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Singaporean Ambassador Jaya Ratnam and Japanese Ambassador Ito Naoki bid farewell to NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man and his spouse at Noi Bai International Airport (Photo: VNA)

NA Chairman’s visits drive Vietnam’s ties with Singapore, Japan

The official visits to Singapore and Japan by National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, his spouse and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation from December 1-7 were success, with practical and comprehensive results across the Party, NA, Government, and people-to-people exchange channels, generating a new momentum for the robust development of Vietnam’s ties with both nations in the years ahead.

Fostering substantive cooperation between Vietnamese, Singapore legislatures

After more than five decades of diplomatic relations (1973–2024) and over a decade of strategic partnership (2013–2024), the Vietnam-Singapore relationship has kept growing, with important milestones across various fields. Notably, political trust has been strengthened, and economic and trade cooperation remains a key pillar in bilateral ties. Singapore remains the second largest investor in Vietnam, with over 3,800 projects worth more than 81 billion USD. A network of 18 Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIPs) across 13 Vietnamese cities and provinces stands as a symbol of successful economic cooperation between the two countries.

During meetings, NA Chairman Man and high-ranking Singaporean leaders affirmed their determination to further promote this crucial cooperation pillar. This will be achieved through increased sharing of information and experience in tackling new socio-economic challenges, and stepping up investment based on leveraging each country's strengths. The goal is to create breakthroughs in emerging growth areas such as green logistics, data centers, semiconductors, clean energy, carbon credit, food security and green finance.

To bolster substantive cooperation between the two legislatures, Man and Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore Seah Kian Peng agreed on the need to continue effectively following the cooperation agreement between the two parliaments, contributing to further developing the Vietnam-Singapore Strategic Partnership and elevating it to a new level. They also agreed to enhance the sharing of information and experience in each country regarding the perfection of institutions, policies and legal systems.

Underscoring the visit's significance ahead of Vietnam's upcoming reforms, Assoc. Prof. Vu Minh Khuong, a lecturer at the Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, described it as a practical channel for both sides to share experience in building legal systems and policies in a more scientific, concise, simple and easy-to-understand manner, cited VNA.

According to him, Vietnam's upcoming reform to streamline its administrative apparatus must start with legal matters. The visit provides an opportunity to draw on valuable legal experience, laying the foundation for building an elite civil service apparatus, from senior officials to the younger generations, enabling them to become the vanguard of change in this new era.

Meanwhile, Assoc. Pro Eugene Tan, senior lecturer at the Singapore Management University, affirmed that the visit demonstrates the close relationship between Vietnam and Singapore, helping their legislative bodies deepen understanding of each other's legal systems, paving the way for new cooperation opportunities.

Meeting with leaders of major Singaporean corporations and businesses, Man delivered a clear message: Vietnam is ready to remove difficulties and obstacles, offering all possible support for domestic enterprises and foreign investors. In the legislative work, the Vietnamese NA has made numerous reforms to improve institutional framework, creating a more conducive environment for them.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Singapore Mai Phuoc Dung noted that major Singaporean corporations and businesses are optimistic about Vietnam’s potential, hoping that the country will soon resolve mechanism challenges, making it easier for them to continue investing in the country. The Vietnamese NA will help them overcome these obstacles.

The visit not only reinforced the importance of legislative cooperation as a key channel in the Vietnam-Singapore Strategic Partnership but also reaffirmed the political will to elevate bilateral ties to a new level.

Affirming Vietnam’s commitment to comprehensive strategic partnership with Japan

Since the two countries set up their diplomatic relations in 1973, their relationship has developed strongly, comprehensively and substantively across multiple domains. The recent official trip to Japan by NA Chairman Man, his spouse and the high-level delegation of the Vietnamese parliament reaffirmed how Vietnam has attached much importance to the comprehensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world.

During his stay, Man met with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, and held talks with President of the House of Councilors of Japan Sekiguchi Masakazu and Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan Nukaga Fukushiro. In a frank and open atmosphere, the two sides expressed their delight over the standout and practical outcomes in the bilateral relations across economy, trade, labour, human resources training, cultural exchange, people-to-people exchange, and local connectivity.

They concurred to enhance exchanges among parliamentarians, particularly young and female lawmakers, and promote the pivotal role of the friendship parliamentary alliance in fostering people-to-people ties, business cooperation, and locality-to-locality partnerships. They also committed to sharing expertise between specialized committees and creating favourable legal frameworks to support enterprises to expand their cooperation and investment in each nation.

A significant milestone of the visit was the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Vietnamese NA and the House of Councilors of Japan, laying the premise for the two legislative bodies to bring their partnership to a new high in the coming years.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu highlighted the practical and effective outcomes of the visit, noting that Japanese leaders highly valued Man’s visit, which saw extended discussions at various meetings.

Laying stress on the agreement between the two legislative agencies, the first deal that the House of Councilors of Japan ever signed with a foreign parliament, he said that it features direct cooperation and discussions between the two agencies’ specialized units, expected to bolster Vietnam’s institutional reforms—one of the nation’s strategic breakthroughs aimed at fostering socio-economic development in a new era – the era of the nation’s rise.

Chairman of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs Committee Vu Hai Ha held that the deal will make further contributions to the development of the Vietnam – Japan comprehensive strategic partnership.

Japan remains Vietnam's largest ODA provider, the second-largest partner in labor cooperation, the third-largest investor, and the fourth-largest trading partner. With existing potential and advantages, NA Chairman Man called on Japan to enhance the implementation of new-generation ODA with favourable terms, simplified procedures, and flexibility, particularly for infrastructure development projects in Vietnam. He also affirmed Vietnam's ongoing efforts to improve its legal framework and investment climate to attract stable and long-term foreign investments, including those from Japanese enterprises.

Meanwhile, member of the Japanese House of Representatives Soramoto Seiki noted Vietnam’s development potential, predicting rapid and robust growth in several industries in the near future. Man’s visit, he added, was timely in capturing this momentum and advancing shared goals.

The outcomes of the top legislator’s official visits to Singapore and Japan marked a significant milestone in enhancing parliamentary collaboration and strengthening Vietnam’s strategic partnerships with both countries. These visits solidified Vietnam's commitment to deepening comprehensive, practical, and sustainable cooperation with Singapore and Japan across all fields.

Vietnam grimly determined to strive for 8% growth in 2025

Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong has underlined Vietnam’s high determination to achieve the 8% growth target in 2025 as a big step for the country to enter a new era, the era of the nation’s rise.

At a monthly regular cabinet meeting held in Hanoi on December 7, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong said that most forecasts from international organizations have adjusted the nation's growth rate in a more positive direction.

In the socio-economic management scenario that the Ministry of Planning and Investment reported to the Government, in the fourth quarter of 2024, if there are no major fluctuations or negative impacts from the external market, Vietnam is likely to achieve a growth rate of 7% for the whole year of 2024.

Economic growth drivers are all quite positive, with relatively good export signals and businesses receiving more orders, according to VOV.

Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong speaks at the meeting.

Investment also showed positive signs, contributing greatly to economic growth in 2024. In terms of consumption, Phuong said that recently there has been a lot of information about the "invasion" of shopping on e-commerce platforms by foreign companies, but in general, consumption of goods remains positive with growing demand for shopping during the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays.

Regarding the tourism sector, according to statistics, there was an increase in tourists coming to Vietnam in November 2024, but there are still 2 million more visitors to achieve this year's target of 18 million, thus requiring the tourism sectors to make greater efforts, he emphasized.

The Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment affirmed that with the great efforts of all levels and sectors in the final month of the year, alongside the solutions proposed at the beginning of the year, the annual growth target of 7% is achievable, and even at a higher level.

Phuong emphasized that greater efforts are needed to achieve a growth target of 6.5 - 7% set for 2025 by the National Assembly.

With fundamental changes in 2025, especially breakthrough thinking in refining institutions, removing difficulties in administrative procedures from laws adopted at the 8th session of the 15th legislature, there will be more resources to make great contributions to next year's growth target.

"We have the foundation to achieve the set target, as there is a continuation of the good growth momentum in 2024. With high determination, the Government has set a growth target of 8% in 2025, which is viewed as a step for us to be ready to enter a new era, the era of the nation's rise. To achieve the noble goals of the Party and State, the economic growth target is a very important task," the Deputy Minister emphasized.

Vietnamese Pho takes center stage at South Africa’s culinary event

The Hazel Food Market in Pretoria, South Africa went vibrant with the celebration of the second Vietnamese Pho Day on December 7, drawing enthusiastic crowds.

Organized by the Vietnamese Embassy in the African country in collaboration with Vietnamese representative offices in the nation, the event aimed at introducing the quintessence of Vietnamese cuisine to international communities.

The staff of the embassy and representative offices, dressed in attire that featured the national flag and colourful conical leaf hats, served nearly 400 portions of beef and chicken noodle soup, together with 1,000 spring rolls and Vietnamese coffee. All of the offerings were free of charge, VNA reported.

At the second Vietnamese Pho Day on December 7 (Photo: VNA)

An array of Vietnamese products were also on display at the event, including rice, confectionery, and instant noodles.

Coming to the celebration, local people were not only treated to a feast of Vietnamese cuisine but also cultural experience. Keith Dali said this was the first time he tried Vietnamese food and it truly made him want to visit Vietnam. Meanwhile, Zuné Naudé saw the event as a chance to experience different cultures and meet such warm and welcoming Vietnamese people.

Venezuelan Ambassador Carlos Feo Acevedo said transcending mere food tasting, the event promoted friendship as everyone shared the joyful spirit of the Vietnamese people.

Ha Nam promotes advantages of Asia’s new emerging tourist destination

Ha Nam province was honored for the first time as "Asia's Leading Emerging Tourist Destination" in September, 2024.

In 2023 the World Travel Awards honored Ha Nam province as the "World's Leading Local Cultural Destination". These honors have rewarded Ha Nam’s investment in building a sustainable tourism brand.

Ha Nam province, which sits at Hanoi’s southern gateway about 65 kilometers from the capital, has a huge potential for spiritual, cultural, ecological, and culinary tourism.

Popular tourist destinations are the Tam Chuc religious and scenic complex, Dia Tang Phi Lai pagoda, Ba Danh pagoda, Tran Thuong temple, Long Doi Son pagoda, and So Kien Royal Palace. Ha Nam is the home of several famous craft villages, including Nha Xa silk village, Ngoc Dong bamboo and rattan weaving village, and Vu Dai braised fish village.

Le Thi Thuy, Secretary of the Ha Nam provincial Party Committee, said “Ha Nam was honored by the World Travel Awards as Asia's Leading Emerging Tourism Destination and Asia's Leading Local Cultural Destination. This is an acknowledgement of Ha Nam’s huge advantages for tourism development.”

Ha Nam is pursuing ambitious initiatives to transform its urban landscape and elevate its status as a regional and global destination. In addition to its strong emphasis on spiritual tourism, it is also developing rural tourism, leveraging its traditional culture and beautiful natural landscapes.

Truong Quoc Huy, Vice Chairman of the Ha Nam provincial People’s Committee, said “We are focused on developing spiritual tourism along with other tourism products such as agricultural tourism. We’re introducing new agricultural production models to farmers and businesses that will give tourists an agricultural experience and a better understanding of green, sustainable growth.”

To promote its brand as the “World’s Leading Local Cultural Destination”, Ha Nam province has stepped up its efforts to attract large investors. The Sun Urban City project of the SunGroup Corporation, which just began construction in Phu Ly city, will transform the city’s appearance, connect regions, and create new tourism attractions by revitalizing cultural festivals, craft villages, and traditional cuisine, cited VOV.

With unique architecture and peaceful landscape, Dia Tang Phi Lai Tu in Thanh Liem district is considered a fairyland in Ha Nam. (Photo: Minh Son/Vietnam+)

Truong Quoc Huy revealed that “We are inviting major investors to invest in the province, create tourism products, and connect tourism sites to attract more domestic and foreign tourists and help Ha Nam tourism develop sustainably.

Ha Nam province is looking for investors in high-end projects. The Government just approved a new investment policy for the Dong Van VI Industrial Park and is creating favorable conditions for developing inter-regional tourism products.

The province is determined to make its tourism products and services more attractive so tourists will come to Ha Nam all year round.

Nguyen Le Phuc, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, pointed out that Ha Nam should use modern promotional tools and digital technology to promote its tourism attractions globally.

"Investment should be concentrated in tourism infrastructure, hotels and restaurants, entertainment areas, and activities that preserve and promote cultural values. It should develop smart tourism, including building a digital information system and introducing creative new tourism products", he added.

In the first nine months of 2024, Ha Nam welcomed 4.2 million visitors. Tourism is a large part of the local economy and provides momentum to other sectors. New investment projects will enhance Ha Nam’s attractiveness and support its goal of receiving 5-6 million tourists this year.

Ha Nam hopes to welcome 10 million tourists a year by 2030 and become a destination that tourists who come to Vietnam won’t want to miss.

U.S. announces US$12.5-million package to support Viet Nam's IUU fishing fight

U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper has announced a US$12.5-million package to help Vietnam boost its maritime law enforcement and combat illegal fishing.

Knapper made that announcement during his meeting with Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien in Phu Quoc Island of the southern province of Kien Giang on December 5.

The package, made possible by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), includes support for Vietnamese maritime law enforcement agencies, including the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development's Directorate of Fisheries, the Ministry of Public Security, and General Department of Vietnam Customs, via the donation of small boats, capacity building, and the development of realistic maritime law enforcement training facilities. 

Phung expressed thanks to the U.S. support for Vietnam's fisheries industry through programs, projects, and technical assistance in the field of aquatic resources conservation, especially support for capacity building for Vietnam fisheries surveillance forces and anti- illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing efforts, VGP reported.

Photo: VGP

The European Commission (EC) issued a "yellow card" warning against Vietnam's seafood exports in 2017. Since then, Vietnam has adopted various measures at both central and local levels to push back illegal fishing.

Vietnam earned US$9.2 billion from exporting seafood over the first 11 months of 2024, an 11.5 per cent year-on-year surge. The U.S. market spent US$1.67 billion on Vietnamese seafood in the 11-month period.

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