Vietnam to assume UN Security Council’s presidency

Vietnam will take over the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for one month, beginning on July 1, 2008.

In July, Vietnam will manage the UNSC’s activities such as working out a working agenda, presiding over the UNSC meetings and representing the UNSC in its relationship with other members of the UN, international and regional organisations and international press.

In particular, Vietnam will chair and coordinate with other UNSC members to prepare the council’s yearly report on its activities based on 60 headings of the current agenda.
to be presented to the UN General Assembly.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem is scheduled to head a Vietnamese delegation to attend a number of the UNSC’s important activities and preside over a high-level open debate in line with the council’s July agenda.

Industrial production value on the rise

The country’s industrial output is estimated to have reached US$19.8 billion in the first half of the year, an increase of 16.5 percent over the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

The non-State owned sector saw the highest growth rate, at 22.3 percent, followed by the foreign invested sector with 17.4 percent and the State-owned sector with a spare 6.9 percent.

The output of many key industrial products achieved a higher growth rate than during the same period last year: passenger vehicle output increased 89.6 percent, washing machines surged up 52 percent, TVs 34 percent, refrigerator production 26.9 percent, powdered milk 23.3 percent, vegetable oil 23.1 percent and seafood products 21.2 percent.

Meanwhile, some industrial products showed a decrease, including crude oil (7.9 percent) and oil and gas (4.7 percent).

In the first six months of the year, the industrial production value of Hai Duong, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Vinh Phuc, Can Tho, Hai Phong and Da Nang reached their highest growth levels at 16.9 – 32.6 percent.

Two large economic hubs, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, only showed a modest increase of 16 percent and 14 percent respectively.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has set a target of US$42.12 billion for the country’s industrial output this year.

Vietnam, Bulgaria boost judicial tiesVietnam, Bulgaria boost judicial ties

Vietnam and Bulgaria are likely to reach an agreement on legal and judicial cooperation soon after the two ministers of justice met in Bulgaria recently.

During his visit to Bulgaria from June 21-26, Minister of Justice Ha Hung Cuong held working sessions with his host Miglena Tacheva, where the duo reached a consensus on principles of negotiation on the accord.

Host and guest shared a view that the two countries have much in common in legal and judicial reforms while shifting the national economy from centrally planned to market oriented.

“The two countries may share experiences in this field,” they emphasised.

During his stay in Bulgaria , Cuong also met with leaders of a number of key executive agencies such as the National Assembly’s Legal Committee, the Supreme Judicial Council, the Supreme Court, the General Procuracy, the National Institute of Judiciary, and the National Lawyers’ Association.

During these meetings, the Vietnamese justice chief informed the Bulgarian side of the nation’s recent socio-economic achievements and progress made in legal and judicial reforms.

The Bulgarian side appreciated Vietnam ’s increasing prestige in the regional and international arena.

The two sides were of the view that with Vietnam being an active member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Bulgaria a member of the European Union, opportunities for multi-faceted cooperation are ahead for the two countries in both bilateral and multilateral spheres.

Vietnam regards US as leading education partner, says PM

Vietnam always considers the United States as a leading education partner and commits to creating favourable conditions for US investors in this area.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung delivered the message while attending a seminar dubbed “Education initiative with Vietnam” in Houston, Texas, on June 26 – the last day of his visit to the US.

“Vietnam and the US agreed to boost education cooperation and establish a task force for the purpose,” the government leader noted, adding that several cooperation agreements were signed during his current four-day trip.

PM Dung expressed his delight at fruitful developments in bilateral relations in many fields, particularly in economics, trade and investment.

He went on to say that encouraging progress has been recorded in educational cooperation, however, the obtained achievements have yet to commensurate with potentials and strengths of both sides.

On the occasion, the PM had direct dialogues with US investors on a wide range of issues regarding Vietnam’s education, including the quality, models and training scales.

Also on June 26, he attended a Vietnam-US business forum which gathered representatives from close to 300 local businesses.

About his talks with President George W. Bush two days earlier, the PM stressed that both sides agreed to make greater efforts to remove difficulties and obstacles in order to facilitate bilateral trade and investment ties.

PM Dung also assured the entrepreneurs of his willingness to hold meetings to increase mutual understanding and cooperation for mutual benefits.

Following the forum, Vietnamese businesses signed a number of contracts with US partners, including an agreement between the Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin) and Conoco Philip to explore and exploit coal in the Red River Delta, and a deal by the Vietnam Garment and Textile Group (Vinatex) to buy cotton products from Texas.

In June 26 evening, PM Nguyen Tan Dung and his entourage left Houston, wrapping up their official visit to the US.

Cambodian King wraps up Vietnam visit

Hanoi – Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni reaffirmed his country’s desire and determination to further consolidate and boost ties with Vietnam before leaving the country on June 26.

Vietnamese leaders also reiterated the country’s persistent policy of treasuring and prioritising the traditional relationship and friendly cooperation with Cambodia under the motto “Good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, and long lasting, durable and comprehensive cooperation.”

During his official visit to Vietnam from June 24 to 26, King Norodom Sihamoni met with Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh and State President Nguyen Minh Triet and received National Assembly Vice Chairperson Tong Thi Phong.

The King paid tribute to the late President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum and visit the Bai Dinh pagoda in northern Ninh Binh province.

Vietnam calls for peace process in Darfur

New York – A Vietnamese representative to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) said in New York on June 24 that the normalisation of the relations between Chad and Sudan will play an important role in promoting the peace process in Darfur .

Addressing a UNSC debate on the situation of Darfur, Ambassador Hoang Chi Trung expressed concern over the worsening security and humanitarian situation in Darfur , particularly increasing robbery and attack on humanitarian aid workers.

The ambassador affirmed support for full deployment of the United Nations – African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) in line with Resolution 1769 of the UNSC and for efforts of the UN and the African Union in encouraging armed forces to engage in the political and peaceful process with the Government of Sudan, particularly in promoting trust-building efforts between all parties with a view to reaching a real negotiation to seek a long-term solution to conflicts in Darfur.

According to reports by UN and AU Special Envoys, Mr. Jan Eliasson and Mr. Salim Ahmed Salim, the security and political situations in Darfur have developed complicatedly due to military actions of both the Government of Sudan and armed forces. The security and humanitarian situation in Darfur has been worsened and the deployment of the UNAMID was slow as the force has not been enhanced in terms of manpower as well as equipment.

World traffic experts to meet in Hanoi

Hanoi – Leading transport industry professionals from around the world will arrive in the capital city to attend Viet Traffic 2008, Vietnam’s premier international traffic and overland transport conference and exhibition, to be held on October 15-17.

Delegates will learn about local and international case studies, urban transport planning and sustainability, advances in technology, transport financing and investments, intelligent transport systems (ITS) and road safety. They’ll also gain critical insights into Vietnam ’s road and rail development plans.

The conference features an exhibition showcasing railway infrastructure, highway construction and management, roadside extras and public utilities, ITS for traffic management and safety, and parking facilities, systems and management.

Vietnam ’s need for an efficient transportation infrastructure has increased significantly as a result of its tremendous economic growth since joining the World Trade Organisation in January 2007. In recent years, the country’s Gross Domestic Product has consistently hovered around the 8 percent mark, with 2007’s foreign direct investment (FDI) hitting a 20-year high.

Major projects are underway to build more ports, highways, railways, roads, bridges, tunnels, interchanges, overpasses, car parks and other auxiliary facilities.

However, Vietnam ’s rapid economic growth has not been matched by infrastructure improvements, said William Lean, VinaCapital’s managing director of infrastructure.

So, why has development of the country’s transport infrastructure lagged far behind general growth of the economy?

Statistics point to inevitable growth in the Vietnamese transportation sector. In Vietnam , there are 12 cars per 1,000 people. In the US , this number is 893 and in Thailand it’s 209. As Vietnam ’s wealth increases, the road network will have to be able to handle many more vehicles.

Investment in transport infrastructure provides healthy risk adjusted returns, due to relatively high and predictable yields from road tolls, user fees and rents.
In the first six months of 2008, Vietnam recorded FDI in transport of 31.6 billion USD, said Hoang Van Huan, an official from the Ministry of Planning and Investment. Nearly 9,200 projects were underway, with a total registered capital of more than 116 billion USD.

The country’s poor transport infrastructure is restricting its economic growth. Some 60 billion USD of foreign investment has not yet been spent, Huan said. It is clear that rapid development of infrastructure is vital to spur economic development in Vietnam , he said.

PM holds talks with US President to boost ties

Washington – Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his host, U.S. President George W. Bush, discussed measures to strengthen and further boost friendly ties and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern.

During their talks at the White House on June 24, PM Dung thanked the US President and people for their warm welcome. President Bush recalled fine impressions during his visit to Vietnam and he also thanked the Vietnamese Government and people for their hospitality.

President Bush expressed his pleasure at Vietnam ’s economic achievements and praised the Vietnamese Government’s determination to stabilise its macro economy.

The two leaders said bilateral ties between Vietnam and the US are developing dynamically and they agreed to firmly and efficiently push up the two countries’ friendly and constructive partnership and multifaceted cooperation on the basis of equality, mutual respect, and mutual benefit.

Both leaders agreed to increase their senior officials’ dialogues on politics, defence, security; establish a new mechanism for exchange and coordination in education, environment, and science-technology; further exchange of economic consultation; and resolve war-related humanitarian issues.

President Bush voiced his support for Vietnam ’s national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

The two leaders expressed their pleasure at the achievements made by Vietnamese Americans and recognised their positive contributions to boosting bilateral ties.

PM Dung affirmed that the Vietnamese Government always considers overseas Vietnamese as an inseparable part of the nation and has always created the most favourable conditions for them to contribute to their homeland.

PM Dung and President Bush agreed to foster the Vietnam-US ties in economics, trade and investment, describing this as a foundation and a driving force for lifting friendly relations and bilateral cooperation to a new height.

PM Dung affirmed Vietnam’s determination to implement bilateral and international commitments and further improve its investment and business environment.

The two sides agreed to start negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty. President Bush said the US is considering granting the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) to Vietnam and recognising its economy as a market economy. He also said that the US will import fruits from Vietnam , with the purchase of blue dragon fruits to be made this year.

Both leaders agreed to further cooperation in education and establish a task group on the matter to jointly study and put forth measures for efficient educational cooperation between Vietnam and the US in the future.

They committed to actively cooperating in the area of environment, with the establishment of a new sub-committee under a bilateral agreement on science and technology to help Vietnam cope with climate change and rising sea level. The US side expressed wish to make the partnership with Vietnam in this area a model.

The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in resolving humanitarian issues left by the war. President Bush thanked the Vietnamese Government and people for their efficient cooperation with the US in seeking US servicemen regarded as Missing in Action.

He also affirmed that the US will further assist Vietnam in the prevention of HIV/AIDS, the clearance of ordnance, the detoxification of dioxin-contaminated areas, the implementation of health care projects and the search for missing Vietnamese people during the war.

The two sides affirmed that they will further their consultation and cooperation within the framework of the United Nations Security Council and in regional and international issues, such as fighting terrorism, epidemics and trans-national crime and ensuring food security.

Following the talks, which took place in the friendly and constructive spirit of respect, the two leaders held a joint press briefing.

During the event, President Bush appreciated and recognised the Vietnamese Government’s efforts and solutions to religious issues. He expressed his pleasure at the strong and dynamic development of the Vietnam-US ties in the spirit of mutual respect and benefit.

The US President thanked the Vietnamese PM for his visit and said he wanted the Vietnam-US relations to further develop.

PM Dung announced the talks held with US President Bush was successful in the spirit of friendship, constructive manner and mutual understandings. The two sides were glad to realise that the bilateral relations between the two countries have developed rapidly towards “constructive partnership, friendship, multi-faceted cooperation, equality, mutual respects and benefits”.

The Vietnamese government leader stressed that this US visit demonstrates Vietnam ’s persistent foreign policy of independence, sovereignty, multilateralisation and diversification with a wish that Vietnam will be a friend and trustworthy partner of many countries of the international community, and continue to boosting the Vietnam-US relations within the framework agreed by leaders of the two countries.

The PM hoped this visit’s outcomes will help lift the Vietnam-US ties to a new level for the benefit of people of the two countries and for peace, stability and development cooperation in the region and the world at large.

Vietnam seeks solutions to conflicts in Africa

New York – Vietnamese Ambassador Le Luong Minh, working as the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Chairman, received Ugandan Defense Minster Chrispus Kiyonga in New York on June 23 to discuss several issues relating to conflicts in Africa .

The Vietnamese representative to the UNSC pointed to the need to enhance the deployment of the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) and handle conflicts between the government and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Uganda .

The Ambassador stressed a policy to solve conflicts through dialogues and peaceful negotiations while advocating the UNSC’s continued provision of assistance in human resources and facilities to help fully deploy the AMISOM, contributing to establishing order and stability in Somalia .

Ambassador Minh committed, in his position as the UNSC Chairman, that Vietnam will make contributions to ensuring the UNSC’s decisions to reflect concerns and legitimate interests of member countries and concerned parties.

Vietnam pushes for solution to Eritrea-Ethiopia conflict

New York – A Vietnamese diplomat has called upon Eritrea and Ethiopia to strictly implement their commitments to agreements they had signed in an effort to resolve their conflict.

Deputy Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations Security Council Ambassador Bui The Giang made the appeal at a UNSC meeting on the Eritrea-Ethiopia conflict in New York on June 23.

Expressing concern about the impact of the current stalemate on regional peace and stability, the ambassador urged the parties to refrain from any threat or use of force against each other and engage in diplomatic efforts to resolve their differences peacefully and in a manner consistent with international law and the UN Charter.

Giang applauded the UN Secretary General’s intermediary role in helping the parties implement the signed agreements, including the Algiers Agreement, the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, and the Peace Agreement.

The diplomat hoped that as a regional organisation having a prominent role in the maintenance of peace and security in Africa, the African Union will be able to help Eritrea and Ethiopia find out a comprehensive and long-lasting solution to their border conflict.