Vietnam News Today (Dec. 3): Laos, Vietnam Tighten Special Solidarity at UN
	Vietnam News Today (Dec. 4): Vietnam And Japan to Promote Parliamentary Cooperation Substantively

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man (R) and Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan Nukaga Fukushiro.

Japan regarded as one of Vietnam’s leading and long-term important partners

Vietnam considers Japan to be one of its leading and long-term important partners and stands ready to support the East Asian nation in promoting its active role and contributing to peace, stability, co-operation, and development in the region and around the world.

This affirmation was made by National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man during his talks with Speaker of the Japanese House of Representatives Nukaga Fukushiro in Tokyo on December 4 as part of the top Vietnamese legislator’s official visit to the Far East Asian nation.

Speaker Fukushiro welcomed NA Chairman Man's first official visit to Japan in his new position and shared the damage caused by typhoon No. 3 (international name Yagi) to the Vietnamese people. He affirmed that Japan will continue to co-operate and support the country in preventing and overcoming the consequences of natural disasters moving forward.

He therefore expressed his delight that President Luong Cuong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had held consecutive meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru over the past month, thereby demonstrating the closeness and trust that exists between both countries' senior leaders.

The host emphasized that Japan considers Vietnam to be an important partner in implementing its foreign policy in the region and hoped that the Vietnam - Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will continue to develop in an effective, substantial, and strong manner in the time ahead.

In response, the Vietnamese NA leader congratulated Speaker Fukushiro on his re-election as Speaker of the Japanese House of Representatives and conveyed the regards of Party General Secretary To Lam, President Cuong, and PM Chinh to the Speaker of the Japanese House of Representatives, thanking the Japanese side for its support in overcoming the consequences of typhoon No. 3.

The two sides rejoiced over the comprehensive and substantive development of the Vietnam-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership after a year of implementing the new framework of relations with high political trust, close exchanges at high and all levels, and fruitful ties developed between the Vietnamese NA and the Japanese House of Representatives.

The two sides agreed to make joint efforts in a bid to further consolidate political trust, deepen collaboration efforts through all channels of the Party, Government, NA, and people, enhance exchanges and contacts at high and all levels, and ramp up ties between the Vietnamese NA and the House of Representatives of Japan by increasing delegation exchanges between specialized agencies, the Parliamentary Friendship Alliance, as well as young and female legislators.

They will strive to accelerate the sharing of experiences among parliamentary committees, while also discussing the possibility of signing a co-operation agreement to enhance the general effectiveness of joint efforts between the two legislatures, thereby facilitating both bilateral and multilateral activities.

Both sides also consented to ramp up collaboration in the areas of security and defence, including the implementation of agreements on defence technology and equipment transfer, as well as enhancing ties in UN peacekeeping activities. Japan therefore affirmed its support for the Vietnamese side in terms of addressing the consequences of war, disaster relief, and rescue operations.

NA Chairman Man hailed Japan for providing official development assistance (ODA) capital over the past 30 years, suggesting that the country move to implement a new-generation ODA programme specifically for Vietnam, with high incentives, simple and flexible procedures in large-scale strategic infrastructure development projects, along with support in training high-quality human resources.

The Vietnamese NA is actively fine-tuning the legal framework and the investment environment to support foreign enterprises, including those from Japan, to increase stable and long-term investments in the Vietnamese market. This will ensure both fairness and equality between Vietnamese and foreign investors, NA Chairman Man told his host.

Speaker Fukushiro affirmed that the National Diet of Japan supports the two countries as they work to bolster economic, ODA, investment, and trade cooperation, and added that his country is promoting the diversification of supply chains, cited VOV.

Many Japanese companies have expressed their wish to further expand investments in Vietnam and outlined hope for the improved investment environment in the country, he said.

Host and guest agreed to expand comprehensive co-operation into new areas such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, innovation, digital society, green transition, and energy transition, as well as investment ties in training human resources.

The top Vietnamese legislator called for Japanese support for Vietnam as it seeks to engage more deeply in the global semiconductor supply chain of Japanese companies. He also suggested strengthening labor co-operation and locality-to-locality connection.

Speaker Fukushiro greatly valued the contributions made by the Vietnamese community in Japan to the host country's socio-economic development, showing his commitment to expanding job opportunities for Vietnamese workers, as well as improving their living and working conditions. This is along with ensuring equal social welfare for Vietnamese nationals based in Japan.

Regarding international and regional issues, both sides consented to bolster ties and mutual support at multilateral forums and mechanisms such as ASEAN, the UN, as well as multilateral parliamentary forums like the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), and the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF).

The top Vietnamese legislator used the occasion to invite his Japanese counterpart to make an official visit to Vietnam at an appropriate time, with the invitation being graciously accepted.

Earlier, Man and his delegation met with Vietnamese Embassy staff in Japan. Ambassador Pham Quang Hieu briefed the top legislator on the embassy’s operations, saying that amid the development of cooperation and friendship between the two nations, the embassy has stepped greater efforts to fulfill a substantial workload.

The embassy pays attention to all areas of cooperation, from politics and diplomacy to economics, labor, science - technology, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges, he said, noting that economic diplomacy remains a core activity of the agency.

The embassy has also laid stress on cultural diplomacy by launching Vietnamese festivals in many Japanese localities; and made significant efforts in citizen support and protection, he added.

The top legislator highlighted the flourishing development of the Vietnam – Japan relationship, emphasizing that his trip is designed to take the bilateral relations into a new period with more effective and substantive development across fields.

The Vietnamese NA leader applauded efforts made by the embassy and its staff in recent times, spotlighting their positive contributions to the Vietnam-Japan relations.

He asked the embassy and its staff to continue coordinating in parliamentary diplomacy and accompany the Vietnamese community in Japan, giving them timely support in daily life, business and study.

Vietnam ranks in top 11 largest exporters globally

From being a minor exporter prior to 2013, Vietnam rose to number eleven in the global rankings of top exporters by 2023, emerging as a surprise player in global trade.

According to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Vietnam has advanced significantly in import-export rankings, now standing second in ASEAN, trailing only Singapore.

Phung Thi Lan Phuong, an expert from KTP FTA Consulting, highlighted how Vietnam became one of the four fastest-growing exporters globally between 2019 and 2023, alongside India, Canada, and China. This achievement is credited to the Government's robust economic integration strategy, signing 16 FTAs and opening markets with nearly 60 partners.

Phuong emphasised that these FTAs have attracted foreign direct investment (FDI), created jobs and spurred internal reforms. However, FDI enterprises account for 70% of export turnover, while the domestic value-added (DVA) rate is only 52%, below the global average.

Notably, in the first ten months of 2024, the domestic economic sector saw robust growth, achieving a rate four times that of the FDI sector. The export-import turnover share of the domestic sector rose to 32% of the country's total, according to VNA.

Cai Mep - Thi Vai Port in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province. (Photo: VNA)

The increasing share of the domestic sector marks a turnaround after a long period of decline and dependence on FDI. In 2015, the domestic sector contributed 35.4% to the nation's total turnover, by 2024, it had risen to 32%, with further growth expected.

According to the WTO, Vietnam ranked 50th in exports and 44th in imports in 2006. By 2021, it had climbed to 23rd in exports and 20th in imports worldwide. Within ASEAN, Vietnam is second in goods exports and imports, following Singapore.

Despite maintaining a trade surplus since 2012 (except in 2015), Phuong noted that value-added in trade remains modest. To enhance this, Vietnamese businesses must improve capabilities, reduce reliance on imported materials, deepen their participation in global value chains and take on higher-value roles.

International tourist arrivals to Hanoi rise by 36.8% in 11-month period

Hanoi served nearly 5.8 million holidaymakers during the January to November period, including more than four million international tourists, up 28.4% and 36.8% compared to the same period from last year, respectively.

Total revenue from tourism activities throughout the reviewed period stood at an estimated VND99.949 billion, marking an annual increase of 17.8%, VOV reported.

Photo: VOV

The capital welcomed 677,000 arrivals in November alone, up 13.8% against October and 26% compared to the same month from last year, including 495,000 foreign arrivals. The city’s total tourism revenue hit VND9.593 billion, marking an increase of 20.2% from November, 2023.

During the remainder of the year, the city will promote fresh tourism products aimed at attracting more tourists.

An Giang's festival recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

The Ba Chua Xu (Holy Mother of the Realm) Festival on Mount Sam in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang was officially recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, at the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Paraguay on December 4.

The festival has been preserved and practised for generations in Chau Doc of An Giang province. It is held from the 22nd to the 27th of the fourth lunar month, at the Ba Chua Xu Temple on Mount Sam and the stone pedestal on the mountain to worship the Holy Mother.

It reflects the culture of Vietnam’s southerners as well as cultural exchange and blending with the Khmer, Chinese, and Cham communities. The festival honors Ba Chua Xu and serves as a time for local residents to express their gratitude and respect for those who have rendered service to the nation. In 2014, it was recognized as National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

Speaking at the session, Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu, who is also Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, noted that the UNESCO recognition highlights Vietnam’s diverse and long-standing culture.

This acknowledgment significantly contributes to efforts in preserving and promoting cultural heritage at both national and international levels, he said, stressing as Vice-Chair of the General Assembly of the State Parties to the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, Vietnam is committed to preserving and promoting this heritage and other heritages for future generations, cited VNA.

The Ba Chua Xu (Holy Mother of the Realm) Festival on Mount Sam in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang. (Photo: VNA)

Le Hong Quang, Secretary of the An Giang provincial Party Committee, pledged to work with local people to protect and enhance the cultural values of this heritage, ensuring its alignment with sustainable development goals.

With this recognition, the festival has become the 16th intangible cultural heritage of Vietnam recognized by UNESCO. It is the second intangible cultural heritage in the southern region, following the Don Ca Tai Tu (southern amateur traditional music), and the first traditional festival in the South to receive this honor.

The recognition is the result of concerted efforts and close collaboration among the An Giang provincial authorities, heritage experts, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to UNESCO, played a crucial role in proposing, refining, and advocating for this nomination.

The 19th session of the Inter-Governmental Committee for the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO is scheduled to last until December 7 in Asunción, Paraguay. It gathers nearly 1,000 delegates from 120 member countries to discuss key issues related to intangible cultural heritage. It plans to add 63 new entries to the global list of intangible cultural heritages.

Top legislator embarks on official visit to Japan

Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man arrived in Tokyo on December 3 evening, beginning an official visit to Japan at the invitation of Sekiguchi Masakazu, President of Japan’s House of Councilors.

The visit aims to strengthen cooperative relations between the National Assembly of Vietnam and the Japanese Diet (parliament), while reaffirming Vietnam's commitment to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and globally.

It also offers an opportunity for the two sides to exchange information and parliamentary experiences, creating new momentum for the development of bilateral relations.

During the five-day visit to Japan, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man is set to hold talks with the heads of both houses, meet with the Prime Minister, and pay a courtesy call on the Emperor and Empress.

He is expected to sign a cooperation agreement between the National Assembly of Vietnam and the house of Councilors, VGP reported.

Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man (L) and his spouse.

In addition, the Chairman will also have meetings with leaders of political parties and then visit Nagasaki Prefecture.

Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1973, Vietnam and Japan have progressively elevated their relationship, from a "Reliable, Long-Term Stable Partnership" in 2002 to "Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia" in 2009 and "Extensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia" in 2014, and most recently, a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World" in 2023.

Japan is Vietnam's largest official development assistance provider, the second largest labor cooperation partner, the third largest investor, the third largest tourism partner, and the fourth largest trading partner.

By August 2024, Japan had 5,417 valid foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in Vietnam, with total registered capital exceeding US$79.3 billion, ranking third after the Republic of Korea and Singapore.

The two-way trade turnover valued US$30.47 billion in the first eight months of 2024, a 5.07 percent increase year-on-year, with Vietnamese exports totaling US$16.1 billion (up 5.6 percent) and imports from Japan hitting US$14.37 billion (up 3.1 percent).

Labor and education cooperation is growing, alongside robust local-level cooperation, with over 110 agreements signed between Vietnamese and Japanese localities. Sister cities include Ho Chi Minh City-Osaka, Ha Noi-Fukuoka, Da Nang-Sakai, and many others.

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