Vietnam news today (January 13): Vietnam, Timor-Leste to maintain mutual support at regional, int’l forums
	Vietnam news today (January 12): Vietnam to further promote foreign relations in 2021
	Vietnam news today (January 11): Salt-making named a national treasure

Vietnam-EU relations to grow further in coming years

With rapid development over the past 30 years, cooperation between Vietnam and the EU is expected to grow further in 2021 and the years to come, a Vietnamese official has said.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs To Anh Dung highlighted comprehensive developments of the Vietnam-EU relationship and considered prospects for the ties in a recent article published on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties (November 28).

The Deputy FM attributed the achievement to the dynamic shift from traditional fields to other potential realms.

The two sides’ efforts to promote their bilateral ties can be seen in the regular exchange of high-ranking delegations and their close coordination in various fields, he added.

The two sides also supported each other in the COVID-19 pandemic fight, and the EU has provided aid for Vietnam’s central provinces affected by natural disasters last October, the official went on, VOV reported.

Vietnam, Singapore upbeat about fruitful trade and investment cooperation

Despite suffering the impact of the CoVID-19 pandemic, bilateral cooperation in both trade and investment has grown steadily, with Singapore maintaining the leading investment position in Vietnam.

Outgoing Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam Catherine Wong made the remarks during a meeting with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Hanoi on January 13, during which she said her nation has become the leading investor in Vietnam and this is considered an important achievement in the relationship between the two nations.

Vietnam is an important market for Singapore, and Singaporean investors are seeking more opportunities to invest in the Southeast Asian nation, especially in prioritized areas such as innovation, development of smart cities, and startups.

Vietnam and Singapore are not only partners within ASEAN but also in international and regional forums, Catherine Wong stated.

The diplomat congratulated Vietnam on its success as ASEAN 2020 Chair despite difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, saying that Vietnam's initiatives have contributed to further stepping up intra-bloc connection and cooperation.

PM Phuc, in turn, told his guest that although the relationship has recorded fruitful developments, it is still below the potential, adding that both nations need more cooperation models to contribute to promoting economic cooperation and GDP growth, and generating more jobs for labourers.

Russian expert believes a bright future awaits Vietnam

A leading Russian expert on Vietnamese studies expressed his belief in a bright future for Vietnam in an article published in the “Multipolar World” magazine on January 12.

In the article, entitled “13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam - Path to new success”, Dr Evgeny Kobelev, First Vice President of the Russia - Vietnam Friendship Association, noted that the 6th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) in 1986 created a historic turning point with the approval of the “Doi Moi” (Renewal) policy to ensure successful development and social stability.

That policy has generated considerable outcomes, he wrote, and after only 10 years of implementation, Vietnam had become one of the leading countries in terms of economic growth.

Over the last 25-30 years, the country has been able to sustain growth of 5-7 percent. Despite COVID-19, its economy still grew, while most other countries recorded contractions to GDP.

Vietnam’s successful development has also been promoted by its multilateral diplomacy policy, he wrote, adding that a responsible foreign policy has greatly helped maintain regional peace and stability, realise socio-economic development targets, and safeguard its sovereignty, as reported by VOV.

The scholar voiced his belief that under the CPV’s leadership, the country will achieve the goal of becoming a prosperous and happy nation and, by the mid-21st century, a socialist-oriented developed country.

Viet Nam reports new case of COVID-19

A 27-year-old woman was confirmed positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, raising the patient tally to 1,521.

The woman, native of Buon Ma Thuot city of the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak entered the country at the Moc Bai International Border Gate in Tay Ninh Province on January 8.

She is being treated at the Tay Ninh General Hospital.

The same day, eight patients were declared free of the virus, bringing the total recoveries to 1,369.

The nation is placing 17,555 people under medical surveillance and quarantine. Of these, 146 are being kept at hospitals, 15,934 at concentrated quarantine sites, and 1,475 at places of residence, VGP said.

(Photo: Thoi Bao Ngan Hang)

HCM City limits number of new high-rises in seven districts

Ho Chi Minh City will limit the construction of new residential high-rises in districts 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11 and Phu Nhuan, under a housing development plan for the 2021-2030 period.

As reported by VNA, the plan has been aprroved by Le Hoa Binh, Deputy Chairman of the municipal People Committee.

In the last 10 years, the population of these seven districts has decreased. So, the city decided to limit the construction of high-rise residential buildings and focus on renovating old apartment buildings built before 1975.

The city, however, will promote investment in technical and social infrastructure for housing projects in districts 8, 10, Binh Thanh, Tan Binh, Tan Phu and Go Vap.

It will give priority to new housing and high-rises in districts with increasing population density, such as Binh Tan, 7 and 12.

The new buildings will be located along main roads that connect with other districts.

Vietnam News Today (January 10): Shrimp exporters bring home 3.85 billion USD in 2020 Vietnam News Today (January 10) features headlines including government's new rules on foreign workers, Viet Nam urges U.S. to carry out investigation into monetary policy, ...

Vietnam news today (January 9): Procuracy sector urged to pay more heed to new corruption cases Vietnam news today (January 9) features headlines including VN, Cambodia sign 2021 defense cooperation plan, new national action program for children, more attention needed to ...

Vietnam News Today (January 8): Vietnam prioritizing enhanced cooperation between UN, regional organizations Vietnam News Today (January 8) features headlines including Vietnam prioritizing enhanced cooperation between UN, regional organizations, get-together celebrates joint Vietnam-Cambodia victory, VN remains consistent with ...