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At the meeting between Chairman of the NA Committee for Culture and Education Nguyen Dac Vinh and President of the Belgian House of Representatives Peter De Roover..

Belgium, Vietnam enhance parliamentary cooperation

A delegation of the National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee led by its member and Chairman of the NA Committee for Culture and Education Nguyen Dac Vinh paid a working visit to Belgium from December 4-7, with a view to fostering and deepening the bilateral friendship.

At his meetings with President of the Belgian House of Representatives Peter De Roover and Vice-President of the Senate Andries Gryffroy, Vinh hailed Belgian Parliament's coordination in accelerating the signing of the cooperation agreement between the Vietnamese National Assembly and the Belgian Federal Parliament, based on the Letter of Intent signed in August 2023.

He thanked the Belgian House of Representatives for adopting a resolution in support of Agent Orange victims, which contributes to raising international awareness about efforts to deal with the consequences of war in Vietnam. He also expressed his hope for Belgium to soon carry out specific support projects.

The official suggested Belgium act as a bridge and prompt parliaments of other European Union (EU) member states to approve similar resolutions, thereby reinforcing solidarity and cooperation between the two sides.

Both sides underlined the significant potential for trade and investment cooperation and pledged to bring into full play the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

Vinh called on Belgium to facilitate the export of Vietnamese goods, especially agricultural and aquatic products. He also urged the country to urge the European Commission (EC) to swiftly lift its "yellow card" warning against Vietnam's seafood exports, and acknowledge Vietnam's robust efforts in implementing the EU's recommendations for sustainable fisheries development.

Regarding education, he asked Belgium to increase the number of scholarships for Vietnamese students and researchers, and encouraged cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), green technology, biotechnology, and agriculture, cited VOV.

For his part, De Roover stressed the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in enhancing people-to-people exchanges and mutual understanding. He also affirmed his commitment to promoting the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

Meanwhile, Gryffroy highlighted the two priority areas for bilateral cooperation: trade and economy, and education and culture. He reiterated the importance of education as the key to sustainable development and affirmed that culture is the national identity and a bridge to deepen mutual understanding between the two nations.

He applauded Vietnam's role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and expressed his confidence that the forthcoming visit to Vietnam by the King of Belgium will mark an important milestone, further strengthening the Belgium-Vietnam comprehensive cooperation.

Vinh asked both sides to work together to prepare well for the King’s visit, including efforts to push up the Belgian Parliament to ratify the EVIPA ahead of the visit, considering this as an important outcome of the visit.

In a meeting with Minister-President of Wallonia Willy Borsus, the Vietnamese official noted his appreciation of the achievements of cooperation between Vietnam and Wallonia, particularly in the fields of research, education and training, and culture. He added that the collaboration projects between the two sides have been implemented effectively, bringing tangible benefits to both parties.

On this occasion, Vinh informed the leaders of the Belgian Federal Parliament about Vietnam's upcoming role as the host for the 2025 Bureau Meeting of the Francophonie Parliamentary Union (APF) on January 23-24, 2025, and the Parliamentary Conference on Francophone Cooperation in the fields of agriculture, food security, and climate change adaptation on January 21-22, 2025 in Can Tho. He voiced his hope that the Belgian Parliament will show interest and send senior representatives to these important events.

Deputy PM, FM Bui Thanh Son receives Azerbaijani Ambassador

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son on December 6 received Azerbaijani Ambassador to Vietnam Shovgi Kamal Oglu Mehdizade.

At the reception, Son asked the Ambassador to coordinate with Vietnamese ministries and sectors to soon organise meetings of the Vietnam- Azerbaijan Intergovernmental Committee and political consultations.

Son also urged them to propose and implement initiatives that help connect organisations, businesses, and localities of the two countries to explore opportunities for cooperation in economy, trade, investment, tourism, oil and gas, agriculture, Halal industry, and education and training, according to VNA.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (R) on December 6 receives Azerbaijani Ambassador to Vietnam Shovgi Kamal Oglu Mehdizade. (Photo: baochinhphu.vn)

He also requested both sides to study enhancing cooperation in air and international rail transport to create favorable channels for the transport of goods, especially agricultural products and services, between the two countries.

For his part, Oglu Mehdizade expressed his hope that during his term in Vietnam, he will continue to receive support and close coordination from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant ministries and sectors of Vietnam to strengthen bilateral relations, especially in the areas that Son has pointed out.

Vietnam - US trade turnover hits over US$122 billion in 11 months

Two-way trade turnover between Vietnam and the US reached US$122.4 billion during the 11-month period, exceeding last year’s figure of US$111 billion, according to information released by the General Statistics Office (GSO).

Throughout the reviewed period, the US represented the country’s largest export market with a turnover of US$108.9 billion, up 23.9%, while import turnover from this market reached US$13.5 billion, up 7.3%.

Vietnam also enjoyed a trade surplus with the US with US$95.4 billion, up 26.7% on-year. According to details given by the European - American Market Department, the country has become the eighth largest trading partner of the US and the fourth largest export market of the US in the ASEAN region, VOV reported.

Photo: VOV

In contrast, the US makes up Vietnam's second largest trading partner, as well as being its largest export market.

At present, key Vietnamese export items to the US include wooden furniture, machinery, optical equipment, medical measurement, automatic data processing machines, encryption, office machines, printers, hand tools, and hydraulic pneumatics.

According to insiders, following the two countries' upgrading their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in September last year, there remains ample room ahead to further boost trade and economic ties.

Vietnamese airlines expand fleets for Lunar New Year 2025 travel surge

With over 6.9 million seats available, airlines in Vietnam are preparing to meet increased travel needs during the Tet holiday season.

To meet the surge in passenger demand during the Lunar New Year (Tet) of 2025, airlines in Vietnam are expanding their fleets with the addition of new aircraft.

Vietnam Airlines plans to bolster its capacity with five additional aircraft through dry and wet lease arrangements.

Meanwhile, low-cost carrier Vietjet recently welcomed a new-generation A321neo ACF (Airbus Cabin Flex) to its fleet. The aircraft landed at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City after departing from the Airbus facility in Hamburg, Germany.

The A321neo ACF is the 111th member of Vietjet’s fleet, recognized as one of the world’s most modern. Vietjet is set to receive three more new aircraft by the end of December. Additionally, the airline announced plans to short-term wet lease 6 to 10 more aircraft during the holiday season to accommodate the peak travel demand.

On November 5, Bamboo Airways added a new narrow-body A320, registration JU-1410, to its fleet. The aircraft landed at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, ready to support year-end travel, cited VNN.

Vietjet welcomes a new aircraft to its fleet, enhancing capacity for the Lunar New Year travel season. (Photo: N. Huyen)

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has urged domestic airlines to prepare early for the 2025 Lunar New Year travel period. Airlines have been advised to implement plans that include nighttime operations to ensure optimal service for passengers traveling during this busy season.

From January 14 to February 12, 2025, airlines in Vietnam are expected to provide over 6.9 million seats across domestic and international routes, averaging 227,000 seats per day—a 4% increase compared to the 2024 Lunar New Year period.

Domestic Routes: Approximately 4.8 million seats will be available, averaging 160,000 seats daily, marking a 3.5% increase from the previous year.

International Routes: Over 2.1 million seats will be offered, averaging nearly 71,000 seats daily, a 4.6% rise compared to the same period in 2024.

The coordinated efforts of airlines and the CAAV aim to ensure smooth and efficient travel for millions of passengers heading home or traveling for the holidays. These measures reflect the growing demand for air travel and the aviation industry’s commitment to meeting customer needs during one of the busiest times of the year.

Costa Rica wants to enhance cooperation with Vietnam: President

Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves Robles expressed his willingness to strengthen multifaceted cooperation between Costa Rica and Vietnam, particularly in the fields of economy, trade, education, and environment.

While receiving credentials presented by Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba and Costa Rica Le Quang Long at the Costa Rican Presidential Palace, President Rodrigo Chaves expressed his special affection for Vietnam and congratulated the country on its significant socio-economic achievements in recent years. He visited Vietnam several times when he worked at the World Bank (WB).

Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba and Costa Rica Le Quang Long (L) presents his credentials to Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves Robles. (Photo: VNA)

President Rodrigo Chaves also expressed his deep admiration for Vietnam's resilient struggle, self-reliance, and proud achievements the country has made in its process of national construction and development. On this occasion, the President thanked Vietnam for supporting Costa Rica's interest in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

For his part, Long felt honored to take on this important role and conveyed greetings from President Luong Cuog, and his invitation to President Rodrigo Chaves to visit Vietnam at a convenient time, VNA reported.

The Ambassador said he appreciated the visit of Costa Rican Minister of Foreign Trade Manuel Tovar to Vietnam in August 2024 and thanked Costa Rica for recognizing Vietnam as a market economy.

He noted that Vietnam and Costa Rica have significant potential for cooperation in areas such as agriculture, tourism, consumer goods manufacturing, and software industry, and urged Costa Rican authorities to create favorable conditions for Vietnamese investors.

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