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Politburo member and standing member of the Party Central Committee's Secretariat Luong Cuong (R) and Portuguese Communist Party General Secretary Paulo Raimundo at their meeting in Hanoi on August 16. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese, Portuguese communist parties deepen cooperation

Politburo member and standing member of the Party Central Committee's Secretariat Luong Cuong hosted a delegation from the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) led by General Secretary Paulo Raimundo in Hanoi on August 16.

Cuong affirmed that the PCP delegation's visit will help further strengthen the traditional solidarity between the two Parties, and the friendship and all-round cooperative ties between the states and peoples of Vietnam and Portugal, heading to the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties in 2025.

He thanked the PCP for its support and close comradeship with the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) over the years, and briefed the guests about Vietnam's major achievements and experience after nearly 40 years of Doi Moi (Renewal).

He affirmed that the CPV is steadfast in Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh thought, determined to realize the goals set by the 13th National Party Congress to become a developing country with modern industry and upper middle income by 2030, and a developed country with high income by 2045.

For his part, Raimundo showed his admiration for the important achievements in economic development and social progress that Vietnam has achieved through the Doi Moi process under the leadership of the CPV, cited VNA.

The PCP leader affirmed that the success and lessons of Vietnam during the cause of Doi Moi and socialism building provide valuable experience for the CPC in the struggle for democracy, progress and socialism in Portugal.

Underlining that the PCP always attaches great importance to the traditional solidarity with the CPV, Raimundo stressed his wish to continue making contributions to the sound friendship and cooperation between the two Parties, countries and peoples, and, together with the CPV, to consolidate the international communist and workers' movement.

Vietnam puts forth proposals at 9th Mekong – Lancang Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang affirmed Vietnam's strong commitment to and effective contributions to the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) at the 9th MLC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on August 16, which saw the participation of representatives from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, China and Vietnam.

Hang, who was authorized by Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son to lead a Vietnamese delegation to the meeting, highlighted five key achievements and contributions of the cooperation mechanism in recent times, including closer coordination mechanisms, more effective and practical cooperation, broader areas of collaboration, deeper involvement of various social sectors, and more tangible benefits for the people.

She made several important proposals to realize the development vision endorsed by the Mekong-Lancang leaders, emphasizing that a modern and developed Mekong-Lancang region must be built on the foundation of ensuring seamless trade, investment, and connectivity among the member countries.

Hang underlined the need to expand markets, strengthen sustainable supply chains, promote transport infrastructure connectivity, prioritize enhancing scientific and technological capabilities and foster innovation by effectively implementing the Mekong-Lancang Innovation Corridor.

To build a green, sustainable, and inclusive Mekong-Lancang region, the member countries need to closely coordinate in managing and using natural resources and responding to climate change, she said.

The official affirmed that Vietnam supports the initiative to further strengthen Mekong-Lancang cooperation on water resources, and proposed the countries strengthen collaboration in flood and drought management, share hydrological data, conduct joint research, and consider establishing a Mekong-Lancang Water Day to raise awareness of sustainable management, use, and protection of the water resources in the region, according to VOV.

Cai Rang floating market in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho is located on a branch of the Hau River (Photo: onetouchmedia.vn)

The Mekong-Lancang cooperation should continue to contribute to fostering friendly neighborly relations and deep ties among the people of the six countries, while promoting a people-centered approach, Hang stressed, noting that this should serve as a foundation for the development of Mekong-Lancang cooperation in the next phase.

Towards the 10th founding anniversary of the Mekong-Lancang cooperation mechanism in 2025, Vietnam proposed strengthening and further diversifying people-to-people and youth exchanges, and connections between localities and businesses, and seeking new cooperation initiatives from the six countries’ young people, she said.

Vietnam's proposals and contributions were applauded by other countries and included in documents on the Mekong-Lancang cooperation orientation in the coming time.

With the theme “Towards a Safer and Cleaner Mekong-Lancang Community”, the member countries proposed many new ideas to seize opportunities from new development trends in digital transformation, green transformation, scientific and technological advances, and application of artificial intelligence to serve development.

Participants applauded Thailand and China, as co-chairs of the Mekong-Lancang cooperation mechanism, for promoting the organization of the meeting to assess the implementation of directions approved by leaders of the six countries at the Mekong-Lancang Summit in December 2023, and to advance the Action Plan for Lancang-Mekong Water Resources Cooperation in 2023-2027.

The countries agreed to boost connectivity by developing rail, road, and air transport systems, ensure stable supply chains, promote smart and sustainable agriculture, strengthen climate change resilience, mitigate natural disasters, reduce air pollution, and combat cross-border crimes.

Sustainable water management remains a top priority at the meeting. The countries reaffirmed their commitments to effectively implement the action plan and supported Vietnam's proposal to host the 2nd Mekong-Lancang Ministers' Meeting on water resources cooperation in 2025.

The meeting issued a joint press communique and approved three new initiatives on enhancing cooperation in water resources management, building a clean environment, and combating cross-border crimes.

The 10th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Foreign Ministers' Meeting will be held in China in 2025, aiming to boost the Mekong-Lancang cooperation, thus contributing to peace, stability, and prosperous and sustainable development in the region.

Bac Ninh remains an FDI magnet

The northern province of Bac Ninh continues to be a top destination for foreign direct investment in Vietnam, thanks to its investor-friendly environment, modern infrastructure, and abundant workforce, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment’s Foreign Investment Agency.

Chinese investors, particularly those from Shenzhen, are showing keen interest in Bac Ninh's semiconductor and high-tech chip manufacturing sectors, said Hu Wen Da, Chairman of Zhong’an Jichuang Investment Co., Ltd. The province's attractive investment climate has prompted the company to consider investing in the area and encouraging other Chinese firms to follow suit, VNA reported.

Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

Bac Ninh has experienced a surge in foreign investment this year, with 279 new projects approved since the beginning of the year, a 53.3% increase compared to the same period last year. Additionally, existing projects have received an additional 1.2 billion USD in investment, while capital contributions and share purchases totalled 40.9 million USD.

The province has ambitious plans for the future. A recently-approved list outlines 167 projects covering over 11,600 ha, with a focus on agriculture, commerce, services, residential and urban development, social housing, industrial zone infrastructure, and social amenities.

Major global corporations, including Goertek, Amkor, Foxconn, Suntory Pepsico, and Victory Giant Technology, are looking to expand their operations in Bac Ninh.

To reach the goal of attracting a total of 7 billion USD in foreign investment this year, the province is taking a series of measures to improve the business environment, enhance workforce quality, and promote investment opportunities.

Alibaba launches online logistics service to support Vietnamese sellers

Alibaba, the world’s largest online B2B business platform, in collaboration with express shipping service providers UPS and DHL recently launched an online logistics service for Vietnamese sellers to facilitate the export of their goods to more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.

The service has been developed to not only support fast international shipping options but also integrate the entire process from packaging and warehousing to delivery, helping businesses optimize costs and time.

Through the service, Alibaba ensures goods are transported safely and on schedule, while also providing detailed order tracking tools, customs consulting services and comprehensive cargo insurance solutions, cited VOV.

Alibaba commits to supporting Vietnamese sellers through the recently launched online logistics service. (Photo: TNO)

These tools help businesses reduce risks and improve competitiveness in the international market, including transparency and reasonable costs; global digital smart logistics service, the ability to track and control orders, cargo insurance, and customer service.

By leveraging advanced technologies and comprehensive solutions, Alibaba supports Vietnamese small and medium sized enterprises to enhance their competitiveness, ensure on-time delivery and respond quickly to market demand, thereby promoting their growth and success in the global market, said Vianne Wang, director of Global Supply Chain of Alibaba.

Vietnam to face early onset of cold weather starting September

Vietnam braces for a significant shift in weather patterns with early cold fronts and an uptick in storm activity beginning in September, signaling a potentially tumultuous end to the year.

Vietnam is set to experience a significant shift in its weather patterns starting this September, with an early arrival of cold air and an increased frequency of storms and tropical depressions, particularly in the East Sea. This change is expected to intensify through the end of the year.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, there is currently a 60-70% chance that the ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation) will transition to a La Niña phase between September and November, potentially leading to an above-average number of storm systems during this period.

The Center predicts that the number of storm systems developing in the East Sea could reach or exceed the historical average of 5.9, with the possibility of more than the average 2.9 systems making landfall in Vietnam. This heightened activity is due to the expected La Niña conditions, which typically influence storm frequency and intensity in the region.

Regions particularly at risk include Central and Southern Vietnam, where increased storm formation is likely. Hoang Phuc Lam, Deputy Director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, highlighted the potential for severe weather phenomena such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, lightning, and strong winds to occur nationwide. While northern and central areas may still experience heatwaves in September, these are expected to subside by October.

The rainy season in central Vietnam is forecasted to commence in line with historical averages by late August and will likely reach its peak in October and November. Under the influence of La Niña, rainfall across most parts of Vietnam, especially in the Northern and Central regions, could increase by 10-30%, while the Central Highlands and Southern regions might see a 5-20% increase.

As the year progresses into December 2024 and early 2025, ENSO is anticipated to maintain a La Niña phase with a 65-75% probability. This could result in a continuation of storm activity near the historical average for late-year systems. Additionally, the rainy season might extend into mid-December across the Central, Central Highlands, and Southern regions, with unseasonal rains possible in early 2025, VNN reported.

Cold air is likely to appear starting in September. Photo: Thach Thao

Cold air events are expected to become more severe starting in late December, with the possibility of prolonged cold spells and frost, particularly affecting the northern mountainous regions of Vietnam. These conditions are likely to persist into January and February 2025.

Given these forecasts, it is crucial for regional authorities and citizens to prepare for potentially severe weather conditions. Proactive measures, including disaster preparedness and public awareness campaigns, will be essential to mitigate the impacts of the expected weather anomalies.

Meteorologists and climatologists will continue to monitor these developments closely, providing updates as more precise information becomes available. The overarching goal remains to ensure safety and minimize the disruptive impacts of these climatic events on the lives of Vietnamese citizens.

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