Participants at the seminar. Photo: VNS

Vietnam seeks stronger trade links Algerian locality

The Vietnam Trade Office in Algeria and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Algeria's Béjaia province co-hosted a seminar on April 2 as part of efforts to introduce economic and trade co-operation potential between the two nations.

Mamasse Samir, chairman of the chamber, said that with 100 km of coastline, the locality boasts great potential for tourism development.

Enterprises based in Béjaia primarily operate in the fields of the food industry, wood and paper, metallurgy, mechanics, electricity, electronics, construction materials, and textiles, he said, adding that several local companies are in the process of importing coffee and spices from Vietnam.

He therefore called on Vietnamese businesses to invest in the Algerian locality whilst cooperate with local partners based on mutual benefit, affirming that Béjaia always offers favorable conditions for foreign investors with many incentives on taxes and industrial land leasing.

Hoang Duc Nhuan, Vietnamese trade counselor, briefed participants on the current Vietnamese economic and foreign trade situation and the trade and investment cooperation relationship between the two countries. Last year’s two-way trade hit an estimated US$250 million, up 68% on-year.

Nhuan also provided information to and invited Algerian businesses to attend an exhibition on connecting international supply chains (Vietnam International Sourcing) from June 6 to June 8 in Ho Chi Minh City.

At the event, the office also displayed an array of catalogs and samples of coffee, pepper, cashew nuts, cinnamon, anise, coconut meat, and plywood of Vietnamese businesses, cited VOV.

Firms in Béjaia showed a keen interest in importing raw coffee, cashew nuts, sugar, soybeans, sunflower seeds, bags, packages, and materials for cork production from the nation. They also looked into importing sporting products from the nation; as well as seeking partners in the fields of textile production and agricultural processing, refrigeration equipment, logistics, and tourism.

They said they desire to export olive oil, caromic powder, margarine, and sauces to the Vietnamese market.

Hanoi, Moscow cooperate in transnational, high-tech crime prevention, control

The Department of Public Security of Hanoi and the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for Moscow on April 3 held talks and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in many fields.

Accordingly, the two agencies will strengthen cooperation in mutual legal assistance, transnational and high-tech crime prevention and control, and ensure security and safety of the two countries' embassies in each other's territories.

At the talks, Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Hai Trung, Director of the Hanoi Department of Public Security, called on the Moscow delegation to share its experience and assist the Hanoi Department of Public Security, in applying advanced technologies to ensure security and order in the city, firstly the operation of a security surveillance camera system.

He also proposed the guests to share experience in ensuring cyber security and safety; administrative and social order management; security and order management at metro stations and on urban trains as well as in guaranteeing security and safety of diplomatic representative agencies, businessmen, foreign students, and expatriates in the capital cities of the two countries.

The two sides will continue to implement the cooperation agreements signed by the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, especially those on mutual legal assistance, new types of crimes, and hi-tech crimes. They will devise a plan to deploy the MoU signed by the two agencies, according to VNA.

Representatives from The Department of Public Security of Hanoi and the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for Moscow at the MoU signing ceremony. (Photo: VNA broadcasts)

For his part, Deputy Head of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for Moscow Major General Novikov Vladislav Anatolievich said that the MoU signed by the two agencies will open a new period of development for both sides, helping to promote cooperation between the administrations of the two cities.

He emphasized that the Russian side is always ready to support and meet all needs of the Hanoi Department of Public Security.

At the talks, the two sides discussed issues, including cybercrime prevention and control, information security, and the fight against transnational and organized crimes.

Petrol prices see mixed changes, oil prices up

The retail prices of E5 RON 92 bio-petrol and all oil products increased in the latest adjustment on April 5 by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Finance.

The price of E5 RON 92 rose by VND290 per litter to VND23,910 while that of RON 95-III went down VND10 per liter to VND24,800, VOV reported.

Photo: VOV

Meanwhile, VND290, VND140, VND150 were added to the prices of diesel oil, kerosene, and mazut, which now stand at VND20,980 per litter, VND21,010 per litter, and VND17,290 per kilogram, respectively.

During the latest adjustment, the two ministries decided to use the petrol price stabilization fund for mazut oil, at VND300 per kilogram.

Since the beginning of the year, petrol prices have undergone 14 adjustments, with 9 up, four down, and one down for petrol and one up for oil.

Vietnam’s Corps of Engineers builds barracks for Ghana’s infantry

The Vietnamese Army Corps of Engineers is building a barracks for the Ghana Infantry Battalion in Rumamier, a "hot spot" of insecurity at the UNISFA mission.

Located 35 kilometers south of Abyei area from the Highway base, where the Vietnamese Army Corps of Engineers is stationed, Rumamier has many insecurity problems.

Surveys by the Vietnam Army Corps of Engineers show an area with many large natural ponds and lakes, which, in the dry season, is the main supply source of water for people and cattle.

The survey team found deserted villages in a place considered the origin of life. Hundreds of houses were covered by dust and household items such as baskets, buckets and basins were in disorder on the ground.

(Photo: Vietnam Army Corps of Engineers).

In late February, armed robberies and attacks and murders due to ethnic conflicts caused people to panic. Many families left for the north together with their herds of cattle.

Previously, this was the temporary station of a Ghanaian unit. However, it can be used only in the dry season, because the barracks flood in the rainy season, VNN reported.

To ensure security and safety for Rumamier, UNISFA (The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei) has requested an increased military presence and the presence of a force with 55 officers.

Meanwhile, the Vietnamese Army Corps of Engineers will build a permanent base for the Ghana’s unit.

According to Colonel Nguyen Viet Hung, Captain of the Engineering Team, they need to upgrade the infrastructure of the land bed. This ensures effective implementation of subsequent tasks such as building a helipad and barracks.

Second, it is necessary to join forces with the unit to ensure safety of officers of the team when implementing tasks far from the base.

Under the scorching sun, the Vietnamese Army Corps of Engineers have installed tents and facilities to ensure the best possible accommodations needed to deploy the task far from their base.

This is considered one of the mission's key projects. The construction of the entire permanent barracks system will last 45 days. The Engineering Team has set a target to complete the project by early May, and put it into use before the rainy season begins.

Earlier this year, the Vietnamese Army Corps of Engineers built a barracks for a Nepalese unit at the UNISFA Mission headquarters. It is expected that in the second half of 2024, the team will begin building a barracks for a Chinese quick response unit.

Vietnam, China’s Hong Kong promote relations

Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region John Lee on April 3 hosted a reception for Vietnamese Consul General Pham Binh Dam, who came to bid farewell at the end of his tenure.Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region John Lee on April 3 hosted a reception for Vietnamese Consul General Pham Binh Dam, who came to bid farewell at the end of his tenure.

Highlighting the fruitful Vietnam - Hong Kong cooperation in recent times, Lee said Vietnam and Hong Kong are currently important trade and investment partners of each other, cited VNA.

Vietnamese Consul General Pham Binh Dam (left) and Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region John Lee at the meeting on April 3. (Photo: VNA)

He also appreciated the Consul General’s active contributions to the development of the relations over the past time, saying that with his efforts and commitment, many issues that existed for decades between the two sides have been resolved, including the removal of visa restrictions for Vietnamese workers and facilitation of business and tourist visas for Vietnamese citizens. Lee said he believes that it will create momentum for further development of the relationship between Vietnam and Hong Kong in the time to come.

Expressing his pleasure at the positive changes in Vietnam - Hong Kong relations recently, Dam spoke highly of Lee’s efforts to create a breakthrough in Hong Kong's ties with Vietnam.

The diplomat suggested the two sides sign cooperation documents in fields such as finance, human resources, education and tourism to create a framework for government agencies and businesses of both sides to carry out specific collaboration plans. He recommended they enhance the exchange of delegations at all levels to increase understanding and information sharing as well as exchange measures to promote cooperation and resolve existing and arising issues.

Acknowledging Dam’s suggestions, Lee said he believes that the two sides will witness many strong developments in their relations in the coming time, adding that Vietnam and Hong Kong can become a role model in international relations, both coordinating with each other to resolve existing differences and developing together in areas of mutual interest.

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