important significance as this was a chance for Asian and European countries to understand more about Vietnam’s open foreign policy of diversification, multi-lateralisation of international relations, and a chance for Vietnam to introduce its achievements in the renewal process as well as its active contributions to ASEM and its expansion of multilateral cooperation with ASEM members.

6. The Vietnam 2009 Consultative Group concluded the year with the largest committed amount of official development assistance in 2010 of USD 8.063 billion, including USD 1.4 billion from non-refundable funds and USD 6.6 in loans. The World Bank became the largest sponsor for Vietnam with a commitment of nearly USD 2.5 billion, followed by Japan with USD 1.64 billion, and the European Union with over USD 1 billion. The Asian Development Bank earmarked USD 1.479 billion for Vietnam. The sponsors’ commitments showed their support for Vietnam’s development policies in the renewal process and international integration.

7. Vietnam presented a report on the limits of Vietnam’s continental shelf 200 nautical miles beyond its baselines to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf on May 7. Earlier, on May 6, Vietnam and Malaysia coordinated to submit to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf a joint report on the continental shelves of both countries beyond their baselines. The submission of reports aimed to implement regulations relating to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Based on a comprehensive geological and geomorphological study, relevant agencies built up a report on national limits of Vietnam’s continental shelf in the northern part of the East Sea and worked with Malaysia to build up a joint report on the southern part of the sea, submitting the Limits of the Continental Shelf to the UN Commission on schedule.

8. Vietnam and China concluded 35 years of negotiations on land borders by signing the protocol on the border demarcation and marking, the Agreement on Border Management Regulations and the Agreement on Border Gates and Border Gate Management Regulations, creating a foundation for building up a long-term peaceful, friendly, and stable border line between the two countries. These three documents will provide a basis for relevant agencies of the two countries to effectively and scientifically manage their borders.

9. Vietnam’s report on human rights in the framework of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the United Nations was adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council. A full 192 members of the council participated in the session to adopt the report. During the session, Vietnamese representatives confirmed its highest target to build a “rich people, strong nation, equitable, democratic and advanced society”, to reflect human rights in Vietnam.

10. The third Asian Indoor Games “For a Rising Asia” which took place in Vietnam from October 30 to November 8 made favorable impressions on foreign tourists and friends as well as providing an opportunity to confirm Vietnam’s ability to host international events. Vietnam ranked second with 42 gold medals and crossed big sports powers like Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Iran. Successful hosting of the third AIG in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City strengthened Vietnam’s campaign to host the ASIAD games in 2019.  

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The State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese said that it will organise a celebration marking the 50th anniversary the Day President Ho Chi Minh came to the northern port city of Hai Phong in conjunction with overseas Vietnamese returning to the port city on Jan. 10.
Speaking with the press on Jan. 4, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Thanh Son, who is also Director of the committee, said that the anniversary is the affirmation of the Party and State’s special attention to the affairs of overseas Vietnamese and its continued support disseminating President Ho Chi Minh’s thought and morals to people in and outside the country.

There will also be a homeland spring programme on the traditional Lunar New Year, also known as Tet, and a welcome ceremony for outstanding overseas Vietnamese returning home for the holiday. The committee will organise a summer camp for young overseas Vietnamese and a festival for worldwide overseas Vietnamese youths and students in Berlin , Germany .

In reviewing events held for overseas Vietnamese in 2009, Son said that passing year left important marks in the affairs for the special community.

In 2009, the first overseas Vietnamese conference with participation of almost 900 Vietnamese expatriates from 52 countries and territories was held in addition to the first congress of the Overseas Vietnamese Entrepreneurs Association.

The visa exemption and the amendment to the Laws on Nationality, Housing and Land facilitated overseas Vietnamese’s visits to their relatives, tours and investment, thus contributing to the national construction.

These practical activities and policies not only attracted overseas Vietnamese to the homeland but also helped them better understand the Party and State’s policies on great national unity, noted Son. 

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VGP – Presiding over the Government’s last regular meeting for 2009, PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng required closer coordination among all Government members in implementing new assignments in a drastic and creative way.

The Government spent two days, January 4 and 5, listening to and discussing many important reports on various socio-economic fields in 2009.

2009 saw sharp decisions

All attendants were unanimous that, in 2009, the Government showed its sharpness in analyzing situation and impacts of the global financial crisis and economic downturn, pointing out reasonable targets and tasks, making good and creative decisions, and directing the implementation in a drastic and flexible way.

They highly appreciated the Government-initiated stimulus solutions, especially interest rate subsidies, tax reductions and duties exemptions, describing them an effective approach in order to curb economic recession and maintain a proper growth rate.

In 2009, Việt Nam was one of few countries with positive growth rate of 5.32%. Its industrial and construction sector grew by 5.52%; and services 6.63%. Macro-economic stability was secured; poverty household rate was slashed down to 12.3%.

The Government also seriously pointed out and analyzed weaknesses in its performance last year, including slow responses in managing exchange rate, interest rate, and markets of foreign currency, gold and real estates; environment pollution, food hygiene and safety; traffic accidents and jams; corruption and prodigality.

Some suggested the Government pay greater attention to planning work; performance of State-owned enterprises; economic competitiveness; infrastructure, human resource, and technology development.

Concluding the meeting, PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng asked all members of the Cabinet, ministries, sectors and local authorities to closely follow actual conditions, make accurate predictions, and pursue a drastic, dynamic, creative, careful and flexible working style in order to fulfill all socio-economic goals adopted by the NA for 2010.
The Government chief described 2010 as the year for consolidating macro-economic stability, obtaining a higher economic growth rate, and preventing the recurrence of high inflation.
He emphasized the necessity to harmonize the interrelationship between credit interest rate and international balance of payment, manage foreign currency market and national debt, and ensure capital and liquidity of the economy.
The PM urged competent agencies to spare no effort to remove difficulties, mobilize investment resources, speed up economic restructuring, and expand production, business and export.  

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VNA 04/01/2010 - Da Nang is scheduled to host three ASEAN ministerial meetings from Jan. 13-14, opening a series of activities in 2010 as Vietnam assumes ASEAN chair.

The meetings include the third ASEAN Political-Security Community Council (APCS) meeting, the ASEAN Coordination Council (ACC) meeting and the ASEAN ministerial meeting (AMM) retreat.

At the meetings, the bloc will discuss priorities regarding cooperative activities and measures ensuring peace and security in the region.

Regional foreign ministers will also focus on preparing work for the 15th ASEAN Summit and related meetings, as well as review the implementation of decisions adopted at the previous summit, progress in building an ASEAN community by 2015 and implementation of the ASEAN Charter.

Chosen as the opening place for the country’s important events, central Da Nang city has set up a steering committee headed by Vice Chairman of the Municipal People’s Committee Van Huu Chien.

The committee will work together with the Foreign Ministry aiding in areas related to information, reception, security, healthcare, logistics for the success of the ASEAN ministerial meetings in Da Nang./. 

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VGP – Việt Nam has completed necessary preparatory work for its assumption of ASEAN chairmanship since January 1, 2010, said Deputy FM Đào Việt Trung at the 3rd meeting of the National Committee for ASEAN in Hà Nội on Tuesday morning.

Deputy PM, FM Phạm Gia Khiêm: Việt Nam will create deep impressions in 2010 when it functions as the ASEAN Chair. The Deputy PM makes the statements at the 3rd meeting of the National Committee for ASEAN, Hà Nội, December 29, 2009 - Photo: VGP/Văn Thừa
At the meeting, Deputy PM, FM Phạm Gia Khiêm, Chairman of the Committee underlined Việt Nam’s determination to create deep impressions in 2010 when it assumes the ASEAN Presidency.

Việt Nam wants to get points in two “impressions,” namely contents – initiatives and viewpoints – and the country and people, said Deputy PM Khiêm.

He asked all sub-committees to pay attention to every detail, so as to make all activities successful.

The Deputy PM required the Protocol Sub-committee to make full use of information technology in all activities during the Year of ASEAN Presidency, so that Việt Nam can take the lead in the ASEAN Community in applying IT. 

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A press briefing was held in Hanoi on December 29 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to review Vietnam’s activities at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) over the past two years.

During the reviewed period, the UNSC took on a large volume of work holding than 1,500 meetings at all levels, adopting 113 resolutions and 165 statements and dealing with complex regional and international issues.

Despite getting involved in the UNSC’s operations for the first time, Vietnam has made thorough preparations and accumulated a wealth of experience from multi-lateral foreign affairs.

Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh affirmed that Vietnam has fulfilled its mission as a non-permanent member of the UNSC during the 2008-2009 term while showing its stance of independence, self-reliance, construction and cooperation in tackling various issues among UN member countries. Vietnam has positively contributed to the UNSC’s efforts in maintaining peace and ensuring international security.

The UN Secretary General, leaders and key regional partners praised Vietnam’s contributions to the UNSC and expressed their hope that the country will play a greater role in dealing with regional and international issues, particularly when Vietnam assumes the ASEAN Presidency in 2010.

Mr Minh also attributed Vietnam’s success to the effective implementation of policies on external relations policies adopted by the 10th Party National Congress and its efforts to promote peace and ensure stability for national development.

Vietnam’s operations at the top security agency will help enhance its image and status in the international arena and improve bilateral relations with other countries around the world, Mr Minh emphasised.

Vietnam will end its term as non-permanent member at the UNSC on December 31, providing gain valuable experience for its assumption of the ASEAN Presidency in 2010. 

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VGP – Amid the global economic crisis in 2009, the Vietnamese Government has shown its active, drastic and creative performance to lift the country out of difficulties and gain more socio-economic achievements. The following are top-ten imprints in the Government and the PM’s performance in 2009, selected by VGP.

In 2009, Việt Nam succeeds in reining in economic downturn and obtaining a GDP growth rate of 5.2%, the highest in Southeast Asia
1. Việt Nam records the highest GDP growth rate in the region – 5.2%

To cope with the global crisis, the Government timely allocated US $1 billion to stimulate investment, production and consumption while offering interest rate subsidies of 4% for organizations and individuals to take loans from commercial banks.

Through tax reductions, postponements and exemptions, expanding domestic markets and launching the “Buy Việt Nam” campaign, the Government created an important impetus for enterprises and people to consolidate their capability, maintain production and generate 1.5 million jobs.

The Government leaders regularly worked with economic groups and local authorities to seek for measures to promote production, business and export, prevent recession, and secure macro-economic stability.

Thanks to those solutions, Việt Nam successfully curbed economic downturn and attained the GDP growth rate of 5.2%, boasting for itself as one of 12 countries with positive GDP growth worldwide and the highest-growing Southeast Asian nation.

The Vietnamese Government and PM make many important decisions in 2009 in order to escort the country through difficulties. These photos show some regular meetings of the Government – Photo: VGP

2. Inflation rate kept below 7%
The Government adopted flexible and caustious financial and monetary policies in order to encourage export, narrow trade gap, and control means of payment and outstanding credits. To prevent pressures of hiking interst rates and inflation, the Government timely readjusted interest rate subsidiaries, tightened long and medium-term loans and terminated interest rate subsidies for working capital loans.
As a result, the total budget collection continued to surge in 2009, standing around VND 390.65 trillion, equivalent to 100.2% of the year estimate. Meanwhile, the budget overspending was controlled belowed 7% of GDP and slashed down the galloping inflation rate from 19.89% last year to around 7%.
About 1,110 projects were provided with financial guarantees, worth of VND 8,360 billion in total.
PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng (center) directs local authorities to repair damages caused by Typhoon Ketsana, Cửa Đại, Hội An Town, central province of Quảng Nam, October 01, 2009 – Photo: Nguyễn Hùng

3. Expenditure for social security surges 62% against 2008; poor households reduced to 11%
The Government and the PM paid special attention to social security for poor people, beneficiaries of social policies and disadvantaged areas.
The Government revised, supplemented and issued many poverty-reducing and social security policies, such as providing allowances to the poor (in the traditional Lunar New Year festival 2009), laid-off workers, and low-income civil servants (in first four months); speeding up the realization of the Program on poverty reduction in 62 poorest districts nationwide; building water supply works in densely-populated islands and ethnic minority areas; facilitating the construction of houses for rural residents, students, workers in concentrated industrial parks, and low-income people in urban areas; and increasing the benchmark salary.
The total spending for social security is estimated to be VND 22,470 billion, 62% higher than 2008. The Government has provided over 41,500 tons of rice for natural disaster-hit areas. Enterprises have given 62 poorest districts with more than VND 1,600 billion. At the end of 2009, the rate of poor households is around 11%.
The plan of the Rồng Beach Eco-tourism Project in the central province of Quảng Nam, the biggest FDI project in 2009 with the registered capital of US $4.15 billion

4. High sums of FDI and ODA amid the global financial crisis and economic recession
Việt Nam has continued to consolidate its relations with neighbor countries; upgraded and deepened ties with big countries; and strengthened cooperation with many potential partners worldwide.
The Government took many measures to highlight Việt Nam’s active role in the cooperation with ASEAN; successfully hosted the 9th ASEM Ministers Meeting; fruitfully acted as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council; and issued the overall plan to assume the ASEAN chairmanship in 2010.
The Government leaders placed focus on economic cooperation through their foreign tours; promoted external economic promotion; proactively negotiated and implemented the Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with some countries; penned and put the Việt Nam-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (VJEPA) into reality.
Acknowledging its increasing position, international donors pledged to offer Việt Nam the ever biggest high ODA of over US $8 billion in 2010. The country has managed to attract over US $21 billion in FDI. Despite negative impacts of the global economic recession, Việt Nam’s external trade turnover reached US $130 billion. Vietnamese investors are running 457 projects in 50 countries and territories, with the capital amount of US $7.2 billion.
PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng presses the button to launch the national database of administrative procedures, Hà Nội, October 26, 2009 – Photo: VGP

5. For the first time, the Government publicizes the national database of administrative procedures
The Government and the PM have continued to direct administrative reforms. The PM decided to establish a working team in charge of administrative procedures reform.
For the first time, a national database of administrative formalities was launched, with over 5,700 procedures applied at four governmental levels from central to grassroots. All ministries and provincial-level governments introduced their own set of administrative procedures, marking a great leap forward in simplifying and abrogating at least 30% of current administrative procedures.
Việt Nam hosts the 3rd Asian Indoor Games from October 30 to November 9, 2009

6. Vigorous development seen in education, health, culture, sports, science, technology and environment
The Government submitted to the National Assembly for approving the plan on new financial mechanism for education and training sector; offered nearly VND 18,800 billion in preferential credit loans for students, doubling the 2008 figure.
Information and communication technologies vigorously flourished. The total number of telephone subscribers surpassed 113.6 million and Internet users 22.4 million.
Epidemic prevention and food hygiene and safety were enhanced. In 2009, 85 district hospitals and 16 provincial polyclinics have been built in mountainous and disadvantaged localities.
The Government directed the drafting of scenarios to respond to climate change and sea level rise.
Việt Nam successfully hosted the 3rd Asian Indoor Games (AIG 3). The Vietnamese athletes occupied the 2nd position both at AIG 3 and the recent 25th Southeast Asian Games in Laos.
The Government is directing the construction and completion of projects to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of Thăng Long–Hà Nội,

7. Initial achievements recognized in anti-corruption, anti-prodigality and thrift practice
In 2009, the Government has concluded a series of bills (27/31) and ordinances for the NA’s consideration and approval.
The Government and the PM have directed the enforcement of the Law on Promulgation of Legal Documents through many new ways, such as reducing the number of documents, announcing their date of coming into effect; and publicizing all draft documents on the Government Web Portal.
Positive changes were seen in preventing and combating corruption. Competent authorities have inspected 297 corruption cases with 680 suspects; prosecuted 163 cases and 391 internees; collected VND 39.97 billion for the State budget.
The Government starts videoconferences since its March 2009 regular meeting - Photo: VGP

8. The Government renovates its working style
The Government and the PM continued to renovate their working style in 2009. All Government’s working programs and plans described missions, assignments and responsibilities for each and every implementer.
The Office of Government perfected its organization in order better its performance as the advisory agency of the Government and the PM. The Office organized nearly 100 working trips made by the PM to different localities.
Also in 2009, the Government and State administrative agencies have sped up IT application in their operations. Hundreds of videoconferences have been organized at all levels.

9. New milestone planted in the e-government development process
To provide transparent information to the public, after each the Government’s regular meeting, the Minister, Chairman of the Office of Government, as the Government’s spokesperson, hosted a press conference to inform socio-economic situations and the Government’s directions.
In addition, through the Government Web Portal (VGP) and ministerial and local websites/portals, the PM and government leaders provided formal information to people and mass media while receiving the latter’s comments on draft legal documents.
On October 10, PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng launched the VGP’s new interface and the Government’s online newspaper, planting a new milestone in the e-government development process in Việt Nam. This was considered an impetus for the birth of various ministerial, sectoral and local websites/portals mushrooming in late 2009, forming an online administrative information network which is the instrument and the driving force for administrative reforms, especially when Việt Nam is deeply integrating into the region and the world.

10. National defense, security and social safety guaranteed
The Government has directed the implementation of the Strategy on Fatherland Protection and the Strategy on National Security in order to consolidate and protect national defense and security, sharpen strengths and fighting spirit of armed forces, and secure national sovereignty, whole-people solidarity, political stability, social safety and order.
The year 2009 marks the third time Việt Nam announced its “White Book on National Defense” showing the views of follow a military policy of peace and self-defense with the guideline of not using force or threatening to use force in international relations, and solving divergences and disputes through peaceful solutions.

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Vietnam has required China to stop any wrongful acts in the future with Vietnamese fishermen who fish in the waters of Vietnamese sovereignty.

Vietnamese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nguyen Phuong Nga made the statement on Dec. 15 in reference to the three seized fishing boats from the central province of Quang Ngai on Dec 7. The boats were fishing normally in Vietnam’s Hoang Sa (Paracel) Archipelago when China seized two of them including equipment, personal properties and marine produce on board, and then crammed 43 fishermen into one boat to be later released.

Nga stated Vietnam’s concern by the fact that China has many times arrested Vietnamese boats and fishermen while they were operating normally on Vietnam’s territorial waters.

“Such wrongful act is a serious violation of Vietnam’s sovereignty and sovereignty rights not in line with the two countries’ friendship, and does harms to the life and property of Vietnamese fishermen.” Nga said.

Nga added the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry on Dec. 15 sent a diplomatic note to the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi requiring China to return the boats with all of equipment and properties to the Vietnamese fishermen, and take measures to avoid the recurrence of similar acts in future. 

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The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee will approve its working programme, external relations, and international co-operation activities for 2010 at its upcoming 26th session on December 15.

At the meeting, the NA Law Committee will report results of implementing the resolution on issuance of legally binding documents by the Government, ministries, the people’s supreme court and the people’s supreme procuracy.

The NA Standing Committee will give opinions on the allocation of Government bonds in 2010, management and use of the State budget for NA activities in 2009, and facilities for the operation of the NA, and its agencies, the NA Standing Committee’s agencies, and the NA office.

Results of the 6th meeting and preparation for the 12th NA’s 7th meeting will also be discussed at the meeting.

The NA Standing Committee will continue giving opinions on the drafting of the Law on the State Bank of Vietnam (reformed), the Law on Credit Institutions (reformed), the Law on House and Land Tax and the Law on Child Adoption. It will also consider a draft ordinance on seizing aircraft. 

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VNA 15/12/2009 - Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung will leave Russia after a two-day working visit on Dec. 15 for the Danish capital city of Copenhagen to attend the United Nations high-level debate on climate change.
PM Dung and the Vietnamese delegation will attend the 15th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP15) and the 5th Conference of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP5) in Copenhagen , Denmark from Dec. 16-18.
 

PM Dung is scheduled to deliver a speech at the plenary session of the meeting which puts forth five main viewpoints of Vietnam , one of which is that all countries in the world to join efforts in the fight against climate change.

Vietnam is also scheduled to urge developed nations in making mid-term and long-term obligatory commitments to reducing emissions with a view to maintain the green house gas concentration of well below 400 parts per million (ppm) so that the world average temperature will not increase by more than two degrees Celsius by the end of this century.

An additional viewpoint is that developed nations need to provide financial assistance and support technology transfers to countries heavily hit by climate change. Also, developing countries need to contribute to the global joint efforts. The UN framework on climate change and the Kyoto Protocol should continue to be the basic legal documents for the international community in responding to climate change.

Vietnam will host a workshop under the theme: “Vietnam in response to climate change” on the sidelines of the summit. Its representatives will also present reports at sideline conferences on issues such as amendments to the Kyoto Protocol, plans to exhaust emission reductions by 2012 and improving climate change adaptive capacity and mitigation, as well as proposed financial support to address climate change impacts.

As one of a few countries being severely affected by climate change, Vietnam has actively taken initiatives in responding to the issue. Many countries want Vietnam to act as a bridge to help narrow the differences in the positions held by developing and developed countries on long-term cooperation to deal with the global concern.

The current world conference on climate change in Copenhagen is critical because participating countries are scheduled to put forth new global agreements in response to global climate change which are to be executed after the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012.

The conference is expected to discuss many issues relating to amendments and complements to the Kyoto Protocol, mechanisms for capacity building and technology transfers, and financial support provisions in the protocol./. 

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VNA 15/12/2009 - Vietnam’s representative to the UN Security Council pledged support for the UN agencies’ joint efforts to stepping up international cooperation and assistance to all nations in the fight against terrorism.
This statement was delivered by Ambassador Le Luong Minh in New York on December 14 while addressing the United Nations Security Council’s consultancy session regarding the operation of its Anti-Corruption Committee, to which Vietnam holds the Vice Presidency.

The same day, he reported to the UN Security Council on the work in the 2008-09 period of the Committee established pursuant to Resolution 1132 (1997) concerning Sierra Leone, to which Vietnam holds the Chairmanship.

He said since the adoption of Security Council Resolution 1132 (1997), Sierra Leone has achieved tangible progress in the course of peace consolidation, socio-economic reconstruction and international reintegration.

He noted that the Government of Sierra Leone has proceeded with its Agenda for Change and has recorded incremental results in the areas of anti-corruption, security sector reform, job creation and youth empowerment.

Also, the cooperation between Sierra Leone and the UN Country Team, the Peacebuilding Commission and other development partners has been further strengthened within the framework of the UN’s Peacebuilding Strategy for Sierra Leone and the Joint Vision of the UN Family for Sierra Leone , Ambassador Minh stressed.

However, the ambassador pointed to the fact that Sierra Leone is now at a critical juncture of post-conflict peacebuilding with many challenges ahead and that the UN, regional organisations and Member States have a role to play in helping Sierra Leone better fulfill its responsibilities under relevant Security Council resolutions, taking into due account the fundamental principles of respect for the political independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sierra Leone./. 

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VGP – The Party, State and people of Việt Nam always consider overseas community an indispensable part of the Vietnamese nation and facilitate their contributions to the fatherland.

Deputy PM Trương Vĩnh Trọng receives overseas Vietnamese from the US, Hà Nội, November 23, 2009 - Photo: VGP
Receiving the delegation of Vietnamese nationals from the US on Monday, Deputy PM Trương Vĩnh Trọng applauded active contributions made by the Vietnamese community residing in the US.

He emphasized that the Party and State always consider overseas community an indispensable part of the Vietnamese nation and facilitate their contributions to the fatherland.

The Deputy PM hoped that overseas Vietnamese in general and those in the US in particular would preserve national culture and identities, consolidate community solidarity and foster the friendship between Việt Nam and the host countries.

The overseas Vietnamese delegation from the US just attended the 1st Overseas Vietnamese Congress held in Hà Nội on November 21-23. 

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VNA 23/11/2009 - The first Overseas Vietnamese conference concluded on Nov. 23 after three days, resulting in practical suggestions to advance the overseas Vietnamese affairs in future.

The delegates urged the State to soon issue policies on conditions for overseas Vietnamese to buy and own a home in their homeland, simplify procedures for entry and exit as well as Vietnamese citizenship, and give assistance to overseas Vietnamese to continue receiving retirement salaries and social welfare provided by their countries of residence when they return to Vietnam.

They also suggested the State to create breakthrough policies to court more overseas Vietnamese experts and intellectuals to the homeland, and set up an organisation to link up this contingent.

Relevant ministries and agencies were also asked to form groups of experts in important fields in order to facilitate the exchange of information between domestic and overseas scientists.

Regarding the protection of citizenship and legal citizenship for overseas Vietnamese, most were of the view that the State should accelerate negotiations and the signing of bilateral and multilateral agreements and treaties, to promote high-level influence on the issue with countries that have a great number of overseas Vietnamese, and help overseas Vietnamese secure stable legal conditions for their long-term residence.

The delegates also offered strategies to preserve and promote the nation’s traditions, increase the teaching and learning of Vietnamese, strengthen the staff in charge of overseas Vietnamese affairs, and unify the overseas Vietnamese community.

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Thanh Son, who is Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese (COV), said the opinions would be a basis for the Party and State to map out more efficient and practical polices for overseas Vietnamese.

On the occasion, the Foreign Ministry and the COV presented certificates of merit and insignias to 21 collectives and individuals for their participation in movements to encourage the community to contribute to national development./. 

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VNA 20/11/2009 - Vietnam will participate actively and constructively in the international community’s concerted efforts to reform the UN General Assembly, said a senior diplomat.

The Permanent Deputy Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations, Ambassador Bui The Giang, made the commitment at the General Debate on “Revitalisation of the Work of the General Assembly” in New York on Nov. 19.
Giang said after 18 years since its first appearance on the agenda of the General Assembly, the item of General Assembly revitalisation has emerged as one of the most important subjects in the process of reforming the United Nations in general and the General Assembly in particular.
He shared the view that revitalisation is not an objective per se but a means to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the General Assembly’s work with a view to ultimately strengthening the role of the General Assembly as the main deliberative, policy-making and representative organ of the United Nations.
In the world of today, interdependence among nations has grown to a point where no single nation however big and powerful can solve all its own problems, the General Assembly has proven itself to be the most appropriate forum for all global stakeholders to discuss and make decisions on effective and sustainable solutions to issues of utmost importance to the international community, the ambassador said.
“We support the continued discussions of the General Assembly on topical global issues of international relevance, including particularly those in the fields of development, peace and security, humanitarian affairs and human rights, on the basis of consultation with Member States, taking into full account the interests and concerns of the broad membership, especially developing countries,” he stressed.
While acknowledging the necessity of the full implementation of all General Assembly resolutions, Giang said it is useful and legitimate to study the factual chart developed by the Ad Hoc Working Group during the 62nd Session on the implementation of relevant resolutions and take it as a productive input for thorough discussion and square assessment on this vital aspect of the work.
The Vietnamese representative voiced support for the strengthening of the Office of the President of the General Assembly, describing it as a key issue to the revitalisation of the work of the General Assembly.
He emphasised the need to step up cooperation and coordination between the General Assembly and other principal organs of the UN, other international institutions and civil society, as well as among the Main Committees and General Assembly subsidiary bodies.
Giang welcomed the decision by the General Assembly to continue its consideration of the revitalisation of the General Assembly’s role in the selection and appointment of the Secretary-General, as well as regular briefings by the Secretary-General to the General Assembly and periodic meetings between the General Assembly President and the Presidents of the Security Council and the ECOSOC.
For this purpose, Vietnam in July last year launched consultations with member states on the draft annual report of the Security Council to the General Assembly when Viet Nam held Presidency of the Council, the diplomat noted./. 

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VNA 18/11/2009 - Vietnam and China signed three accords on land border demarcation and marker planting as well as border gate management, in Beijing , China , on November 18, ending 35 years of negotiations.

The accords, signed by Deputy Foreign Minister Ho Xuan Son of Vietnam and his Chinese counterpart, Wu Dawei, in the presence of Chinese Foreign MinisterYang Jiechi, consist of a protocol on border demarcation and marker planting, an agreement on border management regulations and an agreement on border gates and their management.

The signing took place following Governmental-level negotiations between the two deputy foreign ministers, who hailed the event as being of significant importance, ending 35 years of negotiations and officially translating the agreement on Vietnam-China land borders signed in 1999 into reality.

They pledged to speed up finalising relevant procedures in an effort to bring the above-mentioned documents into force as soon as possible. They also pledged to work together to deploy these documents effectively so as to turn their common land borderline into the one of peace, friendship and stability, contributing to facilitating friendly exchanges and cooperation between the two countries, especially at the border areas.

They also agreed to soon launch negotiations on an agreement for jointly tapping and developing tourism at Ban Gioc waterfall and an agreement on the free movement of ships at the Bac Luan river-mouth, with a view to signing them by 2010.

In regard to sea issues, the two sides showed keen determination to seriously implement relevant high-level commitments, especially the ones made by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his Chinese counterpart, Wen Jiabao, in Sichuan, China, in October.

They also pledged to strictly follow the Declaration of Conduct of Parties (DOC) in the East Sea between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China. They concurred that negotiations had consistently been conducted in a friendly way, in search of basic long-term solutions to the East Sea issue while making joint efforts to maintain stability at sea and find reasonable approaches to emergent problems, including fisheries, in line with the friendly relations between the two countries.

The two sides agreed to hold an expert-level negotiation on basic rules guiding the settlement of sea issues between the two countries in Hanoi soon.

Later in the day, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi of China received the Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Ho Xuan Son. The top Chinese diplomat emphasised that the Party and Government of China respect its relations with Vietnam and wishes to reach a reasonable solution to maritime issues.

During his stay in Beijing, Son met with the Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister, Hu Zhengyue, on measures to boost bilateral ties.

Host and guest reached a consensus on close cooperation in holding activities related to the Year of Vietnam-China Friendship in 2010, including celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-China diplomatic relations on January 18, 2010.

In regard to the signing of the three major accords, Deputy Foreign Minister Son said in an interview with Vietnam News Agency that the event has fulfilled an historic mission, laying a foundation for the two countries to build a peaceful, friendly and ever stable borderline.

“The three documents will come into force soon after the two countries ratify them along with the materialisation of the agreement on land borders signed in 1999. The event is of primary importance in the history of Vietnam-China relations, paving the way for border localities to broaden economic ties and facilitate friendly exchanges. The three documents will also enable relevant agencies of the two countries to manage borders in an effective and scientific way,” said the diplomat.

“The three freshly-signed accords along with the agreement on land borders signed in 1999 make up the most perfect code of dossiers on the Vietnam-China land borderline”.

“The dossiers lay a legal basis to turn the land borderline between Vietnam and China into one of peace, friendship and long-lasting stability, thus creating favourable conditions for the two countries to effectively manage their common borderline and border markers”, he concluded./. 

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(CPV)- Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet delivered a keynote speech at the APEC CEO summit in Singapore on November 14, focusing on development investment in emerging economies.

Mr Triet noted that the Asia and Pacific region has the largest number of newly emerging and successful economies in the world, contributing greatly to regional and global growth. Since the 1980s, the world has witnessed a dramatic increase in the foreign direct investment (FDI) flows until the global financial turmoil began in late 2008. However, FDI is forecast to bounce back again in 2010 and increase gradually in the following years. He said economic groups and investors can clearly see these opportunities worldwide and in emerging economies in particular.

Besides attracting FDI sources, the crux of the matter is how these economies use them effectively, said Mr Triet, pointing out three lessons Vietnam has learnt in the past years to achieve the goal. First of all, he underlined the need to improve the investment environment, boost reform efforts and develop domestic businesses.

He said effectively attracting foreign investment plays an important role in Vietnam’s socio-economic development strategy. To this end, Vietnam has paid special attention to completing its legal system, accelerating administrative reform, creating an equal and competitive investment and business environment, developing infrastructure and improving the quality of human resources. The country has also actively integrated into the world economy, creating a favourable environment for attracting foreign investment.

Vietnam has opened its doors to foreign investors not only in agricultural and industrial production but also services and infrastructure development, he said. The fact is that efforts to create an equal business and investment environment, reduce transaction fees and maintain socio-political stability are more effective than financial stimulus measures such as tax reductions and exemptions.

The second lesson is to combine policies to overcome short-term difficulties with sustainable development policies for the longer term. Vietnam has several times experienced the macro-economic instability and adverse impact from economic and trade shocks outside its borders.

In the face of the current global financial and economic turmoil, Vietnam has adopted measures to stabilise its macro economy and then introduced an economic stimulus package to prevent an economic slowdown and ensure social welfare. It has also continued with its legal, administrative and business reform programmes, especially in the financial, land and labour sectors. Part of the economic stimulus package has been used to develop infrastructure, train human resources and stimulate investment to create the prerequisite for higher economic growth in the future.

Last but not least, Mr Triet said it is necessary to take measures to reduce the possible risks from a sharp increase in foreign investment.

After joining the WTO in 2007, Vietnam has attracted a great deal of foreign direct and indirect investments. The country has dealt with the rapid development of its stock market, the bubbling real estate market, the relationship between interest rates and capital circulation, and runaway inflation, which caused numerous difficulties for both businesses and the economy.

To resolve the problem, Vietnam applied a tight monetary policy and cut down on public spending to rein in galloping inflation and stabilise the macro economy.

The lesson here is that we need to deal with foreign investment flows in a tactful and flexible way so that we can attract capital for national development and at the same time prevent unwanted risks to the macro economy, said Mr Triet.

Regarding regional issues, Mr Triet noted that the world has been experiencing the most serious economic crisis since in the Great Depression in 1929-1933. In this context, he said it is essential to strengthen regional and inter-regional cooperation and integration in which APEC is a key entity. He called on the business communities to share responsibility with their governments and people to iron out snags and rebuild their economies during the post-crisis period.

The same day, President Triet had a bilateral meeting with his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev, during which the two leaders discussed measures to deepen the strategic partnership and boost cooperation in the fields of economics, science, technology, education, training and energy between the two nations.

President Triet said Russia is a major and traditional friend of Vietnam, adding that Vietnam would do its utmost to promote the organisation of a high-level Russia-ASEAN meeting in Hanoi in 2010 when it assumes the ASEAN presidency.

For his part, President Medvedev said Russia-Vietnam cooperative relations have developed in all channels and at all levels, especially in the areas of energy, education and training.

The Russian leader applauded Vietnam’s future assumption of the ASEAN presidency in 2010, saying he believed that Vietnam will fulfill its important task. He also promised to cooperate with Vietnam to foster the Russia-ASEAN dialogue relationship.

Receiving Microsoft’s Chief Research and Strategy Officer Craig Mundie, President Triet said, while implementing its development strategy, Vietnam has spared no effort to get access to the world’s leading information technology, including those of Microsoft.

He shared Microsoft’s interest in Vietnam ’s IT personnel training and pledged to urge concerned Vietnamese agencies to work closely with Microsoft to promptly carry out projects in this field.

At a reception given to President and CEO of Siemens AG Peter Loscher, the State leader praised the group’s efforts to expand its investment activities in Vietnam .

President Triet said Ho Chi Minh City is in need of between 300-400 km of metro, so that Siemens could implement more projects to help the city ease traffic congestions.

Loscher said he believed that the metro construction project in Ho Chi Minh City will be kicked off on schedule because both the German government and parliament support the project.

Also on Nov. 14, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem, who is accompanying President Triet, met with Foreign Ministers of Indonesia and Peru to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and coordination at multilateral forums. 

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THE 12th REGULAR PRESS CONFERENCE
(Hanoi, 05th November, 2009)
Announcements

1. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung to attend the Mekong-Japan Summit in Japan (6-8/11/2009)

At the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung will lead the Vietnamese delegation to the first Mekong-Japan Summit in Tokyo from 6-7/11/2009.

Apart from the events of the Summit, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung is expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and meet some other Japanese leaders officials and representatives of Japanese companies.

2. State President Nguyen Minh Triet to attend the 17th APEC Summit and the ASEAN-US Summit in Singapore from 14-15/11/2009

State President Nguyen Minh Triet will lead the Vietnamese high-level delegation to the 17th APEC Summit in Singapore from 14-15/11/2009. Under the theme of 'Sustaining Growth, Connecting the Region', APEC leaders will exchange views on ways and means to address the global financial and economic crisis, prepare for the economic recovery, support the multilateral trade system, promote regional economic integration and strengthen APEC. President Triet will also attend and address the APEC CEO Summit 2009.

On 15/11/2009, President Nguyen Minh Triet will attend the ASEAN-US Summit in Singapore. At the Summit, ASEAN leaders and the US President will discuss the ASEAN-US dialogue partnership and directions to enhance the relationship in the coming time, and discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest.

3. State President Nguyen Minh Triet to make a State visit to Singapore from 16-17/11/2009

At the invitation of President S.R Nathan of Singapore, President Nguyen Minh Triet will make a State visit to Singapore from 16-17/11/2009.

This is the first ever visit to Singapore of President Triet as the Head of State.

During his State visit, President Nguyen Minh Triet is expected to meet with President Nathan, and other leaders and some leading businessmen of Singapore. President Triet will exchange views with the Singaporean leaders on ways and means to further enhance the comprehensive bilateral cooperation, particularly in economics, trade and investment and regional and international issues of mutual interest. President Nguyen Minh Triet will also attend the Viet Nam-Singapore Business Forum and visit cultural and economic facilities of Singapore.

4. French Prime Minister Francois Fillon to pay an official visit to Viet Nam from 12-13/11/2009:

At the invitation of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, French Prime Minister Francois Fillon will pay an official visit to Viet Nam from 12-13/11/2009. This is the first official visit to Viet Nam by a French Prime Minister since the establishment of diplomatic ties.

The visit will help enhance the traditional friendship between the two countries and promote the cooperation mechanisms to deepen the multi-sided cooperation.

The French Prime Minister is expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, meet with leaders of Viet Nam and attend the Viet Nam-France Business Forum.

5. Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen to pay an official visit Viet Nam from 15th to 17th November 2009:

At the invitation of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Prime Minister of Finland Matti Vanhanen will be visiting Viet Nam from 15th to 17th November 2009.
The visit is to enhance friendship and multi-sided cooperation between Viet Nam and Finland, especially in economics, trade, investment and ODA.
Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen is expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, meet with Vietnamese leaders and attend the Viet Nam- Finland Business Forum in Ho Chi Minh city.

6. “Meet Viet Nam” event in California, the US from 15th to 17th November 2009:

The Consulate General of Viet Nam in San Francisco in coordination with some Vietnamese Ministries, agencies and the administration of San Francisco city will organise “Meet Viet Nam” from 15th to 16th November 2009 in San Francisco, California, the US. The event is to introduce economic potentials of Viet Nam and promote the image of the country, people and culture of Viet Nam.

7. The 1st Conference of Overseas Vietnamese (from 21st to 23rd November 2009):

The 1st Conference of Overseas Vietnamese under the theme of “For a strong and united community, contributing to national development” will be held in Hanoi from 21st to 23rd November 2009. So far, nearly 1,000 overseas Vietnamese, 400 delegates at home including representatives from Ministries, agencies and leaders of 63 provinces and cities have registered to attend the conference.

The conference is an important forum to bring into full play the knowledge of the overseas Vietnamese community to make contributions to the national development cause.

The conference will focus on 4 major topics:
- Build a strong, united, successful and patriotic overseas Vietnamese community.
- Preserve and promote Vietnamese cultural identity and traditions within the Vietnamese communities abroad.
- Contributions of the overseas Vietnamese intellectuals and specialists to the cause of national development.
- Contributions of the overseas Vietnamese entrepreneurs to the cause of national development.

8. Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project 2009 in Viet Nam from 14th to 21st November 2009:

Habitat for Humanity International Organisation has selected Viet Nam as one of the five countries in Mekong River’s basin to implement the pilot project of building house for the poor within the framework of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project 2009. The project will take place from 14th to 21st November 2009. The volunteers will construct 32 houses in Dong Xa village, Hai Duong province. The launch of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project 2009 will take place in Ke Sat town, Binh Giang district, Hai Duong province on 14th November 2009.

Former US President Jimmy Carter is expected to attend this programme on 18th November 2009. This is the first time that former President Jimmy Carter has come to Viet Nam and joined the programme of building houses for the poor.

Reporters can register to cover this programme through the Department of Press and Information, MOFA (as for foreign reporters) and the Press Department, MICT (as for Vietnamese reporters).  

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The Vietnam-China International Trade and Tourism Fair will be held in Mong Cai City, Quang Ninh province from December 4-9, 2009 to provide a good chance for businesses from the two countries to seek investment opportunities.

At a press briefing in Hanoi on November 9, the deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Nguyen Thanh Bien said that nearly 500 businesses from Vietnam and China have registered to take part in the fair, up 20 percent compared to 2007. 30 percent of these businesses will come from China to showcase a wide range of products, including fashion industry, utensils, wooden and interior products, handicrafts, agricultural products, food processing, machines and equipment, construction materials, and tourism services.

Nhu Thi Hong Lien, vice chairman of the Quang Ninh provincial People’s Committee, said that lying in the Hanoi-Hai Phong-Quang Ninh economic triangle, Mong Cai is a node in the “two corridor one economic belt co-operation”. Trade activities in Quang Ninh have increased considerably in recent years, accounting for 30-40 percent of the total trade earnings from Vietnam provinces sharing the borders with China. Representatives from eight foreign embassies will attend the fair, Mrs Lien added.  

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Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on Nov. 7 held talks with his Japanese counterpart, Yukio Hatoyama, during which they pledged to promote relations between Japan and Mekong subregion countries, as well as the bilateral Japan-Vietnam relations.
During the talks, PM Dung, who was in Tokyo to attend the Mekong-Japan summit, complimented the Japanese government for successfully organising the first summit with Mekong countries.

He confirmed that the Vietnamese government will work closely with Japan and other Mekong subregion countries to implement the agreements reached at the summit with a view to promoting the development and prosperity of the Mekong subregion and the Asia-Pacific.

Meanwhile, Japanese PM Hatoyama thanked Vietnam for hosting the second Mekong-Japan summit next year.

The two leaders exchanged opinions on international issues of mutual concern as well as progresses of the bilateral relations. They agreed to strengthen and develop the Vietnam-Japan strategic partnership that covers all areas from politics, economics and culture.

The Japanese PM said he highly appreciated the Vietnameses government’s efforts for socio-economic development and its handling of impacts from the global economic crisis to maintain economic growth.

He affirmed that the new government of Japan, under his leadership, attaches great importance to the relationship with Vietnam and will relentlessly try to develop the strategic partnership with Vietnam .

PM Dung thanked PM Hatoyama for Japan’s financial support to Vietnam, including ODA loans and a 500 million USD emergency budget aid, which he said was useful to Vietnam ’s cause of national construction and international integration.

The two prime ministers said both countries would continue to exchange delegations at all levels and step up people-to-people exchange activities to promote mutual understanding and belief. They agreed to soon organise the third working session of the Vietnam-Japan cooperation committee to discuss concrete measures of boosting the comprehensive cooperation.

PM Hatoyama said Japan would continue to help Vietnam conduct large projects in line with earlier agreements, including the North-South highway, the North-South high-speed railway and the Hoa Lac High-tech zone. The Japanese government, he said, is considering to join in other projects, such as construction of the terminal 2 at Noi Bai international airport, infrastructure of Hai Phong international port and the Hoa Lac space centre.

The two prime ministers agreed to further boost bilateral cooperation in security and defence, rescue work, education and training; as well as bilateral coordination at regional and international forums, especially in 2010 when Vietnam will assume the role of ASEAN Chair and Japan will chair the APEC summit.

After the meeting, the two leaders witnessed the signing ceremony of a diplomatic note concerning Japan ’s 500 million USD budget support loan to Vietnam.

PM Dung and the government delegation left Tokyo later the same day./. 

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VGP – The Government has determined the overall socio-economic goals for the rest of 2009 to maintain development pace, stabilize macro-economy, and acquire the set targets.

Economic growth rate has to be maintained, says PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng at the Government’s October regular meeting, Hà Nội, October 30, 2009 – Photo: VGP


The Government’s regular working session for October, presided over by PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng, has taken place in two days (October 29-30) in Hà Nội to analyze the national socio-economic realities in October and the first ten months of 2009.

All participants agreed that the economic stimulus policies have brought about substantial results. Specifically, GDP growth rate is expected to jump from 5.76% in Q3 to 6.8% in Q4, and to stand at around 5.2% in the whole year.

Industrial production has seen the fastest progress, up 11.9% in October against the same period last year. Private sector and foreign-invested sector enjoy considerable surges of 15.7% and 12.1% respectively.

The total value of retail sales in October jumps by 18% against the same period in 2008.



PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng (center) and his deputies chair the regular meeting of the Government for October , Hà Nội, October 30, 2009 – Photo: VGP


PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng required competent agencies to pursue flexible financial and monetary policies and encourage export activities for the fulfillment of the socio-economic goals set for the rest of the year and the upcoming time.

The PM approved to continue economic stimulus policy in 2010 for sustainable growth and social security.

Particularly, preferential policies on loans for agricultural activities will be extended until December 31, 2010, with some adjustments in line with the reality.

The 4% interest rate subsidy program for enterprises will be concluded at the end of the first quarter next year and the Government will prioritize firms extensively employing laborers and producing exports, said the PM.

The State budget, spent on development investment, has to be continued for the purposes of job generation and better infrastructure upgradation, said the Government chief.

He ordered all ministries to fight against corruption, prodigality, and resolve the public’s complaints.

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CPV - The National Assembly’s external activities will be expanded to Africa, South America, the South Pacific, Southern Asia and the Middle East in 2010 and the following years.

This was put forward at the 17th meeting of the NA Committee for External Relations in Hanoi on October 29, which reviewed its performance in 2009 and outlined orientations for its affairs in 2010.

In 2010, the NA will work to further consolidate its external ties with traditional friends and help deepen the country’s ties with other countries, especially its leading partners, and step up co-operation with potential partners in various regions.

It will focus on undertaking the AIPA Chair in the 2009-2010 term and organising the 31st AIPA General Assembly in Vietnam while continuing to play an active, responsible role as APF Vice Chair and a member of the IPU Executive Committee at international and regional parliamentary forums.

Participation in international and regional parliamentary organisations, such as AIPA, APPF, APF, and IPU, and their activities has helped heighten the role, position and prestige of the NA in 2009 and deepen the country’s wide-ranging ties with other countries, participants agreed at the meeting.

They noted that the NA’s external activities made practical contributions to promoting Vietnam to the world as well as disseminating the country’s renewal achievements, new policies, its course towards democracy and its building of a law-governed State. 

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VNA 25/10/2009 - Vietnam will take the position of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chair as of January 1, 2010.

This was announced at the closing ceremony of the 15th ASEAN Summit and related summits on Oct. 25 in Cha-am-Hua Hin, Thailand .

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung delivered a speech on the ASEAN year, saying that “ASEAN cooperation is of strategic importance to Vietnam . Vietnam is and will always be an active and responsible member of ASEAN, thus making the Association stronger and better connected.”

He also said Vietnam is determined and gives top priority to successfully performing the 2010 ASEAN Chairmanship.

The PM highlighted Vietnam’s priorities for the next year, including enhancing ASEAN solidarity and links, translating the ASEAN Charter into reality, accelerating the building of the ASEAN Community as well as expanding and deepening cooperative ties between ASEAN and its partners, thus raising ASEAN role and position.

The ASEAN year will be themed “Toward the ASEAN Community: from vision to action.”

Later on the same day, PM Nguyen Tan Dung and the Vietnamese high-level delegation left Cha-am – Hua Hin, ending the visit to attend the 15 th ASEAN Summit and related summits.

ASEAN groups Brunei , Cambodia , Indonesia , Laos , Malaysia , Myanmar , the Philippines , Thailand , Singapore and Vietnam .

The ASEAN Summits and the related summits, including the ASEAN Plus One Summit, the ASEAN Plus Three Summit and the East Asia Summit (EAS), were held between Oct. 23 and 25./.

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VNA 25/10/2009 - Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has called for further efforts to boost the implementation of the existing cooperation mechanism between Vietnam and India as well as set up a new mechanism for bilateral cooperation.

While receiving Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the sidelines of the 15 th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits on October 25 in Cha-am Hua Hin, Thailand, PM Dung spoke highly of the cooperation with India in the fields of economics, equipment transfer, technology and education and training.

The two leaders also expressed their delight at the development of the strategic partnership between Vietnam and India, especially in economics, trade and investment.

Indian PM Manmohan Singh said that the government and people of India always attach much importance to its strategic partnership with Vietnam. The Indian businesses are interested in making investment in the Southeast Asian nation.

However, the Indian PM added, the two sides should further their ties in the fields of trade, investment, national defence and security.

He also said it is hoped that Vietnam, in its capacity as ASEAN chair in 2010, will support India’s efforts to boost relations with ASEAN.

After the meeting between the two leaders, they attended a signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding, under which India recognised Vietnam’s fully economic market./.

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State President Nguyen Minh Triet arrived in Hanoi on October 3, successfully concluding his trip to attend top-level UN sessions and his visit to Cuba and Chile.

In an interview granted to reporters accompanying Mr Triet’s delegation, Deputy Foreign Minister Doan Xuan Hung said that the visit added fresh impetus to the development of Vietnam’s co-operation with Cuba and Chile and the raising of Vietnam’s status in the international arena.

Hung said that President Triet’s successful visit to Cuba was another vivid proof of the fraternal and faithful friendship between Vietnam and Cuba that would enable both countries to boost bilateral co-operation in economics, trade and investment.

Both sides affirmed their determination to foster their time-honoured friendship and effectively tap their potential for mutual development.

They agreed to promote the exchange of visits and contacts and increase the operational efficiency of the Inter-Governmental Committee for Economic, Commercial, Scientific and Technological Co-operation to increase bilateral co-operation in areas such as agriculture, seafood, consumer goods industry, oil and gas, bio-technology, construction and tourism.

Ministries, sectors and businesses from the two countries agreed to implement the signed agreements and documents on bilateral co-operation and to seek out new forms of co-operation in line with conditions and circumstances in each country in order to lift their economic and trade ties to the same level as their fine political relations.

The Deputy FM stressed that Mr Triet’s visit to Chile would further enhance the ties of friendship and co-operation and create measures to build a comprehensive partnership between the two countries based on their high-level joint statement released in May 2007.

In addition, to maintain their current political relations, both sides consented to boost co-operation in economic and trade. President Triet and his Chilean counterpart Michel Bachellet expressed their intentions to sign a Vietnam-Chile Free Trade Agreement soon. This will be the first FTA to be signed by Vietnam and an American nation and it will give a boost to both countries’ economic and trade ties while creating the best possible conditions for businesses to expand their markets in East Asia and Latin America.

After hearing news about the losses caused by tropical storm Ketsana, the business delegation accompanying Mr Triet to Cuba and Chile collected VND 314 million to support people in the storm-hit areas. The money will be sent to the Vietnam Fatherland Front to be distributed to those in need. (VOV)

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Vice State President Nguyen Thi Doan concluded a five-day visit to India on October 4, as a guest of her Indian counterpart Mohamed Hamid Ansari.

The visit demonstrated Vietnam’s consistent policy of strengthening and developing its traditional friendship and comprehensive partnership with India .

While in India, Doan received Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna, President of the Indian National Congress and Leader of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Sonia Gandhi, General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI) A.B. Bardhan, politburo member of the Communist Party of India-Marxist M.K. Pandhe, and Leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Shri L.K Advani.

At a reception given to Foreign Minister Krishna, Doan urged India to sign a memorandum of understanding on its recognition of a market economy in Vietnam , and cooperate more closely with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The vice president voiced support for India ’s bid to run for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council.

Having affirmed India ’s wish to step up cooperative ties with Vietnam in various fields, Krishna said the Indian cabinet will soon adopt the grant of a market economy status to Vietnam .

In her talks with Doan, Gandhi recalled the warm sentiments the Indian people and the Gandhi family have extended to President Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnamese people.

Gandhi asked Doan to convey her invitation to the leadersip of the Communist Party of Vietnam to attend celebrations of the 125th anniversary of the Indian National Congress.

Earlier, Doan held talks with her Indian counterpart, Mohamed Hamid Ansari, to discuss ways of furthering co-operation in all fields.

The vice president attended the Vietnam-India Business Forum, where she introduced Vietnam ’s socio-economic achievements as well as its renewal successes over the recent years.

Doan said Vietnam-India economic relations have grown rapidly, with two-way trade surging 67% last year to reach US$2.47 billion.

By the end of June 2009, India had invested a total of US$195.6 million in 30 projects, ranking 27 among 76 countries and territories operating in Vietnam .

However, Doan said, economic and commercial ties are yet to match potentials and aspirations of both nations. She expressed her hope that the forum would help the two sides explore co-operation opportunities to boost two-way trade.

The vice president also pledged to continue improving the investment environment and create equal business conditions for foreign investors.

During her visit, Doan laid wreaths at the monument to Mahatma Gandhi and called at staff of the Vietnamese embassy and representative agencies in India. (VNA)

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VGP – The 11th plenum of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Việt Nam (CPV), 10th Tenure, was kick-started today in Hà Hội to prepare for draft documents which will be submitted to the 11th CPV Congress.

Party General Secretary Nông Đức Mạnh addresses the opening ceremony of the 11th plenum of the Communist Party of Việt Nam Central Committee (Tenure X), Hà Nội, October 5, 2009.

The meeting represents an important preparatory step for the next Party Congress.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Party leader Nông Đức Mạnh sent his sympathy to families of the victims of tropical storm Ketsana in the Center and Central Highlands of Việt Nam.

During the six-day event on October 5-10, the Party Central Committee will place attention on important draft documents, including the Political Program (updated and developed) on national construction in the period of transition towards socialism, the 10-year Socio-economic Development Strategy (2011-2020), reports on socio-economic realities and state budgets in 2009 and 2010 and other important ones.

All the PCC’s members have to heighten their sense of responsibility to conclude the important documents, said the General Secretary.

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VNA 01/10/2009 - Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has urged ministries, agencies and localities to concentrate resources on economic recovery, with the aim of obtaining a higher GDP growth rate, at 6.5 percent, than that of 2009, and ensuring rapid and sustainable development in the coming years.

Concluding the Government’s two-day regular session on Oct. 1, the PM laid stress on the tasks needed to prevent economic slowdown, maintain a rational economic growth rate, stabilise the macro-economy, and ward off the return of inflation.

“We must maximize the exploitation of our domestic strengths and potentials,” he said. “Ministries, agencies and localities have to accelerate the rate of disbursement for projects, especially key national projects, for the sake of production and the improvement of people’s life.”

The PM asked the State Bank of Vietnam to work with relevant ministries on the implementation of stimulus packages for 2010 to submit to the PM for consideration in the first half of November.

Assessing the first nine months’ economic situation, the cabinet agreed that Vietnam ’s economy was directly affected by the global financial crisis but did not suffer as badly from the recession as other countries.

The economy, since the beginning of the year, has been on a trend of remarkable recovery with the GDP growth rate reaching 4.56 percent overall, and 5.76 percent for the third quarter alone.

The industrial production value was 63.2 trillion VND for September, up 13.8 percent over the same month last year.

The agro-forestry-fisheries production value hit 150.5 trillion VND, up 2.6 percent over the same period last year.

However, the economy in the past nine months has faced difficulties, including lower growth rates for major economic sectors against last year, and a sharp drop in export turnover, mainly due to falling prices.

The economic slowdown also caused difficulties in mobilising investment capital, particularly FDI capital, generating jobs and exporting labour.

The government estimates the GDP growth rate in the fourth quarter will be 6.8 percent and the rate for the whole year will top out at 5.2 percent./.

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VNA 04/10/2009 - Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem has made a two-day visit to the US at the invitation of US Secretary of State Hillary R. Clinton.

During his stay in the US, from October 1-2, Deputy PM Khiem held talks with Secretary of State Hillary R. Clinton and Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke. He also met with Trade Representative Ron Kirk, Chairman of the US House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs Howard Berman and five senior senators of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
On the occasion, Deputy PM Khiem met with the US business circle, and exchanged views with a number of US scholars on the Obama administration’s foreign policy towards Asia-Pacific.
At the meetings, Deputy PM Khiem conveyed a message from the Vietnamese leaders to the US side that confirmed Vietnam’s wish to further develop a friendly and constructive partnership and multifaceted cooperation with the US.
He also proposed measures to strengthen the political and diplomatic ties and promote the economic and trade relations between the two countries.
Briefing the US side on Vietnam’s economic recovery, Khiem suggested that the US speed up the consideration to grant GSP to Vietnam and recognise Vietnam as a market economy.
He proposed the US remove tariff barriers against Vietnamese goods, and that the two sides set up an “early warning mechanism” to reduce trade disputes.
Khiem suggested that the US side actively engage in the implementation of projects to help Vietnam protect the environment and cope with climate change as well as those on education and health cooperation.
He requested the US to help Vietnam surmount consequences caused by the Agent Orange/dioxin.
Khiem also criticised actions against Vietnam by a number of US congressmen and anti-Vietnam groups in the US, and stated his nation’s viewpoints on development, democracy and human rights.
The US side affirmed its wishes to expand relations with Vietnam on the basis of mutual benefit, focusing on economic, trade and investment ties and supporting US companies to invest in the Southeast Asian country.
The US side also applauded the recovery of Vietnam’s economy, attributing this to the Vietnamese government’s economic development strategy.
They spoke highly of Vietnam’s efforts to implement bilateral and multilateral commitments it has made in line with the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) and regulations of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
The US side confirmed its willingness to receive more Vietnamese students to study in the US, and pledged to step up cooperation with Vietnam to cope with climate change and rising sea levels.
The officials agreed to strengthen cooperation in humanitarian issues such as mine clearance, Agent Orange/dioxin issues, MIA issues and rescue activities. They also proposed closer cooperation in the fight against crime.
While informing his hosts that Vietnam will take over the ASEAN presidency in 2010, Khiem urged the US to coordinate with the bloc to organise the ASEAN-US summit and deploy cooperation agreements between the US and the Mekong sub-region’s nations.
US Secretary of State Hillary R. Clinton said Southeast Asia is a region vital to global progress, prosperity, and peace, and the US wishes to cooperate closely with Vietnam when it assumes the ASEAN presidency next year.
US congressmen voiced their support for the consolidation of relations between the US and the ASEAN.
The US officials congratulated Vietnam on the fulfillment of its role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and expressed hope that the two countries will continue coordination at the United Nations.
Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Khiem invited Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to visit Vietnam in 2010. Clinton accepted the invitation./.

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VOV 5/10/2009 - The first official session of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) presided over by Vietnam was held on October 4, following the agenda adopted last week.
 

An open debate on the Vietnam-initiated theme of women and peace and security took place. The discussion focused on women’s needs in post-conflict periods and how to promote their rights and participation during peace processes in order to ensure sustainable agreements and security.
The session chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem, was expected to ratify a decision on the issue.
Le Luong Minh, head of the Vietnamese delegation to the UN and Chief Representative of Vietnam to the UNSC, said that the United Nations has already adopted 3 resolutions concerning violent behaviour toward women.
The new draft for discussion this time is more far reaching, as it focuses on the urgent need to ensure women’s rights and their role in promoting peace and security. The new draft shows the world community that the UN is making a bigger effort to deal with this issue.
Mr. Minh said the UNSC will hold an open debate on the Middle East on October 28. Vietnam supports initiatives to organise open debates which will encourage the participation of other members of the United Nations apart from members of the UNSC.
The UNSC will hold seminars and carry out negotiations on issues relating to regional conflicts in Somalia, Sudan and Congo in Africa, Iraq and Lebanon in the Middle East, Afghanistan and East Timor in Asia, Kosovo in Europe and Haiti in the Caribbean.
The UNSC will also consider extending a number of UN peace-keeping missions.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS' SPOKESWOMAN NGUYEN PHUONG NGA
ANSWERS QUESTION ON 11th SEPTEMBER 2009

Question: Over the past couple of weeks, several bloggers and writers who have been detained. Do you have any information on those detentions?
Answer:
Recently, the Public Security agency detained Bui Thanh Hieu, Pham Doan Trang and Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh for investigation on alleged wrongdoings against national security of Vietnam. The Public Security agency has released Bui Thanh Hieu and Pham Doan Trang. Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh is still under detention for further investigation.
The detention of the three people by the Public Security agency is consistent with the Vietnamese laws.
Regretably, some organizations and individuals have intentionally exaggerated and distorted this issue with ill intention.

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VGP - Vietnamese Finance Minister Vũ Văn Ninh and Japanese Ambassador Mitsuo Sakaba on Monday signed in Hà Nội a non-refundable aid agreement to spend ¥861 million (over VND 170 billion) on improving customs management at the Hải Phòng Port.

Under the project, a modern container scanner system will be installed and operated to control exports and imports going through the port.

According to Finance Minister Vũ Văn Ninh, the project aims at sharpening customs management in checking and analyzing containers with modern technologies which would shorten the check-up time to 15-20 minutes from the current 60-120 minutes, helping to reduce costs for enterprises.

The scanner system will also help to facilitate security and counterterrorist activities.

Once the project proves effective, other customs offices will be equipped with such scanner systems, so that to modernize customs services and standardize customs procedures in line with ASEAN and WTO commitments.

The project is scheduled to last through March 2011.

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VGP - Deputy PM Phạm Gia Khiêm, Chairman of the National Committee for ASEAN 2010, just agreed in principle that Việt Nam will host of the 1st ASEAN Summit scheduled in April 2010 in Hồ Chí Minh City.

The Deputy PM ordered the city’s authorities to thoroughly do preparatory work for the regional event.

The ASEAN Summit with dialogue partners, the East Asia Summit, and the Foreign and Economic Ministerial Meetings are scheduled to take place in October 2010 in Hà Nội.

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VGP – Deputy PM Trương Vĩnh Trọng, Chairman of the Central Committee for AIDS, Drug Addiction and Prostitution Prevention on Monday has led a high-ranking delegation to pay a four-day visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia.

The visit aims at consolidating the bilateral ties between Việt Nam and Cambodia in the areas of HIV/AIDS and drug prevention.

Deputy PM Trương Vĩnh Trọng and his entourage will meet Cambodian Deputy PM Ke Kim Yan, General Secretary of the National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD) Moek Dara, and Phnom Penh Governor Kep Chuktema.

The high-ranking Vietnamese delegation plans to visit a drug rehabilitation center in Phnom Penh and some sites for the future construction of the similar centers in Cambodia.

The Vietnamese Deputy PM will also donate made-in-Việt Nam batches of detoxification medicines to the host agencies.

Cambodia wants to shake hands with Việt Nam in the areas of exchanging information on transnational drug trafficking, promtoing anti-drug in border areas, establishing drug rehabilitation centers, training staff on drug and HIV/AIDS prevention, said Senior Lieutenant Colonel Hoàng Anh Tuyên, Deputy Director of the Standing Office of Drugs Control under the Ministry of Public Security.
 

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State President Nguyen Minh Triet will lead a delegation to the UN Security Council’s Summit and the general debate of the 64th UN General Assembly in New York from September 23-26.

President Triet is expected to deliver a speech at the assembly’s general debate, which will stick to Vietnam’s foreign policy of deepening bilateral and multilateral relations, reflecting its positive, constructive and responsible contributions to the UN.

The general debate will focus on an ‘Effective response to global crises: Strengthening multilateralism and dialogue among civilisations for international peace, security and development.’

On the sidelines of the general debate, the Vietnamese leader is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with a number of heads of state, prime ministers and heads of delegations, as well as UN leaders.

At its 64th session, the UN General Assembly will discuss a wide range of issues regarding the maintenance of international peace and security, the promotion of sustained economic growth and sustainable development, development in Africa , the promotion of human rights, and the effective co-ordination of humanitarian assistance efforts.

Also tabled for discussion will be the promotion of justice and international law; disarmament; drug control, crime prevention and combating international terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, as well as organisational and administrative matters.

Vietnam , as a non-permanent member of the UNSC for the 2008-2009 term, has won the applause of many UN member states and the UN Secretary General for its positive and constructive contributions to the world organisation’s general activities.

The country has successfully fulfilled its Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as well as the “One United Nations” initiative, which was designed to overhaul and reform the UN’s operations.
Vietnam has been pursuing its consistent policy of pursuing peace and countering the arms race, as the country has signed up to every multilateral treaty on disarmament and the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and has strictly stuck to these commitments.

Vietnam accomplished its role as UNSC Chair in July 2008 very well and has completed all the necessary preparations for when it takes over the rotating presidency of the council for the second time next month.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Gia Khiem is expected to chair the first meeting of the UNSC in October, focusing on the theme, ‘Women, peace and security.’

As UNSC Chair, Vietnam will present a report to the General Assembly on the council’s activities during the 2008-2009 period and provide information about the meetings with non-UNSC member states, especially ASEAN and Non-Aligned Movement nations. (VNA)

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Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung left Budapest on September 19, concluding his three-day official visit to Hungary at the invitation of his Hungarian counterpart, Bajnai Gordon.

Earlier, PM Dung laid wreaths at the monument to Hungarian heroes, met with the Vietnamese embassy’s staff and representatives of the Vietnamese community, and received leaders of the Hungary-Vietnam Friendship.

Talking with the embassy’s staff and overseas Vietnamese in Hungary, the PM said the Party and State always appreciate contributions by Vietnamese communities abroad, considering them an integral part of the nation.

While praising the local Vietnamese community’s unity, stable business and observance of the resident country’s law, PM Dung urged them to contribute further to the homeland, saying that each of them must act as a ‘messenger’ of friendship, economic co-operation and culture.

At his reception for leaders of the Hungary-Vietnam Friendship Association, the PM spoke highly of its role and practical activities, which have helped to strengthen and develop the traditional friendship and multifaceted co-operation between the two countries.

He stressed that alongside with state diplomatic activities such as high-level visits and meetings, Vietnam and Hungary need to promote people-to-people diplomacy by tightening relations between political and mass organisations, especially the relationship between the two nations’ friendship associations.

The PM also spared his time to attend a Vietnam-Hungary Business Forum, where he hailed remarkable progress in bilateral economic and trade ties in the recent years.

Vietnam and Hungary had already signed many important deals, particularly agreements covering economic co-operation, investment encouragement and protection, double taxation avoidance, scientific-technological co-operation, and agricultural co-operation.

Hungary considers Vietnam a prioritised partner in its policy of development co-operation and raised its committed official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam to US$49.5 million this year.

Two-way trade reached US$110 million last year, up 25% from 2007. Hungary currently has seven projects in Vietnam with a combined registered capital of US$42 million.

PM Dung, however, noted that the results have yet to be commensurate with the good political ties, potentials and aspirations of the governments and people of Vietnam and Hungary .

On this spirit, the government leader called upon Hungarian companies to expand their investment and business activities in Vietnam, and pledged to create favourable conditions for them to successfully invest in the country. (VNA)

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VNA 17/09/2009 - Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung wrapped up his official visit to Denmark on September 17 after numerous meetings with leaders of government and industry, both Danish and Vietnamese, in the country.

During the talks with leaders of major Danish companies, PM Dung cited the fact that the two countries have already signed agreements on investment promotion and protection, double taxation avoidance, as well as aviation, economic, scientific and industrial cooperation and have been working to create legal avenues to facilitate bilateral cooperation.
Owing to that, bilateral trade turnover has, in the recent past, risen 15-20 percent a year to hit 318 million USD in 2008 and Denmark has invested in 74 projects in Vietnam at a total registered capital of 500 million USD, PM Dung said.
PM Dung told the Danish entrepreneurs that he reached a meeting of minds with PM Lars Lokke Rasmussen on directions for the future as well as host of important measures needed to develop cooperative ties between Vietnam and Denmark to create a partnership for mutual development.
Both also agreed on giving top priority to economic, trade and investment cooperation, setting their sights on soon recording 1 billion USD in two-way trade value and 1 billion USD in direct Danish investment in Vietnam , the Vietnamese government leader emphasised.
He also suggested to the business representatives that they should accelerate investment as well as cooperation in areas which have already been developed in Denmark, but in which Vietnam still has a strong need for progress, including finance, credit, shipping, sea port construction, clean energy development, information technology, agriculture and aquaculture, along with the brewing of beer.
Hearing the PM’s explanation of Vietnam ’s investment policy, such major groups as A.P Moller Maersk and Carlsberg affirmed that they are eager to step up investment in Vietnam and hope to receive the Vietnamese Government’s steady support for their long-term business in the country.
Meeting with 200 Vietnamese and Danish businesspeople at the Vietnam-Denmark Business Forum, PM Dung praised the event as a significant and practical activity to enable the two countries’ entrepreneurs to explore possible opportunities for investment and cooperation.
He reconfirmed the Vietnamese Government’s pledge to do whatever it can to facilitate the operations of foreign businesses in Vietnam, including those from Denmark, and expressed his optimism that future deals with Denmark, and projects they fund in Vietnam will be successful, contributing to boosting the two countries’ friendship and cooperation to accrue benefits for their people and the business communities as well.
The PM witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Confederation of Danish Industry.
Later on that day, PM Dung received the Minister of Education and for Nordic Cooperation, Bertel Haarder, and conveyed high praise for Denmark ’s advanced education system, seeing it as a key factor behind Denmark ’s current status as a leading developed nation in the world.
He called on the two countries to soon sign a government-level agreement on education and training cooperation to lay a crucial legal foundation for the enhancement of specific cooperation between the two countries’ relevant government agencies and education and training facilities.
PM Dung underscored the need to establish a Denmark-run university in Vietnam that would operate under the auspices of the two governments. This should go hand in hand with providing assistance in the integration of the teaching methods of Vietnamese and Danish universities to help Vietnamese students acquire a modern education and cutting-edge knowledge right in Vietnam at an affordable cost.
On the occasion, PM Dung asked the Danish minister of education and cooperation to provide more assistance, including granting Ph.D scholarships to Vietnamese students to help more of them come to study there in the coming time.
Minister Bertel Haarder spoke highly of PM Dung’s visit to Denmark , particularly the two countries’ agreements on making education and training a prioritised area in the course of developing bilateral ties into a “Partnership for Development”, saying this marked a new milestone in the two countries’ cooperation in the field.
Sharing with PM Dung’s view on the necessity of signing an agreement on education and training cooperation, the education minister also affirmed that his agency would coordinate with the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training to deploy PM Dung’s suggestions efficiently.
Following the meeting, the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training signed a letter of intent with the Danish Ministry of Education and a cooperation deal with Niels Brock Copenhagen Business College .
On the day, PM Dung made a tour of the Copenhagen Business School , the A.P Moller Maersk and Carlsberg companies, the Vietnamese embassy and the Vietnamese community in Denmark .
He left Denmark on the day to head for Hungary to begin his official visit there as a guest of Prime Minister Bajnai Gordon./.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS' SPOKESMAN MR. LE DZUNG ANSWERS QUESTION ON 11st AUGUST 2009

On 11st August 2009, Ministry of Foreign Affairs' spokesman Mr. Le Dzung said:

"On 11st August 2009, the Chinese authorities informed the Vietnamese Embassy in Beijing that the Chinese side had released fishing ship QNg 95031 and all Vietnamese fishermen, including twelve others from two Quang Ngai Province’s ships previously seized. QNg 95031 and these fishermen are scheduled to return to Vietnam in the next few days.
At present, the Vietnamese agencies are working with the Chinese side to address the outstanding issues./."

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The World Economic Forum (WEF) has decided to select Vietnam as host country for the WEF East Asia Meeting 2010. 

A WEF representative announced the decision on September 11 at a press briefing in Dalian city, China , where the 2009 WEF Annual Meeting of New Champions is taking place.

The selection was based on Vietnam ’s economic development experience in recent years and the country’s participation in the WEF’s Dalian meetings at various levels.

A Vietnamese delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai, is currently attending the WEF’s Dalian meeting, which opened on September 10 and will close in September 12.

The meeting has attracted nearly 1,400 business leaders and policy makers from 86 countries and territories.

This year’s WEF selected Vietnam as one of the ‘outstanding nations’ in the economic recovery process, and asked the Southeast Asian country to share its experiences in building up its competitiveness as well as the rapid development of the Vietnamese business community. (VNA)

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VNA 10/09/2009 - Vietnam and the US have reached consensus on directions to address the consequences of Agent Orange/dioxin in the Southeast Asian country, including the establishment of a health task force. 

The two nations came to the decision during the fourth annual meeting of the Vietnam-US Joint Advisory Council (JAC) on AO which ended in Hanoi on Sept. 10 after three days of talks.
The establishment of the health task force, following the environmental task force set up at the third meeting, is seen as a step forward by the JAC, said Le Ke Son, co-chair of the JAC, at a press conference following the event.
The health task force comprises experts chosen from both Vietnam and the US , said Son, who is also Deputy General Director of the General Environment Department.
The group will first gather all information related to AO/dioxin and their adverse impacts on humans generally and in Vietnam in particular to help the JAC make exact assessments on this issue, especially at AO/dioxin-contaminated areas.
The health task force will also put forth measures to prevent exposure in AO-affected areas and provide better health care to people who have been exposed or have a high likelihood of exposure to AO, said Son.
Having praised the establishment of the task force, US Ambassador to Vietnam Michael Michalak reiterated the US ’s commitment to continue cooperating with Vietnam in seeking solutions to decontaminate the environment and provide health assistance to tackle the damage caused by AO/dioxin.
The diplomat revealed that the US is assisting Vietnam in addressing AO/dioxin contamination at the Da Nang airport – one of the country’s three hot spots-- with funding sourced from the 6 million USD pledged by the US./.

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VOV 11/9/2009 - Both countries need to promote high-level visits, the role of the Inter-Governmental Cooperation Committee, trade links, and build border gate economic zones which help to broaden multilateral relations, said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

After the opening of the World Economic Forum (WEF) on East Asia, held in Dalian on September 10, Premier Wen Jiabao received Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai and a delegation from the Vietnamese Government.
The Chinese leader welcomed Mr Hai and his delegation to the WEF and expressed his delight at Vietnam’s successful efforts in coping with the global economic downturn and maintaining sustainable development.
Mr Jiabao stated that the Chinese Party and Government always attach great importance to developing relations with Vietnam and looking forward to the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2010.
For his part, Mr Hai said that he was happy to meet with Premier Wen Jiabao at the World Economic Forum’s Community of Global Growth Companies (GGC) and was impressed with Mr Jiabao’s speech on solutions to surmount the difficulties caused by the global economic meltdown.
Deputy PM Hai said that relations between the two countries continue to flourish in every field. During Party leader Nong Duc Manh’s visit to China in May 2008, senior officials agreed to build a comprehensive strategic partnership to enable Vietnam-China relations to become more substantive and effective.
In addition, regular visits between leaders from both countries have not only helped to promote mutual trust but also added fresh impetus to developing bilateral ties and resolving pending issues, Mr Hai said
On the occasion, Premier We Jiabao asked Mr Hai to convey his best regards to Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and hoped that the Vietnamese government delegation’s trip to Dalian would be a great success.

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VNA 20/07/2009 - The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is currently well-situated to set up an ASEAN Community, but is also facing a number of difficulties and challenges, particularly those caused by the global economic recession.
Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem made the remark on July 20 at the 42nd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM-42) being held in Phuket, Thailand.
He stressed that the group should have a strong determination to seriously and effectively implement the Roadmap for the ASEAN Community and soon bring the ASEAN Charter to life.
According to the Vietnamese official, ASEAN should speed up cooperation between its ten member countries as well as its comprehensive relations with partners, draw more support to the ASEAN Community building process, and take full advantage of fields of common interest such as economic-trade, development cooperation and global issues.
He said the ASEAN+1, ASEAN+3, ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and East Asian Summit (EAS) have become important channels for dialogues and cooperation, contributing to peace, stability and development in the region, adding that the group should maintain its key role in these forums.
At the AMM-42, the ministers agreed upon the direction and concrete measures to implement the Roadmap for the ASEAN Community, including master plans for each community pillar and the work plan for the second phase of the Initiative for ASEAN on narrowing the development gap in the block, in order to meet targets set for 2015.
The ministers applauded the inauguration of the Committee of ASEAN Permanent Representatives (CPR) in Jakarta, Indonesia, which plays a key role in the new ASEAN apparatus.
They also agreed in principle to the Terms of Reference of the ASEAN human rights body and its official name as the Inter-governmental ASEAN Committee for Human Rights, and a draft of the ASEAN Treaty for Preferences and Exemptions.
The ministers said ASEAN should uphold its active role in pushing up negotiations and cooperation for regional peace, stability and development, and applauded other countries that have been showing interest in ASEAN countries and implementing legal procedures to join the ASEAN Treaty for Amity and Cooperation (TAC).
They stressed the need to continue cooperation in implementing the Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ) for a long-term target of building the Southeast Asian region into a peaceful, stable and nuclear weapon-free region.
At the end of the meeting, the ministers issued a joint communique on the meeting and a statement to condemn the bomb attacks in Jakarta , Indonesia , on July 17.
The statement also urged the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to adhere to its obligations and relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.
The ministers called on concerned parties to resume the six-party negotiations on the DPRK nuclear issues.
The AMM-42 statement also called on Myanmar to organise free, just and comprehensive elections next year to create a good foundation for the country’s socio-economic development in the future./.

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VNA 21/07/2009 - The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should mobilise all resources to ensure the successful implementation of overall plans for the Roadmap for an ASEAN Community and the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan 2.
The statement was made by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem at the fourth ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) meeting and the second ASEAN Political-Security Community Council (APSC) meeting in Phuket , Thailand , on July 21.
Speaking at the sessions, which were part of the on-going 42 nd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM), Deputy PM Khiem applauded the bloc’s positive results in implementing these plans over the past six months.
The association should also define focuses and priorities for each year and each sector as well as assign specific tasks for hosting agencies, he added.
Also at the sessions, ASEAN ministers agreed on several upcoming orientations and measures to build an ASEAN Political-Security Community, with focus on regional security mechanisms such as the Treaty for Amity and Cooperation (TAC) and the Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ).
They emphasised the need to prioritise cooperation in narrowing the development gap between member states with greater assistance to be given to Cambodia , Laos , Myanmar and Vietnam .
On the sidelines of the AMM, Deputy PM Pham Gia Khiem met with New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray Mccully to discuss measures to boost bilateral ties and increase the exchange of high-ranking delegations.
The two sides agreed to speed up cooperation in economics, trade and education and in coping with non-traditional security challenges as well as strengthening coordination of ASEAN and East Asia cooperation frameworks./.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS' SPOKESMAN MR. LE DZUNG
ANSWERS QUESTION ON 17th JULY 2009

Question: Please advise Vietnam’s reaction to the bomb attacks in Jakarta, Indonesia on 17 July 2009?
Answer: Vietnam extremely condemns the barbaric terrorist attacks in Jakarta, Indonesia on 17 July 2009 which killed and injured many people. It is our view that the perpetrators of the crime must be punished. The Government and people of Vietnam would like to send our deep condolences to the Government and people of Indonesia and families of the victims./.

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On 13 June 2009, in accordance with Article 88 of the Criminal Code of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, the Investigation Agency of the Ministry of Public Security conducted an urgent arrest of Le Cong Dinh, who resided in Ho Chi Minh city and worked for the Le Cong Dinh Law Firm, which is a one - member company limited.
Le Cong Dinh was trained and sent abroad for further studying by the State of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, and upon his returning, was created favourable conditions for practicing his profession. He used to be the Vice Chair of the Ho Chi Minh City Bar Association. This testifies to the fact that the State of Vietnam has no discrimination against Le Cong Dinh.
Le Cong Dinh has enjoyed the rights to express his opinion and been able to write and voice his personal views. He has written many articles for such news papers as Thanh Nien, Tuoi Tre, Sai Gon Tiep Thi, Saigon economic times, Tia Sang magazines or the BBC Vietnamese. He has also given interviews for BBC, RFI and RFA …
However, Le Cong Dinh has recently committed acts of violation of the Vietnamese laws. He has directly contacted and colluded with some exile Vietnamese organizations and groups abroad, including those listed by the Vietnamese government as terrorist groups, in an attempt to prepare for riots and cause social instability and public disorder with the ultimate goal of overthrowing the State of Viet Nam. Le Cong Dinh used the democracy and human rights as a cloak to carry out his subversive plots, which are as follows:
Since 2005, Le Cong Dinh has communicated with Nguyen Sy Binh, head of the exile U.S. based organizations of “People’s Action Party” and “ Viet Nam Democratic Party”, who maintained close ties with heads of other exile groups, such as Ha Dong Xuyen (Viet Tan Group), Pham Nam Dinh (Democratic Get-Together Group), Doan Viet Hoat (Viễn tượng Việt Nam- Viet Nam Vision Group) with a view to designing the action plans to involve and establish subversive organizations in Viet Nam in order to realize the plot of “attacking from the outside to cause major disorder inside the country”. Le Cong Dinh was assigned to collaborate for the development of organizations in Viet Nam to establish an illegal entity called “Viet Nam Democratic Party” and “Viet Nam Labour Party” and communicate with anti-Vietnamese State abroad. Le Cong Dinh was chosen by the hostile forces and anti-state exile forces to be trained abroad for sabotage activities against the state, including the one organized by Viet Tan in Pattaya, Thailand in late February 2009. Le Cong Dinh has visited the U.S. and Thailand for many times to meet with Nguyen Sy Binh to discuss and set out action plans to prepare for the opportunity to overthrow the regime in Viet Nam, which Dinh and his accomplices believed to arrive by the end of 2009 and early 2010. Le Cong Dinh participated in compiling a book, which served as the action platform for the group, called “the Road for Viet Nam” and he drafted the “New Constitution” to prepare for the new government upon the overthrowing of the current government.
Following his arrest, on 17 June 2006, Le Cong Dinh declared at the public security agency his acts of law violations and expressed his “deep regret for my wrongdoings. I hope that the State will consider granting me leniency” Some related elements, such as Tran Huynh Duy Thuc and Le Thang Long have also been initiated for investigation by the security agency.
The arrest of Le Cong Dinh and his accomplices conducted by Vietnamese security and investigation agencies for investigation of their law-breaking acts is fully in conformity with the Vietnamese law, an internal affair of Viet Nam, and also in line with international laws, particularly Articles 19c, 20 and 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) which stipulates that the freedom to expression, peaceful assembly, etc., go hand in hand with the obligation and responsibility as well as regulations to ensure national security and public order. This is also a practice observed by other countries in the world to ensure their own national security, public order and safety for their citizens.
The Declaration of the 1993 World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna also emphasized that it was necessary to take into account the specific circumstances of each country and region as well as their different cultural, historical and religious backgrounds in the protection and promotion of human rights. Viet Nam also has specific conditions since Viet Nam has had to undergo 30 years of war against foreign aggression to regain its peace, independence and national liberty. Until today, hostile forces have not given up their political ambition and they keep setting up new organisations from abroad to nurture and collude with certain elements inside the country, infiltrating into Viet Nam in order to overthrow the Vietnamese State.
Among such hostile organisations, the reactionary group ‘Revolutionary Party for the Reform of Viet Nam (Việt Nam Cách tân Cách mạng Đảng)’ or ‘Viet Tan’ in short is an example. The group was established in 1982 and led by Hoang Co Minh. The ultimate goal of this organisation was to abolish the regime in Viet Nam. Its armed terrorist teams have conducted many infiltrations into Viet Nam such as the Dong Tien I operation (Marching East I) in June 1986 led by Duong Van Tu involving more than 100 gunmen or the Dong Tien II operation in December 1986 (phase 1) and July 1987 (phase 2) led by Hoang Co Minh and he was killed. At present, Viet Tan continues to operate under the cover of struggle for democracy and human rights while actually attempting to overthrow the Vietnamese State. Another organisation is the Mat tran Thong nhat cac Luc luong Yeu nuoc Giai phong Viet Nam (United Front of Patriotic Forces for the Liberation of Viet Nam) led by Le Quoc Tuy. This organisation conducted many acts to overthrow the Government of Viet Nam. During 1981-1984 alone, it had sent 10 armed groups to infiltrate into the Vietnamese territory, among which Tran Van Ba and Mai Van Hanh, along with 19 other members were arrested when they landed on the coast of Ca Mau during the tenth infiltration. Or the FULRO (Front Unis de Lutte des Races Oppimees) established in 1964 conducted military attacks along the borderline of Viet Nam and armed activities against the administration during the 1960s and 1970s. After 1975, it continued to conduct armed activities against the State of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, inciting local people in the Central Highlands of Tay Nguyen to riot during 2001-2004.
Viet Nam has officially listed and informed other States that Viet Tan is a terrorist organization. These organizations and their members, though with different names such as “Viet Tan”, “People’s Action Party”, “Democratic Party of Vietnam”, “Democratic Youth Assembly” or “Democratic Gathering” and “Viễn tượng Vietnam”, and under differrent covers for their activities such as non-violence, for democracy and freedoms, human rights or for religious and belief freedoms etc. are all sharing one ultimate goal of overthrowing the State of Vietnam.
To maintain peace, security and public order of a country is a vital interest of all nations. Vietnam wishes to seek understanding and support for its struggle against conspiracies and acts conducted by organizations and individuals to carry out acts of terrorism and unrest, overthrow the State and destroy the peaceful life of the people. Vietnam’s success in maintaining peace and stability for national development during the past years has contributed to maintaining peace and stability of the region and the world over./.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS' SPOKESMAN MR. LE DZUNG
ANSWERS QUESTION ON 26th JUNE 2009

Question: What is Viet Nam’s reaction to the information about Chinese patrol forces' arrest of a number of Vietnamese fishing boats and fishermen while fishing in the waters of Hoang Sa archipelago of Vietnam?

Answer:

According to Vietnamese authorities, on June 21, 2009, Chinese patrol forces arrested 3 fishing boats manned by 37 fishermen from Quang Ngai province of Viet Nam while they were conducting normal fishing activities in the waters of Hoang Sa archipelago of Viet Nam. This act of the Chinese side is a clear violation of Viet Nam’s sovereignty and sovereign rights in the Eastern Sea. Upon receiving the information, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam has on June 22, 2009 sent a diplomatic note to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Ha Noi requesting the Chinese side to immediately release these fishermen and their fishing boats.

On June 25, 2009, two fishing boats and 25 fishermen have returned safely to Viet Nam. The Vietnamese authorities are now requesting the Chinese side to release the remaining boat and fishermen and not to conduct any further acts to prevent the normal activities of Vietnamese fishermen in the waters under Viet Nam’s sovereignty.
 

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MS NGUYEN PHUONG NGA – VICE GENERAL DIRECTOR OF THE PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT, MINISTRY OF FOREIGN ANSWERS QUESTION ON 26TH JUNE 2009

Question: On June 15th, 2009, the US State Department Spokesman made a statement protesting the arrest of Mr. Dinh and requesting his immediate and unconditional release. What is your view on this?

Answer:

The statement dated June 15th, 2009 of the US State Department Spokesman is baseless and interferes in the internal affairs of Vietnam. It goes against the joint declaration between the two countries’ leaders on the US respect for Vietnam’s national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. The statement causes much discontent among the Vietnamese people.

The relevant agencies of Vietnam have recently met with representatives of the US Government to clarify the issue and requested the US side not to interfere into the internal affairs of Vietnam./.

 

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Question : Please advise us about Vietnam’s reaction on the Statement dated on 22nd June, 2009 by EU Heads of Mission on the arrest of Mr. Le Cong Dinh ?
Answer:
It should be asserted that Mr. Le Cong Dinh was arrested for his law-breaking activities and collusion with some elements abroad in undertaking activities aiming at overthrowing and undermining the State of Vietnam. Mr. Le Cong Dinh himself did admit his violation.
The arrest of Mr. Le Cong Dinh by the Security Investigation Bureau is Vietnam’s internal affair, in conformity with the procedures of the Vietnamese laws and completely in line with international laws including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). In Vietnam, the right to freedom of expression of all citizens is guaranteed by law and exercised in reality.
It is neccessary and normal that all countries in the world, including those of the European Union, deals with law-breakers in order to safeguard national security, social order and people’s safety.
Regrettably, although sufficient information has been provided and opinions relating to the issue have been exchanged during a recent dialogue between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam and the EU Troika, the statement of the EU Heads of Mission in Hanoi is biased and interferes in Vietnam’s internal affairs./.”

 

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VNA - Vietnam supports the efforts made by the Government of Sri Lanka in restoring territorial integrity, national stability and in combating terrorism, said head of the country’s mission at the UN, the WTO and other international organisations in Geneva.
Addressing the 11th Special Session of the Human Rights Council on “The Human Rights Situation in Sri Lanka”, Ambassador Vu Dung congratulated the Government and people of Sri Lanka over the recent historic development in the country.
He said he hopes that this development will definitely put an end to a long-term conflict and hostilities, bring about lasting peace and stability in Sri Lanka and enable the country to concentrate its efforts and resources on national reconciliation, reconstruction and development, thus contributing to peace and stability in the region.
Ambassador Dung said Vietnam holds that the post-conflict issues should be resolved by the people of Sri Lanka themselves. The international community should do all it can to assist this process.
Vietnam has noted with appreciation that the Government of Sri Lanka has closely cooperated with and received significant support from the international community in its long-term struggle against terrorism and the protection of its territorial integrity, he said.
He called upon the international community to cooperate with and assist Sri Lanka in its reconstruction efforts.
The ambassador also informed that Government of Vietnam has made its modest donation to Sri Lanka to assist the internally displaced persons and pledged it is ready to with Sri Lanka its good practices and experience in national reconciliation and reconstruction./.
 

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NA - Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his entourage leave Hanoi on May 28 for a three-day official visit to the Republic of Korea (RoK).
The Prime Minister will also attend the 20th anniversary of the ASEAN-RoK dialogue partnership from May 31 to June 2.
The visit is being made at the invitation of RoK President Lee Myung Bak and Prime Minister Han Seung-Soo. This is Dung’s first official visit to the RoK and the third visit of a Vietnamese PM./.
 

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS' SPOKESMAN MR. LE DZUNG
ANSWERS QUESTION ON 25th MAY 2009
Question:
Please provide Vietnam’s reaction to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) announcement of a nuclear test on 25 May 2009?
Answer:
Vietnam is gravely concerned with DPRK’s announcement of a nuclear test on 25 May 2009. This action will complicate the situation and does not serve the interest of peace and stability in the region.
It is Vietnam’s consistent policy to support a comprehensive ban on nuclear testing, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and movement toward completely eliminating this kind of weapons.
Vietnam supports peace, stability on and denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and stands ready to contribute to the common efforts of the international community to maintain peace and stability in the Asia- Pacific region.
We call on concerned parties to exercise utmost restraint and resolve complicated issues that may arise through peaceful means, including early resumption of the six-party talks.
 

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(Ha Noi, 15h00 May 26, 2009)

Colleagues,
Ladies and gentlemen,
We have conducted candid, open and productive discussions on many important international and regional issues as well as ASEM cooperation and its future development. I would like to sincerely thank you all for your active participation and valuable contributions to enhancing cooperation between the two continents and making ASEM more effective and united in diversity.
I shared the views of my colleagues from the Czech Republic and India and surely all of you on the outcomes and significance of this FMM 9.
Since its birth in 1996, ASEM has never faced both great opportunities and serious challenges as today. Over the past more than 10 years, the establishment and evolution of ASEM have met the expectation of Asia and Europe in our common determination to foster the true partnership between our two continents. However, with new developments in international relations and emerging global problems, we need to think seriously about how to enhance the role and position of ASEM, contributing more to the global common efforts in coping with such changes and problems. In other words, ASEM needs to better prove its role and vitality in this changing world. Although our two-day Meeting has been unable to solve all ASEM issues that need much more time to discuss and find satisfactory solutions, it is possible to say that our time and efforts have produced encouraging outcomes.
We have discussed and implemented many important decisions and agreements reached at the 7th Summit. We have also made active preparations for the upcoming 8th Summit. Now, allow me to sum up the outcomes of our Meeting:
First, we have reached a high consensus on the need to promote economic cooperation in ASEM. As such, we agreed to soon reconvene the ASEM Economic Ministers’ Meeting and welcomed India’s readiness to consider the possibility of hosting the EMM by the end of 2009. We also agreed to best prepare for the success of the ASEM Finance Ministers’ Meeting in Spain in 2010. These are important steps forward that would help strengthen ASEM’s role in the context of the current financial and economic crisis. Besides, we also reaffirmed our support to the international community's efforts to overcome this crisis, to prevent protectionism, promote trade and investment liberalisation, get the Doha Development Agenda moving ahead, reform the existing international monetary and financial institutions, further monitor and regulate the financial market, and restructure the world’s post-crisis economic and trading system.
Second, we have also agreed that in a fast-changing and unpredictable world, the strengthening of Asia-Europe cooperation and dialogue has become extremely necessary and essential to peace, stability and development of both continents and the world at large. We shared the view that ASEM should promote political dialogue through various channels and forms to enhance friendship, mutual trust and respect. With that, we welcomed the first EU Troika-Myanmar Ministerial Talks. We approved a statement on the nuclear test conducted by the DPRK on May 25.

Third, we have agreed that ASEM should continue to play an active and responsible role in coping with global challenges, especially climate change, pandemic prevention, energy security, food security, maritime security, and counter-terrorism. In that spirit, ASEM would make active contributions towards the success of the UN Convention on Climate Change in Copenhagen this December.
Fourth, our Meeting has adopted many important initiatives of practical significance in various areas of climate change, development cooperation, information technology, urban development and others.
Finally, we have emphasized that ASEM’s expansion provides greater dynamism, enhances dialogue and cooperation, and makes the Asia-Europe partnership better equipped to tackle present and future global challenges. We welcomed the applications of Australia and Russia to ASEM and tasked our Senior Officials to work out modalities to enable both countries to formally join ASEM at the ASEM 8 Summit in Brussels in 2010.
Before conclusion, on behalf of the Government of Viet Nam, I wish to express our sincere thanks to all colleagues and participants for sparing your valuable time to come to Ha Noi for this Meeting and make important contributions to its success. I would like further to thank our colleagues in various Vietnamese ministries and agencies, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Convention Centre, interpreters and technicians for working around the clock to ensure the smooth flow of the Meeting.
With the important outcomes of the FMM 9, we are confident that ASEM cooperation will be more effective and its future full of promises. I would like to declare close the 9th ASEM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Thank you very much and see you all at ASEM 8 in Brussels in 2010.
 

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I. Methodology.
A. Drafting process.
1. This report is drafted in accordance with the guidelines of Resolution 5/1 dated 18 June 2007 of the Human Rights Council to review the implementation of human rights in the territory of Viet Nam. A drafting committee was established with the participation of institutions related to the protection, implementation and promotion of human rights, namely the Office of the Government, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Public Security, Government Committee for Religious Affairs (under the Ministry of Home Affairs), Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, Committee on the Advancement of Women, Ministry of Information and Communications, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Committee on Ethnic Minorities, People’s Supreme Court and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the coordinating agency.
B. Consultation process.
2. In preparing the report, Viet Nam sent delegations abroad to study international experience in drafting the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) national report, and attended UN-organized training workshops and UPR sessions. Viet Nam also hosted seminars with the participation of United Nations experts and representatives from States that had been under review to introduce the UPR mechanism and experience in making reports.
3. The report is drafted in a comprehensive manner thanks to the active contributions of Government agencies, mass organisations and local authorities through consultative meetings. The consultation process provided opportunities for open and candid dialogues between the Drafting Committee and mass organisations, including the Viet Nam Labour Confederation, Viet Nam Fatherland Front, Viet Nam Youth Union, Viet Nam Women’s Union, Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organisations, Viet Nam Lawyers’ Association, Viet Nam Journalists’ Association, Viet Nam Committee for Catholic Solidarity, Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha, Viet Nam Association for the Protection of Children’s Rights, Veterans Association of Viet Nam, Institute for Human Rights Studies, Farmers’ Association and Viet Nam Association for the Protection of Disabled People and Orphans.
II. Country background.
A. Overview.
4. With 64 provinces and cities, Viet Nam covers an area of 331,216.6 sq km spreading from latitude 23o23’ North to 8o27’ North. The country is located on the Indochinese peninsula in Southeast Asia and has a large number of islands and archipelagos. Its geographical length and the diversity of its regions have created the country’s uniqueness and cultural richness, but also challenges to the protection and implementation of human rights for each and every individual in Viet Nam.
5. With a population of 86 million, 75% of which lives in rural areas, Viet Nam is the 13th most populous country in the world. 54 ethnic groups, with the majority Kinh making up 86% of the population, live in harmony and have their own cultural identities, languages and beliefs. Religions like Buddhism, Catholism, Protestantism and Islam have integrated with local beliefs to mutually develop or joined to create new indigenous religions imbued with Vietnamese characteristics such as Cao Daism, Hoa Hao Buddhism and Four Debts of Gratitude (Tu An Hieu Nghia). As a result, Viet Nam has become a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country and this has been the foundation for Viet Nam’s national unity throughout the 2,000 years of national construction and defense against foreign invasion. This particularity is also the basis for Viet Nam to implement policies to improve the material and spiritual life of the people, preserve cultural identity, and guarantee the right to development and equal human rights.
6. Having undergone 30 years of wars, Viet Nam embarked on nation building and development in face of high rate of poverty, a shattered economy and inadequate infrastructure, while having to deal with the aftermaths of war (e.g. victims of Agent Orange, unexploded landmines and bombs). Thanks to its reform policy, known as Doi moi, launched in 1986, Viet Nam has reached a turning point in economic growth, thus creating a momentum for the country’s development and significantly improving the material and spiritual well-being of the people. The development of a market economy and the opening-up of the country also had adverse impacts, notably the rich-poor gap, urban–rural disparity and the low level of integration of vulnerable groups such as women, children, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities. These are challenges to Viet Nam in its efforts to strike a balance between increasing economic growth and ensuring social security and the people’s full enjoyment of fundamental rights. It is in this particular historical, national and social context that Viet Nam’s efforts in human rights protection and promotion will be comprehensively reviewed.
B. System of government.
7. Throughout the history of struggles for national independence and freedom, the people of Viet Nam have always treasured the sacred values of human rights, notably the right to self-determination, the freedom to decide one’s own fate and the right to live in dignity. The first Constitution in 1946, which gave birth to the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam, the now Socialist Republic of Viet Nam had all these rights inscribed. As they evolved to meet the new requirements for national development, the Constitutions of 1959, 1980 and especially 1992 (as amended in 2001) have not only fully recognized and guaranteed human rights and the rights of citizens in compliance with international law, but also clearly affirmed that Viet Nam is a rule-of-law State of the people, by the people and for the people, and is responsible for ensuring and promoting the mastership of the people in all areas.
8. The 1992 Constitution defines the structure and functions of the system of government. National Assembly is the supreme body of State authority representing the will and desire of the people. It is elected by the people and has constitutional, legislative, policy-planning for national development and oversight functions. The operation of all State authorities, including the Government, Court, Procuracy and the President are subject to National Assembly oversight. Government is the executive and top administrative body of Viet Nam responsible for the comprehensive management of all areas and implementation of the Constitution and laws. People’s Councils are the local State authorities responsible for the implementation of the Constitution and laws, and management of all areas in their respective localities through the People’s Committees– the executive bodies elected by the People’s Councils. Having judicial functions, the People’s Courts and People’s Procuracies are entrusted with protecting the legal rights and interests of the people.
9. Viet Nam has incessantly strengthened the check and oversight mechanism among the organs within the system of government, especially the legislative and oversight functions of the National Assembly in order to increase the effectiveness, transparency and democracy of State institutions. Oversight has been comprehensively strengthened in all legislative, executive and judicial fields. Transparency and democracy within the system of government have been intensified by the media and mass organisations. The media in Viet Nam has become a forum for the expression of views by mass organisations and the people, and is indeed an important force in the check and oversight over the implementation of policies and laws by State authorities, thus making positive contributions to the fight against corruption in Viet Nam. Viet Nam Fatherland Front is an alliance of all ethnic and population groups, and plays an important role in the oversight of the operation of State authorities and elected representatives (Article 9, 1992 Constitution). The Front also engages in consultations on the legal documents and policies introduced by the State before their enactment. Direct participation by the people through institutions such as election, self-nomination, question times at elected bodies, complaints and petitions, and promotion of grassroots democracy is the most effective oversight mechanism.
III. Protection and Promotion of Human Rights at National Level.
10. For Viet Nam, the people are both the ultimate objective and driving force of any social and economic development policy, and protecting and promoting human rights are always the Government’s consistent policy. The 1992 Constitution, the supreme law of the country, guarantees that all citizens enjoy equal political, economic, cultural and social rights, and are equal before the law. Every citizen has the right to participate in the management of the State and the society, the freedoms of religion and belief, the right to free movement and residence in the territory of Viet Nam, the right to complaints and petitions, the right to employment, education and healthcare etc. regardless of gender, race and religion. On that basis, Vietnamese laws enumerate the specific rights in accordance with international human rights standards.
11. Through practice, Viet Nam has come to understand that human rights are closely associated with independence, peace, democracy and development. The maintenance of a peaceful and stable environment since national reunification in 1975 has been a major success and laid a firm foundation for the protection and implementation of human rights in Viet Nam. In the course of Doi moi, Viet Nam has focused on macro-adjustments and socio-economic development programmes in order to sustain growth, better guarantee the material and spiritual well-being of the people. These achievements have created the premises for the implementation of human rights in all fields.
12. Viet Nam is recognized by the international community as one of the leading countries in poverty reduction. Indeed, poverty reduction has been the top priority of the Government in its effort to promote human rights as it suits the country’s circumstances and the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Thanks to the implementation of the “Comprehensive Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy” approved by the Government in May 2002 on the basis of the 2001-2010 Social and Economic Development Strategy, poverty (according to national poverty line) has been cut from 58.1% in 1993 to 14.82% in 2007, making Viet Nam one of the first countries to fulfill the MDG in poverty reduction.
13. The Government has also taken strong and comprehensive measures to implement the Strategy on Judicial Reform until 2020, Strategy on the Development of the Legal System until 2010 (vision 2020) and Social and Economic Development Strategy until 2010 (with the MDGs incorporated). Together with accelerated administrative reform, intensified implementation of democratic regulations and strengthened justice and social security, these measures are to promote simultaneously and harmoniously all civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of the people in accordance with national and community interests and the particular circumstances of the country.
14. The Government pays special attention to vulnerable groups such as women, children, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities, including victims of war, and people living with HIV/AIDS. For each group, the Government has put in place concrete priority policies to protect support and provide them with development opportunities and facilitate their social integration. The 2006 Law on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, the 2006 Law on Gender Equality and the 2007 Law on the Prevention and Control of Domestic Violence are illustrations of the country’s efforts in this area. The Government is currently working on a draft law on people with disabilities.
15. Viet Nam is a party to almost all core international human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Viet Nam is the second country in the world and the first in Asia to sign the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The country has also ratified 17 conventions of the International Labour Organisation. Viet Nam signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 22 October 2007 and is seriously considering signing the Convention against Torture. Domestic legal documents are promulgated or amended to incorporate Viet Nam’s obligations under international treaties to which it is a party and not to hinder their implementation (Articles 3 and 82 of the 2008 Law on the Promulgation of Legal Normative Documents).
16. Viet Nam always supports the work of the United Nations Human Rights Council and cooperates fully with United Nations human rights mechanisms. In 1998, Viet Nam received the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, and is undertaking procedures related to inviting the Special Rapporteurs on the Right to Education and the Right to Healthcare and the Independent Expert on the question of human rights and extreme poverty. Viet Nam is actively engaged in the discussions to establish the ASEAN Human Rights Body and participates in various regional and international conferences on human rights. Willing to foster human rights dialogues and cooperation, Viet Nam has established dialogue mechanisms with a number of countries and partners, namely the United States, the European Union, Australia, Norway and Switzerland, and positive results have come out of these dialogues.
In practice, Viet Nam has recorded many achievements in its efforts to promote human rights. They are as follows:
A. Civil and political rights.
17. The right to live in independence and freedom, the right to self-determination and the right to vote and self-nomination are the most fundamental human rights. However, it was not until 1945 when President Ho Chi Minh delivered the Declaration of Independence proclaiming to the world that Viet Nam “is an independent country” that the Vietnamese people started to enjoy such fundamental rights. And since then, despite decades of wars, the enjoyment by every Vietnamese of human rights, including civil and political rights, has been guaranteed in an increasingly comprehensive manner.
18. The development and strengthening of the legal system is essential to the protection and promotion of human rights. With that understanding, in the brief time span since 1986, Viet Nam has promulgated and amended around 13,000 laws and by-law documents, in which civil and political rights are elaborated. The 1992 Constitution recognizes fully all human rights (Articles 2 and 50). These rights are present throughout the chapters and sections of the Constitution and are enumerated in many important legal documents, particularly in relation to civil and political rights, including the Law on the Organisation of the National Assembly, Law on the Election of National Assembly Deputies, Law on the Organisation of the Government, Law on the Election of the People’s Council Members, the Law on the Organisation of the People’s Councils and People’s Committees, Law on the Organisation of the People’s Court, Law on the Organisation of the People’s Procuracy, the Civil Code, Civil Procedures Code, Penal Code, Criminal Procedures Code, the Press Law, the Law on Publication, Law on Complaints and Petitions, Law on Amnesty and the Ordinance on Religion and Belief. Equality and non-discrimination (Article 52 of the Constitution) are the guiding principles for all legal documents and an important premise for the guarantee and promotion of people’s rights in specific areas. Viet Nam’s legal documents have incorporated in full the civil and political rights recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights treaties, especially the ICCPR.
19. Viet Nam endeavors to establish and strengthen institutions to ensure human rights in practice. Steps have been taken to strengthen the capacity of State authorities to better enforce the law and ensure the rights and interests of all citizens. Most prominent are the role of the National Assembly in overseeing the operation of State authorities, the independence of the judicial system, the efficacy of the State investigation agencies and the increasingly enhanced role of such specialized organisations as bar associations and lawyers’ societies, notary agencies and legal aid offices. Greater importance has been attached to the role played by mass organisations like the Viet Nam Red Cross, the Labour Confederation, Women’s Union, Youth Union, and the Elderly Association in all aspects of the social life.
20. Viet Nam pays special attention to ensuring the right of every citizen to participate directly or through their elected representatives in the management of the state and society. The high turn-out of over 99% at the May 2007 election of the 12th National Assembly is evidence of the people’s increasing awareness of their own rights and the role of the National Assembly in helping them exercise these rights. During each National Assembly session, the question time is televised live and has become an increasingly important forum for the people, through their elected representatives, to question the policies and the work of the Government as well as to recommend measures to overcome challenges.
21. Strengthening the mastership of the people at local levels, where Government policies are put into practice, is considered the ultimate goal and the momentum for ensuring the success of the reforms in Viet Nam. The Regulations on Grassroots Democracy, enacted in 1998, has facilitated the people’s active participation in the making, implementation and monitoring of policies, and thus received the full support of the people. The mastership role of local people has been incessantly enhanced. All communes, districts and townships have set up a People’s Inspectorate Board and 37 out of 64 provinces have instructed their respective local authorities to establish Public Investment Supervisory Board.
22. The people’s rights to complaints and petitions are respected and protected. Much progress has been made in dealing with people’s complaints and petitions. Between 2006 and 2008, 83.2% of complaints and petitions to administrative agencies and 92.5% of those to local judgment execution agencies were resolved. The law also provides for material and spiritual compensation for those who had been wrongfully convicted.
23. The people’s right to form associations is protected under important laws and by-law documents. Article 69 of the 1992 Constitution and Decree 88/2003/NDCP of 30 July 2003 regulate the organisation, operation and management for associations. There are currently 380 associations with nation-wide and inter-provincial/city operations (against 115 in 1990); 18 sectoral trade unions at national level, 6,020 local trade unions, and thousands of associations and clubs operating in all sectors of the society.
24. In Viet Nam, there are around 20 million followers of different religions and 80% of the population has belief. Viet Nam considers religion and belief a legitimate need of the people and has made continuous efforts to create better conditions for religious and belief activities. As of 2008, there are 12 major religions in Viet Nam, of which Buddhism, Catholicism and Protestantism have the largest numbers of followers. Religious activities, particularly major annual festivities, are organized solemnly with the participation of hundreds of thousands followers. The United Nations Day of VESAK 2008 was successfully held in Hanoi with the participation of over 4,000 Buddhist dignitaries, monks and nuns, 2,000 of who came from 74 countries and territories around the world. Places of worship are frequently renovated while new places are built. Training activities for religious dignitaries, monks and nuns are regularly organized and expanded. Many are sent abroad, including the United States, France, Italy and India, for further studies. Religious organisations in Viet Nam actively participate in many cultural, social, healthcare and humanitarian activities, contributing to the country’s development. International relations of Vietnamese religious organisations are continuously expanded, with religious leaders participating in many international fora, dialogues among religions and faiths and exchanges of views on religious beliefs and rules at important fora like ASEM and ASEAN.
25. The freedoms of expression, press and information of the Vietnamese people are clearly illustrated through the rapid and diverse development of the mass media. As of 2008, there are over 700 press agencies with 850 publications, nearly 15,000 licensed journalists, 68 radio and television stations at central and provincial levels and land-based digital TV stations (85% of Vietnamese households have access to Viet Nam Television),, 80 e-newspapers, thousands of news websites and 55 publishers. The media in Viet Nam has become a forum for the expression of views by mass organisations and the people, and is indeed an important force in the check of and oversight over the implementation of policies and laws by State authorities, particularly those relating to human rights. The people of Viet Nam are provided with greater access to advanced information technology, especially the internet, with about 20 million internet users, accounting for 23.5% of the population, higher than Asia’s average rate of 18%. Apart from the domestic media, the people of Viet Nam have access to dozens of foreign press agencies and television channels, including Reuters, BBC, VOA, AP, AFP, CNN and and many other major international papers and magazines.
26. It is Viet Nam’s policy to guarantee human rights while strictly punishing violations of the law to ensure a healthy environment for the whole society in the interests of every citizen. An important aim of imprisonment is educate law offenders to become useful individuals and enable their early reintegration into the society. The conditions of detention centers and prisons are regularly improved to better meet the material and spiritual needs of inmates. Fundamental rights of inmates, including the right to be free from physical restraint, the right to life, to entertainment and the right not to be tortured, are protected by law. Inmates who have completed one third of the term of imprisonment with good record will be considered for commutation once a year. In line with the tradition of clemency and humanity, the State, on the occasion of major festivities, considers and grants amnesties to prisoners who meet the requirements of the Law on Amnesty. On the occasion of the Lunar New Year 2009, over 15,140 inmates were released before the completion of their term of imprisonment.
27. The achievements recorded in guaranteeing the civil and political rights of the people are manifestations of Viet Nam’s strong commitment and unceasing efforts in this regard, particularly given the socio-economic difficulties facing the country. This is an important premise for Viet Nam to continue ensuring the fundamental rights of its people.
B. Economic, social and cultural rights.
28. Until the late 1980s, Viet Nam remained a poor country, with a slow growing economy and stagnant production. The people were faced with a lot of difficulties, the rate of unemployment and illiteracy were high, while many of their spiritual and material needs were not met. Despite those difficulties, the people’s economic, social and cultural rights were inscribed in the Constitution and law, reflected in specific national development policies and implemented in reality, particularly since the Doi moi process.
29. After more than 20 years of Doi moi, important achievements in economic and social development have been recorded. The economy has grown at a steady and high rate, averaging 7.5% per annum. All economic sectors are encouraged to grow to contribute to the country’s economic development, particularly to job creation and improvement of the quality of life. The sharp increase in total national investment has not only created a momentum for economic development, but also helped reduce the burden traditionally put on the State budget, thus enabling the Government to concentrate resources on such priorities as education, health, infrastructure development, human resource development, poverty reduction and assistance to areas with difficulties.
30. Viet Nam’s legal system has been gradually improved in line with the country’s social and economic development to ensure that economic growth is coupled with harmonious social development and improvement of the people’s well-being. The 1992 Constitution and a series of laws, including the 1989 Law on Protection of the people’s health, 1994 Labour Code (amended in 2002 and 2006), 1998 Education Law (amended in 2005), 2003 Land Law, 2006 Law on Social Insurance and 2006 Law on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control have created a clear and relatively complete legal framework for the realization of economic, social and cultural rights. Viet Nam’s legal system in this area is believed to be in line with international standards and has laid a firm foundation for the country’s comprehensive reform.
31. The powers of financial, budgetary, investment, healthcare and education management have been decentralized to enable local authorities to proactively put in place and implement development policies suitable for the specific local circumstances. The National Committee on the Advancement of Women, the Committee on the Elderly, Committee on Corruption Prevention and Control have been formed to advise the Government on policies and solutions in relevant areas, to carry out information, communication and education activities to encourage the people to support and get involved in implementing government policies, and to monitor the implementation of policies by Government agencies. Mass organisations like the Viet Nam Labour Confederation, Viet Nam Women’s Union and Viet Nam Farmers’ Association have an increasingly important role to play in economic and social development as well as in improving the people’s life.
32. The Vietnamese Government is carrying out its Economic and Social Development Strategy for 2001-2010 and Vision 2020 with the MDGs incorporated with the aim to achieve major changes in poverty reduction, education and training reforms, building an advanced culture imbued with national identity, protection of and care for the people’s health, reduction of unemployment, development of a social security network and build a sustained social cohesiveness.
33. Comprehensive and sustained poverty reduction is defined as a key objective in Viet Nam’s economic and social development. After 20 years of reform, the people’s life has been significantly improved. Per capita income has increased from under US$ 200 in 1990 to US$ 1,024 in 2008. Poverty, according to the national poverty line, has been cut from over 60% in 1990 to 13.8% in 2008. Viet Nam’s poverty line has been raised to approach the international poverty line.
34. Viet Nam sees investment in education and training as investment for development. Budget allocation for education has increased annually and now accounts for 20% of State budget expenditures. More schools have been built throughout the country. Viet Nam completed the universalisation of primary education in 2000, 15 years prior to the MDG deadline. Universalisation of lower secondary education is being carried out. By the end of 2007, 42 of the country’s 63 cities and provinces have met national targets on universalisation of lower secondary education. At present, Viet Nam is ranked 64th among 127 countries on education development by UNESCO.
35. Viet Nam creates the necessary conditions for the people to enjoy their right to health care, with priority given to women, children and ethnic minority people. Strategic programmes and policies on vaccination for children, health insurance assistance, free-of-charge medical treatment and examination for the poor and children under 6, prevention and control of tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS have proven to be effective. Under-5 mortality rate has been reduced from 58 deaths per 1000 live births in 1990 to 25.9 in 2007 while under-1 mortality rate has been cut from 31 deaths per 1000 live births in 2001 to 16 in 2007. Child malnutrition rate has decreased to 21.2% in 2007. Maternal mortality rate has been reduced from 233 per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 75 in 2007. Almost all ethnic minority communes with difficulties have health clinics while community-based health services are available in most villages, contributing importantly to the prevention and control of many fatal diseases and improvement of the people’s health and quality of life.
36. Viet Nam is actively carrying out the 2006-2010 National Target Programme on Employment with focus on giving loans for employment through the National Fund on Employment and supporting projects, helping to facilitate job search activities. From 2001 to 2008, 12.44 million new jobs have been created, 9.3 million of which are from social and economic development programmes and over 2.6 million through the National Fund on Employment. Since January 1, 2009, Viet Nam has, for the first time, introduced an unemployment insurance scheme to provide additional assistance to people searching for jobs. This is a remarkable step forward by Viet Nam in comparison with countries at the same level of development.
37. The 1992 Constitution states that every citizen has the right to participate in the creation and critique of works of art and literature and in other cultural activities (Article 60). A number of culture-related national target programs have been introduced and implemented to better meet the growing spiritual demand. Apart from mechanisms and policies to encourage investment by all economic sectors in culture development, the Government has introduced policies to support the preservation and promotion of traditional national culture, in particular the cultures of ethnic minority groups, including the preservation of spoken and written languages. To date, Viet Nam has been successful in building an advanced culture imbued with national identity and unity in diversity among the 54 ethnic groups of Viet Nam.
38. Viet Nam’s achievements in economic and social development in the last 20 years have made important contributions to better guaranteeing economic, cultural and social rights as well as other rights of its citizens.
C. Rights of vulnerable groups.
1.Children.
39. Viet Nam is committed to protecting children’s rights and interests and facilitating children’s exercise of those rights, first and foremost through the provisions of the Constitution (Article 65) and several legal documents, including the Civil Code, Penal Code, Labour Code, Education Law, Land Law, Law on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, Law on Gender Equality, Law on Legal Aid, Law on Cinema, Law on the Prevention of Domestic Violence Prevention and Law on Mutual Judicial Assistance. In particular, the amended 2004 Law on the Protection, Care and Education of Children has incorporated the fundamental principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child to which Viet Nam is a party, with emphasis on the principle of non-discrimination and ensuring that best interest of children is a primary consideration. The law gives children more rights, from passive rights of being cared for, nurtured and protected to more active rights like the right to freedom of expression and participation in social activities.
40. Agencies and organisations involved in the protection of children’s rights include the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, Viet Nam Association for the Protection of Children’s Rights, Viet Nam Relief Association for Handicapped Children and Viet Nam Association for Disabled People and Orphans. They operate at all levels nation-wide.
41. Viet Nam has recorded encouraging achievements in guaranteeing children’s rights and interests. Apart from the 2001-2010 National Plan of Action for Vietnamese Children, the protection and promotion of the children’s rights have been incorporated into economic and social development strategies and plans, thus enabling children to enjoy their rights to a fuller extent. Free-of-charge medical examination and treatment programmes and measures to reduce infant mortality rate and the rate child malnutrition children have been effectively implemented. About 8.4 million children accounting for over 90% of children under 6 have received free-of-charge healthcare cards. Right-age enrolment rate has seen a steady increase, with primary education enrolment standing at 95.04% in 2005-2006 and lower secondary education at 80.3%. Meanwhile, drop-out rate has been on decline. Preferential policies have been put in place to better assist poor children, migrant children and ethnic minority children. Safe and healthy recreation services are provided for children. 40% of communes and wards and 80.3% of districts have recreation facilities for children. 100% of provincial libraries and 30% of district libraries have sections dedicated to children. Children are enabled to express their opinions and participate in cultural and social activities at school and in the community through national and international forums, Teenage Association and Junior Reporters’ Club.
42. However, there remain shortcomings in the protection and promotion of the children’s rights due to challenges posed by international economic integration, poor infrastructure and limited capacity of relevant institutions in developing and implementing policies on education, protection of and care for children.
2. Women.
43. Viet Nam is committed to supporting the advancement of women and gender equality, considering this as an important instrument to achieve equality and sustainable development. This is reflected in the Constitution, the Criminal Code, Civil Code, Labour Code, Education Law, Land Law, and Law on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, Law on Gender Equality, Law on the Prevention of Domestic Violence and many other legal documents on gender equality. Viet Nam is actively implementing the National Strategy on the Advancement of Women until 2010, in which many targets have been achieved ahead of schedule. Gender has been mainstreamed into many important national documents namely the Comprehensive Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy, the 2005-2010 Social and Economic Development Plan and other sectoral development strategies. Viet Nam is now working on the National Strategy on Gender Equality for the 2011-2020 period.
44. Agencies and organisations working for the advancement of women include the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, National Committee on the Advancement of Women and Viet Nam Women’s Union. They operate at all levels nation-wide.
45. Viet Nam has recorded encouraging achievements in ensuring women’s rights. Women account for 25.76% of all members of the National Assembly in the 2007-2011 term, ranking 4th in the Asia Pacific Region. 83% of working-age women are employed. Women are present at almost every state administrative agency and state-owned enterprises where 68.7% of the public servants and 30% of employers are female. They also participate in numerous political and social organisations, accounting for 30% of these organisations’ executive members at different levels. Women have their names recorded in Land-use Right Certificates/ House Ownership Certificates with their husbands. They also have equal rights with men in the issue of citizenship. Female adult literacy rate is 91%, and women account for 30% of all post-graduates. Female life expectancy is 73 while male 70. Women have 4 months of full pay maternity leave and are given one extra month pay.
46. According to the United Nations Human Development Index and Gender Development Index, Viet Nam ranks 105/177 and 91/157 respectively. Viet Nam is in the list of countries that have established the Gender Empowerment Measure (GEM) and ranks 52/93. According to the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, Viet Nam has one of the highest rates of economic participation of women in the world, is one of the more advanced countries with respect to gender equality, and stands out in East Asia for its success in closing gender gaps in the last 20 years.
47. In the years ahead, Viet Nam is determined to address some remaining problems such as discrimination, maltreatment and violence against women, prostitution and increase the rate of female participation in administrative agencies at all levels.
3. Ethnic minority groups.
48. Viet Nam’s consistent ethnic policy is to promote equality, unity, mutual respect and cooperation for mutual development. This is enshrined in Articles 5, 6, 39 and 133 of the 1992 Constitution and other legal documents such as the Law on National Assembly Election, Nationality Law, Law on the Encouragement of Domestic Investment, State Budget Law, Information Technology Law, Forest Protection Law, Education Law, Publication Law, Youth Law, Law on Child Protection, Care and Education, Law on People Health Protection and Care, Mutual Judicial Assistance Law, Marriage and Family Law, Gender Equality Law, Vocational Training Law.
49. Agencies and organisations involved in ensuring the rights of ethnic minorities include the Committee for Ethnic Minorities Affairs (a ministerial-level agency), the Ethnic Advisory Council, the Women’s Union and the Viet Nam Association for the Protection of Children’s Rights. They operate nation-wide at all levels.
50. Viet Nam is carrying out two National Target Programmes, namely the Assistance Programme on land for housing and production, and domestic water for poor ethnic minority households living in hardship (Programme 134) and the Socio-Economic Development Programme for communes in special hardship in mountainous, remote and border areas (Programme 135). The implementation of these Programmes has significantly improved the livelihood of people, especially in remote areas, improved infrastructure, thus enabling better access to science and technology applicable to production, heightening the sense of duty and contribution to the development and narrowing the gap among regions. In addition, the Government of Viet Nam has also introduced policies on price and charge subsidies, preferential loans for ethnic households in special hardship for production and settlement, support to small-population ethnic minorities, and free-of-charge provision of 18 newspapers and magazines for people in hardship regions.
51. The above policies have improved the equality for ethnic minorities in all areas. More and more of ethnic minority people are holding important positions in state authorities at national and local levels. The 12th National Assembly has 87 deputies from ethnic minorities, accounting for 17.65%. The poor household ratio among ethnic minorities has decreased rapidly by an average of 3-5% per year. Regions with special hardship have received significant investments in infrastructure: 96% of communes with special hardship have motor roads reaching the commune center; electricity is available in 100% of the districts and 95% of the communes. All communes have primary school and kindergarten; all districts have secondary schools. By the end of 2007, 71% of communes with special hardship had accomplished universalisation of primary education and 80% had accomplished universalisation of lower secondary education. All districts have health clinics and doctors and medical personnel; common diseases in ethnic and mountainous areas, such as malaria, goiter, leprosy and tuberculosis, have been prevented and reverted; the protection and health care for mother and child, and malnutrition prevention have recorded many success stories.
52. The traditional culture of ethnic minorities are attentively preserved and developed. Space of Gong Culture in the Central Highlands, an invaluable ethnic minority cultural heritage, was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. The preservation and usage of spoken and written languages of ethnic minorities are becoming more popular. There are 30 ethnic groups having writings in Viet Nam. The Ministry of Education and Training has developed curricula for 8 ethnic minority languages, namely Khmer, Cham, Chinese, Ede, Jrai, Ba Na, Thai and H’Mong, which have been officially introduced in ethnic minority primary and secondary schools in 25 provinces with large numbers of ethnic minorities. Viet Nam Television broadcasts Channel VTV5 in 10 ethnic languages; Radio the Voice of Viet Nam has increased broadcasting time and produced more than 4,000 special programmes in 13 ethnic languages, thus facilitating access to information for ethnic minority people.
4. Persons with disabilities.
53. There are over 5.2 million persons with disabilities in Viet Nam, accounting for 6.63% of the population. Viet Nam encourages and creates favorable conditions for persons with disabilities to exercise, on an equal basis with others, their political, social, economic and cultural rights, stabilize their life, integrate into the community and participate in social activities. Persons with disabilities are supported by the State and the society in health care, rehabilitation, appropriate job creation and enjoy other rights in accordance with the law. This is reflected in the 1992 Constitution and further stipulated in other important laws such as the Labour Code, Education Law, Vocational Training Law, Law on Child Protection, Care and Education, Legal Aid Law, Information and Technology Law and the Ordinance on Persons with Disabilities.
54. Viet Nam is one of the first countries in the Asia-Pacific region to develop and implement a long-term plan for persons with disabilities initiated by UNESCAP. Viet Nam has signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and is actively preparing for its ratification. Viet Nam has established a system of agencies and organisations operating at all levels throughout the country to protect the rights and interests of persons with disabilities, which includes the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, Viet Nam Association for the Support of Disabled Persons and Orphans, Viet Nam Relief Association for Handicapped Children, Viet Nam Blind Association, Viet Nam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin, National Coordinating Committee on Disability, Viet Nam Association of Business Enterprises of Persons with Disabilities.
55. The State of Viet Nam always creates all favorable conditions to continuously improve the enjoyment of the rights of Vietnamese persons with disabilities. Persons with severe disabilities, wounded soldiers, Agent Orange victims, including children, receive State-provided subsidies and care. The healthcare and rehabilitation network for persons with disabilities has been set up at all levels. During the last 10 years, more than 300,000 people, including tens of thousands of children, benefited from corrective rehabilitation and received corrective instruments free of charge, received assistive devices such as wheel-chairs and attendant-propelled chairs; and hundreds of thousands of persons with disabilities are provided with health insurance. Viet Nam is developing an integrated education model, converting textbooks into Braille, developing a system of sign languages and unified the writing system for the blind. The number of children with disabilities enrolled in secondary and tertiary education increases each year, many of them excel in their studies. Up to now, there are approximately 100 vocational centers for persons with disabilities and 35,000 people receive vocational training. Various public works, transportation, cultural and sports facilities have been built and modified to better suit persons with disabilities. With regard to Agent Orange/ dioxin victims, a special disability group, the State together with many other foreign and national individuals and organisations have supported them in life, education, work and healthcare with the total amount of tens of billions Vietnamese Dongs.
56. However, Vietnamese persons with disabilities, especially the poor, still encounter many hardships. The educational and vocational training for persons with disabilities still have many constraints. Discrimination and stigma still exist in education, at the work place and in community activities. These are areas that Viet Nam will endeavour to overcome in the future.
IV. Achievements and challenges.
A. Achievements.
1. The first lesson: To place the people in the center of national development.
57. Development is only meaningful when owned by and serves each person. When people are placed in the center of development, the economic growth, the development of the workforce, as well as and other social areas will be for the development and welfare of the people. Viet Nam has, therefore, always considered people as both the goal and the driving force of the national development. All development policies of Viet Nam are people-centred: economic development for the people; economic growth closely linked to social progress and justice in each development phase and policy; economic growth accompanied by cultural and educational development, improvement of people’s knowledge, and environmental protection.
58. Through its legislative activities, the National Assembly has set up a legal framework for the country’s sustainable and comprehensive development. The Constitution and legal documents have established the most important institutions, set orientations for the State’s development, regulating every fields of political, economic and social life and ensuring the harmonisation between economic growth, social stability and justice and environmental protection. The Government of Viet Nam has carried out Strategy on the Development and Completion of the Legal System, Judicial Reform Strategy and Administrative Reform Programme, etc. with a view to developing and completing legislation on the organisation and operation of institutions in the political system in line with the objective of building a rule-of-law State of the people, by the people and for the people and ensuring human rights, freedoms and democracy for its citizens.
2. The second lesson: Human rights can not be detached from national independence and sovereignty.
59. It is impossible for each individual to enjoy freedoms and other fundamental rights in a country which has not achieved independence and freedom. National independence is the condition and basis for the protection of human rights. Human emancipation, including the assurance of human rights, is closely linked to national liberation and social progress. National independence is the prerequisite for the broadest and fullest observation of human rights.
60. Through unwavering and unyielding struggles for centuries, the Vietnamese people have proved that the most sacred and basic rights of people are the right to live in independence and freedom and the right to self-determination. From a colonial and semi-feudal country, Viet Nam has become an independent and free country with an increasingly important role in the region and the world. From being enslaved, the people of Viet Nam have become the rightful owners of the country and the society, living in independence, freedom and democracy with all their human rights and being protected by the Constitution and laws. Every Vietnamese person has been actively promoting democracy to bring into full play the strength of great national unity and potentials of the people for national development. This is a great achievement, opening up a new chapter of development in the history of the Vietnamese nation. These are also the most basic achievements of democracy and human rights attained by the Vietnamese people.
3. The third lesson: Harmonisation of universal values of human rights and particularities of the nation, and promotion of international cooperation and human rights dialogue.
61. As a victim of many wars of aggression – the most serious violation of human rights, Viet Nam fully realizes that human rights have both universality, reflecting the common aspiration of humankind as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the United Nations Charter, and particularity characterizing each society and community. Viet Nam believes that the exercise of human rights is always linked to the history and traditions, and the level of socio-economic development of a country. Therefore, in an increasingly diversified world, in approaching and addressing the issue of human rights, it is necessary to harmoniously combine common standards and principles of international law with particular historical, political, economic, social conditions, and cultural, religious and belief values, as well as customs of each nation and region.
62. As a country characterized by ethnic and religious diversity and a developing economy with a low starting point having to overcome severe consequences of wars, the protection and exercise of human rights in Viet Nam have concrete priorities in accordance with the country’s situation: poverty reduction, healthcare and education programmes are the focus of the State; special priorities are given to the development of remote and ethnic minority areas; respect for religions and beliefs in conjunction with interests and duty towards society is facilitated; the relationship among ethnicities and religions is respected and harmoniously addressed; the mass media is developing rapidly in forms and contents to better ensure freedoms of expression, press and information in Viet Nam.
63. Respecting the universality of human rights, Viet Nam has become party to almost all core international human rights treaties and other international treaties in this field, and seriously implements its obligations. This great effort of Viet Nam is recognized and appreciated by the international community. Viet Nam is fully aware that the implementation of international treaties on human rights is, first and foremost, the responsibility of the state party.
64. Viet Nam attaches much importance to dialogue and international cooperation in the field of human rights. This is a requirement of international integration and an opportunity to improve mutual understanding. Through dialogue and international cooperation, friends and the international community have come to better understand the real situation in Viet Nam, and Viet Nam has also learned from the experience of other countries in legislative development and law enforcement, with a view to better implementing human rights in Viet Nam, contributing to the cause of promotion and protection of human rights in the region and the world.
4. The fourth lesson: Maintenance of political stability, promotion of economic development in conjunction with ensuring social security.
65. Maintaining the social and political stability of the country in every situation is the primary task and the vital necessity of every state. Development can only be achieved based on social and political stability. In other words, without stability, states cannot achieve development and would regress and pay a high price for recovery and survival. To maintain national political and social stability, Viet Nam attaches importance to sustainable economic development, improvement of all aspects of the people’s well-being and the protection of the ecosystem; promoting an advanced culture with strong national identity; and development of a progressive social security system ensuring the full and harmonious development of all people.
66. Viet Nam’s development policies have always combined economic growth and cultural and comprehensive human development as well as the promotion of democracy, social progress and justice. Therefore, the economy has enjoyed a high and sustained growth rate for many years, averaging over 7.5% per year; Viet Nam’s Human Development Index (HDI) and Gender-related Development Index (GDI) rankings have been increasingly improved. Currently, Viet Nam ranks 64/127 countries in the UNESCO’s list of education development. Although being a developing country with GDP per capita of US$ 1,000, Viet Nam still spends 15% of the national budget on public health and education services. Maintaining social and political stability, economic development in conjunction with social security is a condition for sustainable human development in Viet Nam.
5. The fifth lesson: Improvement of the people’s awareness and capacity for the enjoyment of human rights.
67. Each individual is the object of benefits of human rights, as well as the subject exercising them. Viet Nam always attaches importance to raising awareness about the enjoyment of human rights in accordance with the law.
68. The people’s supervisory role is promoted through the openness and transparency of the Government’s and National Assembly’s activities. National Assembly sessions, especially the question time, are broadcasted live on television, helping the people actively to participate in the country’s political life. The people’s consultations on draft laws and policies are now widely practiced.
69. The State has enacted and amended legal documents to enable the Fatherland Front and mass organisations to actively play the role of social supervision and criticism. State authorities have increased contacts and direct dialogue with the people and always listen to feedbacks on issues of the people’s concern. A number of national target programmes have been implemented to provide free legal aid for the people, 98% of whom are the poor and live in hardship, in remote and ethnic minorities areas, with a view to protecting their legitimate interests and, at the same time, helping improve their knowledge of the law, as well as their sense for respecting and obeying the law. The press has vigorously developed to better ensure the people’s right to information and become fora for the people to actively exercise their ownership of and participation in the making of practical and adequate policies and laws.
70. A number of laws have been promulgated and amended several times, such as the Law on the Election of National Assembly Deputies, Law on the Election of the People’s Council Members, Press Law and Law on Complaints and Petitions. Apart from the purpose of protecting and enforcing citizen’s rights, these laws provide a vehicle for the people to exercise their right to participate in political life.
B. Difficulties and challenges.
71. For more than 20 years, the reform process in Viet Nam has brought about significant changes in all aspects of political, economic, cultural and social life, enabling the Vietnamese people to fully enjoy their human rights. However, Viet Nam still faces many difficulties and challenges.
72. First, the Vietnamese legal system in general, and in the field of human rights in particular, still contains inconsistencies and overlapping and conflicting at several points, leading to difficulties, even misinterpretation in application and enforcement at the grass-roots level. This is the main obstacle to the development of the society and the exercise of human rights. Having identified this challenge, the Vietnamese Government is implementing the Strategy on the Development of the Legal System until 2010 with a vision to 2020. The Strategy first focuses on reviewing the entire system of normative acts to remove those that are overlapping, conflicting or out-dated, ensure the constitutionality, consistency, enforceability, openness, transparency, and accessibility of the normative acts.
73. Second, Viet Nam stretches over 2,000 km from North to South, where mountains and hills account for three quaters of the area. The inhabitants are scattered over different regions with diverse languages, customs, traditions and living conditions. People living in remote and mountainous areas, ethnic minorities, due to constraints in access to healthcare, education and information services, do not have adequate awareness of laws and policies and law-compliance capacity. This hinders the efforts of national and local government authorities to develop and implement concrete policies to ensure the rights and improve living standards materially and spiritually for the people, as well as narrow the development gap between rural and urban, mountainous and lowland areas.
74. Third, despite rapid and sustained economic growth in recent years, Viet Nam remains a poor country with a low starting point. The livelihood of some groups of the population, especially those living in remote, mountainous and disaster-prone areas, still encounters many hardships. Despite the Government’s priority policies on the development of areas in special hardship such as Programmes 134 and 135, due to limited resources, healthcare, educational, cultural and information facilities in many localities are far from adequate, thus affecting the full enjoyment of the people’s rights.
75. Fourth, the transition to market economy entails worrying social issues, including increased unemployment, a significant rich-poor gap among groups and regions, increasing drug addiction, prostitution and HIV/AIDS infections, rising number of traffic accidents and degrading environment. Persisting local customs, traditions and stereotyping continues to breed gender disparity, especially in people’s mentality. Male-supremacy attitude, discrimination and domestic violence against women still exist, especially where the awareness is low. These problems not only undermine the people’s enjoyment of their rights, particularly the right to life and rights of vulnerable groups, but also pose a challenge for government authorities in developing and implementing policies for the improvement of the material and spiritual well-being of the people.
76. Fifth, changes in the world have produced adverse effects on Viet Nam. Diseases and epidemics remain pervasive with many complications, and together with climate change, particularly global warming and the rise of sea level; aggravate the devastating effects of natural disasters such as tropical storms, floods and droughts. These challenges not only directly affect each person, but also disperse the country’s resources, thus diminishing the effectiveness of policies on the promotion of human development.
77. Sixth, awareness among certain groups of public servants at both national and local levels are incomplete in terms of international human rights law, Viet Nam’s treaty obligations and even national legislation and policies. As a result, there have been cases of neglectful violation affecting the enjoyment of people’s rights.
V. National priorities and commitments.
A. National priorities.
78. With a view to overcoming those challenges and achieving greater progress in ensuring the rights of its people, Viet Nam has set a number of priorities for the next five years.
79. Poverty reduction continues to be among the top priorities of the Government. Viet Nam is one of the first countries having achieved the MDG on poverty reduction ten years ahead of schedule. However, this progress needs to be sustained. In the years to come, Viet Nam will make efforts to accelerate poverty reduction, consolidate its past achievements, improve the quality of life and production conditions of poor households, and narrow the widening gap of income and living standards between rural and urban, mountainous and plain areas. Viet Nam has developed the National Target Programme on Poverty Reduction for the 2006-2010 period, with a budget of VND 43,000 billion, giving priority to vulnerable groups such as women, children, ethnic minorities, the elderly and persons with disabilities.
80. The National Programme on Employment includes targets to ensure employment for 49.5 million workers and create 8 million new jobs from 2006 to 2010, and reduce urban unemployment to below 5% by 2010. To this end, Viet Nam is implementing credit-for-jobs projects, assisting workers in finding employment abroad and promoting labour market development.
81. Viet Nam will continue legal and administrative reforms in order to prevent and combat bureaucratic practices, corruption and extravagance as well as promoting democracy and the rule of law.
82. Viet Nam has adopted the Strategy on the Development of the Legal System with a view to building a uniform, consistent, enforceable, open and transparent legal system and a rule-of-law state of the people, by the people and for the people. The focus of this Strategy is strengthening the legal basis for the accountability of State authorities in implementing international human rights treaties to which Viet Nam is a party; improving the regime for State protection of citizens’ legitimate rights and interests, the accountability of State authorities, particularly the courts; improving the legal basis for the oversight role exercised by elected bodies and the citizens over the activities of State authorities and public servants; and institutionalizing social equity policies to ensure that every citizen has access to public services, health insurance, social insurance, social relief and poverty reduction programmes.
83. Viet Nam has also adopted the Judicial Reform Strategy until 2020 aiming to build a healthy, strong, democratic, strict, just, effective and efficient judicial system with main avenues as follows:
- Developing the legal system on legal aid to meet the increasing and diverse demand for legal aid.
- Reforming judicial proceedings to ensure democracy, equality, openness, transparency, coherence, ensuring the participation of parties concerned and the quality of litigation at trials.
- Improving criminal laws with a view to reducing and limiting the application of capital punishment to a small number of especially serious crimes and imposing stricter criminal liabilities for law-enforcement officers or power abusers.
84. Viet Nam continues to give priority to healthcare and improvement of people’s physical conditions, including the prevention and control of communicable diseases and epidemics, early detection and control of outbreaks, raising awareness on healthcare, improving access to clean water and sanitation services for all, with priority support given to the poor and entitled beneficiaries, ethnic minorities and regions in special hardship, ensuring food safety in accordance with regional and international standards, and gradually driving back and eliminating drug addiction. National Target Programmes (NTP) on the prevention of some dangerous communicable diseases and HIV/AIDS, on population and family planning, on clean water and clean rural environment (total budget of over VND 22,000 billions), on food safety (total budget of VND 1,000 billions) and on the prevention and control of narcotic drugs for 2006-2010 will continue to be implemented.
85. Viet Nam further gives priority to the development of a social security network and addressing the adverse effects of the market economy. This includes diversifying social insurance schemes, paying attention to the material and spiritual well-being of vulnerable groups, including the poor, women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, ethnic minority people.
86. Another priority of Viet Nam is to educate the youth and training a labour force with knowledge, skills and determination to advance in science and technology, and building a strong contingent of skilled workers, experts and scientists, entrepreneurs and managers.
87. The NTP on Education and Training until 2010 includes seven projects on the universalisation of lower secondary education, reform of the curriculum, textbooks and teaching materials, training of IT personnel; introducing IT into schools, training of teaching and managerial staff, support for education in mountainous, ethnic minority and poor areas, improvement of school facilities and enhancement of vocational training capacity. Budget for these projects is estimated at VND 20,270 billions, most of which comes from the state budget.
B. Commitments.
88. Recognizing that the promotion and protection of human rights are a continuous process requiring constant attention of the State, Viet Nam is committed to continuing to work with other countries, the United Nations and its agencies to ensure increasingly better enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms on its territory and in the world. These commitments include:
a) With regard to the international human rights treaties: Consideration of withdrawal of its reservations to Article 5 of the CRC Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography; consideration of accession to a number of ILO Conventions and the Convention against Torture; ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children;
b) With regard to cooperation within human rights mechanisms: Fulfilment of the obligations under international treaties to which Viet Nam is a party; active participation in a number of United Nations human rights mechanisms, such as the Human Rights Council, the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council; continuance of dialogues on human rights with other countries and international organisations; consideration of inviting the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, the Independent Expert on the question of human rights and extreme poverty, the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education and the Independent Expert on the Effects of foreign debt and other related international financial obligations of States on the full enjoyment of human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights to visit Viet Nam in the near future to have a better understanding of the country’s situation and assist Viet Nam in better ensuring human rights in these areas;
c) With regard to the promotion of human rights on the ground: Continuance of administrative reform, improvement of the legal and institutional frameworks with a view to strengthening the rule of law, better ensuring the ownership of citizens and their access to legal aid;
- Scaling up poverty reduction and giving priority to job creation, income improvement, development of social security network and provision of basic social services to the poor and vulnerable groups and those in mountainous and remote areas;
- Universalisation of lower secondary education;
- Paying due attention to preventing and combating trafficking in women and children, strengthening education and information on the elimination of discrimination against the victims of trafficking and job and income generation for them; finding solution to the issues of child labour, street children and violence against children; close cooperation with other countries, especially in the region, on combating trafficking in women and children and transnational crime;
- Continuance of the national vaccination programme against seven diseases in children, information campaigns on HIV/AIDS prevention and give increased attention to maternal and child health, reproductive health and reduction of the ratio of malnutrished children;
- Consolidation of gender equality policies and information campaigns to eliminate gender-based discrimination, providing women, especially those in mountainous, remote and poor areas and ethnic minority women, with equal opportunities to education, employment and income; stepping up the prevention of and combat against domestic violence, information campaigns aiming at changing the male-supremacy mentality.
89. Viet Nam hopes other countries and international organisations will continue to share their experience with and strengthen their assistance and support to Viet Nam in building capacity for government officials as well as for the people, thus improving awareness on human rights./.

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Deputy Foreign Minister Ho Xuan Son made the remark after accompanying the PM to the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) and completing a tour of Guangdong province, Hong Kong and Macau.
According to Son, this year’s BFA, the eighth of its kind, was the largest so far, with 1,600 delegates taking part from Asia, Europe, the Americas, the World Trade Organisation and other international economic and financial organisations.
Addressing the forum, which took place in the context of the current global economic crisis, PM Dung confirmed that Vietnam would closely cooperate with other countries to overcome the present difficulties.
He suggested intensifying cooperation in the Greater Mekong Subregion and called upon developed countries to assist developing ones, particularly in providing access to capital and new technologies.
The PM revealed Vietnam’s package of solutions that have provided a stimulus for the country’s economy, which still proves to be a dynamic and attractive destination for overseas investors.
On the sidelines of the forum, PM Dung had talks with his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao. The two PMs agreed that it is crucially important to enhance cooperation between the countries during the present global crisis.
The two leaders discussed and reached an agreement on major solutions that will develop bilateral relations to reach the target of 25 billion USD in two-way trade turnover by 2010 and at the same time reach a balance in trade.
They agreed to make 2010, when the two countries mark their 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties, as Year of Vietnam-China Friendship.
Son said that the localities in China that the PM had visited showed their eagerness to strengthen relations with Vietnam. The provinces of Hainan, Guangxi and Guangdong and the territories of Hong Kong and Macau, which lie close to Vietnam and have similar cultural identities and customs, all have great economic potential as well as long established ties with Vietnam.
PM Dung met with the top leaders from these localities and also received the heads of their big economic groups.
According to Son, the five workshops and forums on the economy and investments that were held during the visit attracted hundreds of businesses, many of them are world leaders.
Also during the visit, a number of cooperation agreements were signed, strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership and creating a new impetus for trade relations between Vietnam and China in general and their localities in particular./.

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He warmly welcomed PM Dung on his first visit to Macau, describing it as an important event and a milestone on the road to friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation between the region and Vietnam.
PM Dung spoke highly of Macau’s economic performance and pledged to work to promote friendship and cooperation between both parties in the future.
At the talks, both leaders confirmed they would enhance their collaboration during the current global financial crisis.
They reached an understanding regarding measures to boost exchanges and contact between administrative, legislative and judicial agencies as well as mass organisations at all levels.
They also agreed to broaden bilateral cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, tourism, education and labour and create the best possible conditions for businesspeople from Macau and Vietnam to work together to seek out investment opportunities.
The Vietnamese PM invisted the Macau Special Administrative Region chief to visit Vietnam.
Earlier in the day, PM Dung attended the Vietnam-Macau Business Forum which was jointly organised by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Macau Committee for Trade and Investment Promotion.
PM Dung said that he regarded Macau as one of China’s fastest developing economic zones, which acts as a bridge for the mainland’s trade and investment with other countries, including Vietnam.
However, he said that the two way trade value of 35 million USD between Vietnam-Macau in 2008 and Macau’s eight investment projects worth a total 32 million USD in Vietnam remains far from both sides’ full potential.
The Vietnamese PM called on the Vietnamese and Macau business community to step up cooperation, particularly in trade, investment and tourism, to bring more practical benefits to both sides and confirmed that he would provide investors from Macau with the right incentives to do business in Vietnam.
He also told Macau investors that the Vietnamese Government regards tourism as its spearhead economy for a fast and sustainable development, so the country has encouraged both local and foreign investors to invest money in this sector.
Following the forum, the Vietnamese leader received the representatives of a number of large commercial groups in Macau.
Later on in the day, PM Dung and his delegation left Macau, wrapping up a busy trip during which he attended the Boao Forum for Asia, toured China’s Guangdong province, and made an official visit to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region./.
 

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The Vietnamese General Secretary said he believed that the two top legislators will contribute to the development of the Vietnam-Japan strategic partnership, adding he expected that the Japanese legislative bodies will soon ratify the Economic Partnership Agreement signed between the two countries in late 2008.

Speaker Kono Yohei and President Eda Satsuko spoke highly of General Secretary Manh’s visit to Japan, saying they believed that the visit will help lift the two countries’ relationship to a new height.

Japanese parliament always supports Vietnam and wishes that bilateral ties between the two countries will further develop, they said, stressing that Vietnam is Japan ’s reliable and most important partner in Asia .

They also pledged to do their best so that the parliament will soon approve the Vietnam-Japan EPA.

The Vietnamese Party leader thanked the Japanese government for its provision of official development assistance (ODA) towards Vietnam ’s socio-economic development and poverty reduction.

Vietnam will work closely with Japan to effectively implement Japan’s ODA, and strictly follow anti-corruption measures given by the joint committee on the issue, Manh said.

He added he hoped that Japan will continue to cooperate with Vietnam to carry out large-scale projects, namely the North-South expressway and railway and the Hoa Lac hi-tech park.

The Party chief affirmed Vietnam’s stance to attach importance to ties with Japan, considering it one of the country’s most important relations.

Vietnam highly values Japan’s contributions to coping with the world financial crisis, he said, adding he believed that with its economic and scientific and technological potential, the Rising Sun country will play an important role in the cause of peace, cooperation and development in Pacific-Asia and the world at large.

General Secretary Manh also took this occasion to convey National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Phu Trong’s invitations to Speaker Kono Yohei and President Eda Satsuko to visit Vietnam .

On the same day, he received President of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Association Furuta Motoo, President of Keidanren Fujio Mitarai and President of the Sumitomo group Susumu Kato./.
 

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Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh said this during a meeting with the Chairperson of the Japanese Communist Party (JCP)’s Executive Committee Kazuo Shii, the Komei Party Chief Representative Akihiro Ota, the Democratic Party of Japan’s (DPJ) Vice President Katsuya Okada, the New People’s Party President Tamisuke Watanuki and the Social Democratic Party President Mizuho Fukushima.
The Vietnamese Party leader, who is on an official visit to Japan from April 19, said that he was delighted at the fruitful developments in Vietnamese-Japanese relations, particularly in the fields of politics, economics, culture and cultural exchanges.
While pursuing its own foreign policy, Vietnam attaches great importance to developing its cooperative links with Japan, considering it one of the country’s most important partners, he said.
Manh thanked Japan for its official development assistance (ODA) so Vietnam can eliminate hunger and reduce poverty.
After applauding Japan’s increased private investment in Vietnam, the Party General Secretary urged Japan to speed up the deployment of major projects in the country, including the North-South expressway, the North-South high-speed railway and the Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park.
The Japanese political party leaders praised the measures Vietnam is taking to foster economic development amid the global financial crisis.
Kazuo Shii and Katsuya Okada voiced their support for the Japanese Government’s ODA for Vietnam, and said they hoped that Vietnam would use the capital effectively.
The same day, General Secretary Manh met with the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary League, and received the Vietnam-Japan Special Friendship Ambassador Ryotaro Sugi plus the Chairwoman of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Sadako Ogata.
In the afternoon, the Party leader visited the Fukuoka prefecture, where he gave a reception for the governor, Wataru Aso./.

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General Secretary Nong Duc Manh held talks with Japanese PM Taro Aso Tokyo on April 20. Manh is on a four-day visit to Japan from April 19.

The two leaders reiterated the joint statement “Towards the strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia” issued on Oct. 19, 2006, while welcoming the effective implementation of the “Cooperation programme towards the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan” made public in December 2007.

They noted that the two joint documents, the two countries’ multifaceted relations have made great progress in politics, economy, culture, people-to-people exchange and other areas.

The two leaders affirmed that Vietnam and Japan have great potential for further developing their friendship and cooperation.

They agreed to hold annual visits of high-level delegations, while enhancing the exchange and cooperation between ministries and government agencies; and further promote the exchange between the parliaments, political parties, local governments and people of the two countries.

In addition, meetings of the Vietnam-Japan Cooperation Committee will be held annually along with the promotion of political dialogue mechanisms at the deputy foreign ministerial level and exchanges between senior officials in the field of security and defence as well as cooperation in legal areas.

The two leaders expressed their belief that the Vietnam-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement would play an important role in the development of the two countries’ economic relations. They pledged to join efforts to get the agreement running soon and facilitate its implementation.

The two sides also agreed to work for more Japanese investment into Vietnam through activities as the joint initiative to improve the business environment and sharpen Vietnam’s competitive edge.

Vietnam and Japan are to expand cooperation in infrastructure improvement, energy, manufacturing, supporting industry, goods transport, IT and telecoms, natural calamity prevention and environmental protection, while building ties in new fields such as the use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes, space technology, and environment-friendly aeroplane.

PM Aso said General Secretary Manh’s visit is significant in boosting high-level dialogue and mutual understanding, thus opening a new period in bilateral ties.

He spoke highly of measures Vietnam has taken to maintain socio-economic development and rein in inflation, adding that he believed Vietnam would gain even greater achievements in the cause of renovation and industrialisation.

Aso said Japan appreciates Vietnam’s determination to fight corruption regarding Japan’s ODA.

In this connection, the two sides agreed to work closely for the effective use of Japan’s ODA in Vietnam and seriously executing all counter-corruption measures adopted by the Vietnam-Japan joint committee for combating corruption in ODA use.

The two sides decided to accelerate the implementation of agreed projects including the north-south expressway, north-south express railway, and the Hoa Lac hi-tech park.

The two sides agreed to promote cultural, scientific and technological, educational, training cooperation and exchanges between young people. In addition, they also agreed to increase coordination in preserving cultural heritages.

Regarding issues of the international community, the two leaders stressed the need for Vietnam and Japan to collaborate more closely at international organisations and forums where they are members, including the UN, WTO, APEC, ASEM, ARF and EAS.

They will work closely within the framework of ASEAN-Japan, ASEAN+3, and with the sub-Mekong cooperation.

The two leaders also pledged to join hands in strengthening a free, just, and equal multilateral trade mechanism and speeding up the Doha talk toward a positive and harmonious agreement as soon as possible.

In addition to those, the two countries committed to promoting their coordination in global issues, including environmental and climate change, the fight against natural disasters and epidemics, and disarmament.

The Vietnamese side praised Japan’s contributions to the world’s efforts to cope with the global financial crisis and expressed hope that the East Asian powerhouse will work more to help Asia and the world rise out of economic stagnation.

General Secretary Manh reiterated an invitation to the Japanese Emperor and Empress and other royal family members to visit Vietnam. He also invited PM Aso to visit Vietnam.

At the end of the talks, the two leaders issued a Vietnam-Japan joint statement on strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia./.

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