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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) receives Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Anatoly Sivak (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam treasures time-honored friendship with Belarus: PM

Vietnam always values its traditional friendship and multi-faceted collaboration with Belarus, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh told Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Anatoly Sivak during their meeting in Hanoi on April 2.

To effectively harness their potential and strengths, PM Chinh suggested both sides continue to strengthen delegation exchanges, especially at the high level, and cooperate at multilateral forums. He also encouraged the two sides to make efforts to boost bilateral economic and trade relations, which are still modest compared to their potential and strengths, and create conditions for their businesses to enhance investment collaboration, and maintain the effectiveness of the Intergovernmental Committee.

The two countries should promote cooperation in other areas, including security, defence, information technology, digital transformation, clean energy, industry, agriculture, education and culture, he said.

Highlighting education-training as a traditional area of cooperation, Chinh stressed the necessity to increase scholarship exchanges, especially in fundamental sciences, arts, and training of high-quality human resources in fields that align with global development trends. He also urged both sides to promote cooperation in automobile production, agricultural machinery manufacturing, and railway transport development, cited VNA.

Anatoly Sivak expressed his pleasure in leading the first-ever high-level Government delegation from Belarus to Vietnam in his role as Deputy Prime Minister to attend the meeting of the bilateral Intergovernmental Committee and other important activities aimed at promoting cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the fields of economy-trade and science-technology.

Belarus highly values Vietnam's role in Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region, he stated, adding that his country’s high-ranking leaders are interested in and eager to promote cooperation with Vietnam in various fields, for the sustainable development and practical benefits of the countries' people.

Top legislator pushes for closer Vietnam - Armenia business connectivity

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man has asked the business communities of Vietnam and Armenia to enhance connectivity to capitalize on opportunities from fine political relations and cooperation agreements between the two countries.

Speaking at a joint business roundtable in Yerevan on April 2, Man, who was on an official visit to Armenia, noted that Vietnam and Armenia have recorded significant achievements in socio-economic development and international integration since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992, and the relations have continuously developed bilaterally and multilaterally over the years.

While cooperation between the two countries has yielded remarkable results, he said, there remains vast potential that needs to be further promoted and fully leveraged.

According to the top legislator, both Vietnam and Armenia have open economies where exports play a crucial role and are well adapted to international trade principles. Vietnam has participated in the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which includes Armenia. This agreement presents significant opportunities to enhance and deepen economic and trade relations, thereby boosting bilateral trade growth.

Bilateral relations have been further strengthened, especially following the official visit to Vietnam by Armenian National Assembly President Alen Simonyan last November, where the two sides discussed the possibility of accelerating negotiations and signing cooperation documents, laying a legal framework for their agencies, organizations, individuals, and businesses to enhance exchanges, explore markets, and seize trade and investment opportunities.

To maximize the potential for cooperation, Man outlined several specific directions for businesses from both countries, including cooperation in software development, artificial intelligence, and technology solutions for education, healthcare, and smart urban management. He reasoned that Armenia, dubbed the ‘Silicon Valley’ of the region, boasts a strong IT sector, while Vietnam is accelerating digital transformation across all fields.

In agriculture and food processing, he said, Vietnam can supply tropical agricultural products such as coffee, cashew nuts, and seafood, while Armenia can share its expertise in processing high-quality agricultural products, particularly in wine and dried fruits.

Regarding renewable energy, he proposed that businesses from both sides cooperate in researching and investing in solar, wind, and small-scale hydropower projects, to leverage Armenia’s advanced technology and Vietnam’s abundant resources, according to VOV.

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man of Vietnam speaks at a joint business roundtable in Yerevan on April 2. (Photo: quochoi.vn)

To foster deeper, more comprehensive, and effective cooperation between the two business communities, with a focus on investment and trade, Man urged both sides to actively facilitate opportunities for businesses to exchange, explore, and capitalize on cooperation and investment opportunities, particularly in high-potential sectors.

Vietnam is ready to act as a bridge for Armenia to enhance its relations with ASEAN, and hopes that Armenia will serve as a gateway for Vietnam to strengthen its ties with Eurasian Economic Union countries, said the legislator.

He urged both governments to continue improving the business and investment environment, creating the most favorable conditions for enterprises from both countries to strengthen cooperation and successfully implement investment and business activities in compliance with legal regulations.

He also encouraged the business communities to expand cooperation into ASEAN and Central Asia, which hold significant potential.

The joint business roundtable was part of Man’s activities during his official visit to Armenia at the invitation of National Assembly President Alen Simonyan.

During his stay, Man will hold high-level talks with Simonyan, and meet with the President and Prime Minister of Armenia. He will visit Yerevan State University, meet with the Head of the Armenia-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Group, and attend the Armenia-Vietnam Business Forum.

Vietnam and Armenia have maintained a strong and friendly traditional relationship. Armenia considers Vietnam an important partner in Southeast Asia. Both countries have continued high-level exchanges and engagements, including a recent meeting between Party General Secretary To Lam and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on the sidelines of the 2024 Francophonie Summit in France, as well as the official visit of Armenian National Assembly President Alen Simonyan to Vietnam in November 2024.

Parliamentary cooperation between the two countries has continued to grow, especially following the Armenian National Assembly President’s visit to Vietnam. The Armenian National Assembly established the Armenia-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Group in 2021.

In recent years, economic, trade, and investment cooperation between Vietnam and Armenia has seen positive developments, particularly following the enforcement of the Vietnam-Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Free Trade Agreement in 2016. Bilateral trade volume reached US$342 million in 2023 and nearly US$500 million in 2024.

Armenia has invested in several projects in Vietnam, including an electronic component manufacturing plant in Chu Lai Industrial Park in Quang Nam province, with a total registered capital of US$12.9 million.

The two countries have also established an Intergovernmental Committee on Economic, Trade, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation, which held its first session in March 2017.

Vietnamese, Russian foreign ministers holds talks in Moscow

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on April 2 as part of his official visit to the European country from April 2-4.

The Vietnamese official stated that Vietnam consistently regards Russia as one of its top strategic and trusted partners in its foreign policy. Meanwhile, Lavrov affirmed that Vietnam is a priority partner in Russia's foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific region.

The two ministers praised the continued dynamic development of the Vietnam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership across all sectors. Political relations have been further consolidated with a high level of trust and regular exchanges of delegations at all levels. Economic and trade ties have returned to a positive growth trajectory.

Both sides agreed to further promote all-level delegation exchanges across Party, State, parliamentary, and people-to-people diplomacy channels. They said it is important to further strengthen cooperation between the two foreign ministries and expand the countries’ collaboration in such sectors as energy, transport infrastructure, logistics, science-technology, agriculture, biomedical science, culture, tourism, and education-training.

The ministers also agreed upon promoting the role of the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union, focusing on implementing key projects and developing new initiatives to make economic, trade, and investment cooperation a pillar of the Vietnam-Russia partnership, cited VNA.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (L) and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the press conference following their talks in Moscow on April 2. (Photo: VNA)

Son requested Russia’s continued support for the Vietnamese community in the country, ensuring their stable living, studying, and working conditions. He also proposed that the nation consider visa exemptions for Vietnamese citizens holding ordinary passports.

He noted that Vietnam highly values Russia’s role and contributions in multilateral organizations and agrees to enhance coordination in key international forums, including the United Nations (UN), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and BRICS as well as in response to non-traditional security challenges.

Both sides agreed to uphold international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to maintain peace, security, stability, and cooperation in the region.

Following the talks, the two ministers held a press conference to announce the outcomes.

Earlier the same day in the Russian capital, Son laid flowers at the statue of late President Ho Chi Minh, placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, and met with representatives of the Vietnamese community.

Vietnam Expo 2025 attracts 400 businesses from 18 countries

As many as 400 businesses from 18 countries and regions are showcasing their products and technologies at Vietnam Expo 2025 that opened in Hanoi on April 2.

Themed Step Together in A Digitised World, the expo is introducing five main industry zones, with the International Zone featuring national trade promotion organizations from Algeria, Cambodia, Belarus, Cuba, the Republic of Korea, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, and China.

The Electronics, Machinery, and Supporting Industries Zone has drawn the participation of companies like Vinacomin, Hoang Vu Stainless Steel, Vnsteel Thang Long, Khang Viet Chemicals, and Hanopro Adhesive Tape.

Delegates at the opening ceremony.

A major highlight this year is the Green Logistics Zone, bringing together leading logistics companies such as FedEx, Long An International Port, Bee Logistics, Western Post, Smartlog, and Intertrans. This zone introduces innovative logistics solutions supporting manufacturing, exports, and sustainable transportation development.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan affirmed that after 33 years of organization, Vietnam Expo has become one of the most significant and meaningful trade promotion events in the country.

The expo has contributed to generating economic value and creating opportunities for businesses to boost exports, expand markets, enhance participation in global value chains, and promote international economic integration, he said.

He revealed, Vietnam Expo 2025, in addition to traditional activities, introduces online B2B networking activities, enabling businesses to connect with partners remotely, maintain year-round engagement and expand their domestic and international partnership networks, thereby enhancing competitiveness and achieving sustainable growth.

Domestically, the fair remains highly regarded by Vietnamese investment, trade, and tourism promotion centers, which use the platform to showcase high-quality OCOP (One Commune One Product) goods to local and international consumers.

During the four-day event, Vietnam Expo 2025 is scheduled to feature high-level forums and trade promotion conferences, along with a series of seminars providing valuable information and networking opportunities for both domestic and international enterprises.

Notably, the Supply Link programme will facilitate supply-demand connections in the supporting industry, with a dedicated one-on-one business matching area involving the participation of FDI enterprises.

The expo is expected to welcome more than 20,000 visitors and business representatives.

Vietnam announces 3-day holiday for Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day 2025

The public holiday will run from April 5 to 7, giving government workers and employees a long weekend.

For the upcoming Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day in 2025, Vietnamese government employees, public servants, and workers nationwide will enjoy a three-day holiday.

This year, the traditional Hung Kings’ Festival (10th day of the third lunar month) falls on Monday, April 7, 2025, which is the first working day of the week. As a result, employees working under a five-day week (with Saturday and Sunday off) will be entitled to a three-day break from Saturday, April 5 to Monday, April 7.

Under labor regulations, employees are entitled to a full day off with pay on Hung Kings’ Day (10/3 lunar calendar), VNN reported.

Workers in Vietnam will enjoy a 3-day break for Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day in 2025. Photo: Archive

According to the 2019 Labor Code, employees are not required to work on public holidays unless they give their explicit consent. Those who agree to work during a public holiday must be paid at least 300% of their standard daily wage, not including their regular holiday pay if they are on a daily wage contract (as stipulated in Article 98 of the 2019 Labor Code).

The Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day is a national holiday held annually at the Hung Kings Temple Historical Site, located on Nghia Linh Mountain in Hy Cuong Commune, Lam Thao District, Phu Tho Province.

The site is a sacred place where the Vietnamese pay tribute to the Hung Kings - the legendary founders of the nation. Phong Chau, the ancient capital of Van Lang over 40,000 years ago, is considered the ancestral land of the Vietnamese people.

Legend has it that the Hung Kings searched many lands before choosing this location to establish their capital. With mountains flanking both sides, a river flowing in front, and fertile plains ideal for agriculture, Nghia Linh Mountain was seen as a divine and strategic place to build a kingdom and cultivate a prosperous civilization.

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