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Lai Chau Economic Zone Management Board and the administration of Jinping district, China's Yunnan province sign a MOU in the northern province of Lai Chau.

China, Vietnam bolster cross-border co-operation

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cross-border co-operation between the Lai Chau Economic Zone Management Board and the administration of Jinping district in Yunnan province in China was signed on July 30 in the northern province of Lai Chau.

Vu Huy Hoa, head of the Lai Chau Economic Zone Management Board, emphasized that the signing aims to effectively implement mutual understandings reached between high-ranking leaders of both nations.

It also aligns with outcomes set out at the fourth conference between the secretaries of four northern Vietnamese provinces, including Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Ha Giang, and Dien Bien and China’s Yunna province. These meetings primarily focused on stepping up linkages across various sectors, including cross-border management and operation.

The collaboration program between the two sides covers several practical aspects of border management. It seeks to spur forward greater economic development in border areas, facilitate smooth customs procedures, and develop Vietnam’s Ma Lu Thang – China’s Jin Shuihe pair of border gates. The MoU also marks a new phase in terms of the bilateral relationship, aiming for comprehensive and substantive co-operation.

Hoa voiced his hope that both sides will continue to strengthen their traditional friendship and strive to enhance cross-border trade ties, highlighting the importance of effectively implementing the agreed upon cooperation activities and exploring new areas of collaboration for mutual benefit, cited VOV.

He also underlined the need to improve import-export activities and border management, increase trade volumes to match other regional border crossings, and fully utilize the potential of the two borders. Yao Zhi Ming, deputy head of the Jinping administration, expressed his hope that both sides will boost mutual support and trust in the development of their joint efforts, further enhancing multi-sector collaboration.

Under the terms of the document, the Lai Chau board and Jinping administration will exchange quarterly notes to provide updates on customs operations, import-export activities, and border crossing regulations and policies.

Furthermore, both sides are set to establish a biannual dialogue mechanism aimed at sharing experiences in border management and utilization, set up communication channels via hotlines or liaison officers, and amend the MoU's terms based on practical situations which occur.

EU considers Vietnam among leading important partners in region: EC Vice President

The European Union (EU) regards Vietnam as one of its leading important partners in the region, Josep Borrell Fontelles, Vice President of the European Commission (EC) and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said at his talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son in Hanoi on July 30.

Son took this occasion to express sincere thanks to Borrell for attending the state funeral of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. The EU High Representative acknowledged the late Party chief's significant contributions to enhancing Vietnam's international image and prestige, as well as to advancing Vietnam-EU relations.

Borrell said the EU is actively implementing various strategies, policies, and specific projects to deepen cooperation with Vietnam and the broader Asia-Pacific region, while working with Vietnam to address global challenges.

Both sides lauded the progress in the Vietnam-EU relations, highlighting their effective implementation of four cooperation agreements and eight dialogue mechanisms across various fields. Vietnam is the first country in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to have all comprehensive cooperation pillars with the EU, encompassing politics, economy, defense, and security. The EU is currently Vietnam's fourth largest trading partner, while Vietnam is the bloc’s largest trading partner in ASEAN.

Emphasizing trade and investment cooperation as a key pillar, Son stressed the need for both sides to closely coordinate the effective implementation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). He urged the EC to promptly lift its "yellow card" warning against Vietnam's seafood exports, basing on the nation’s efforts and achievements in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, while calling for the remaining EU member states to quickly ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) to unlock the full potential of bilateral economic partnership.

The minister also proposed the EU continue providing official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam through bilateral and multilateral cooperation channels, and regional programmes, focusing on urgent areas such as public governance capacity building, green economy, digital economy, circular economy, and sustainable fishery development.

He also asked for support from the bloc in financial aid, technology transfer, and human resources training for Vietnam’s effective implementation of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), including the establishment of a carbon credit market connected to the international market and the development of green hydrogen projects, according to VNA.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (R) and Josep Borrell Fontelles, Vice President of the European Commission (EC) and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, announce the outcomes of their talks in Hanoi on July 30. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam stands ready to serve as a bridge to promote the EU’s cooperation with the region, including strengthening the ASEAN-EU strategic partnership and implementing their action plan for 2023-2027, the minister affirmed.

Agreeing with Son’s proposals, Borrell highlighted the EU's commitment to working closely with Vietnam to effectively carry out existing dialogue mechanisms and advance cooperation across all sectors, including politics, diplomacy, trade-investment, defense-security, climate change response, and energy transition. He assured efforts to encourage the remaining EU member states to ratify the EVIPA, facilitating a breakthrough in bilateral investment cooperation.

The EU supports Vietnam's goal of achieving net-zero emissions through the effective implementation of JETP and wishes to enhance collaboration with the country under frameworks such as the EU's Global Gateway Initiative, he affirmed.

As Vietnam and the EU prepare to celebrate 35 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, the officials agreed to increase high-level exchanges and further elevate the partnership to a new, more dynamic and comprehensive phase, commensurate with the potential and aspirations of both sides.

On regional and international matters of mutual interest, the host and guest shared the view that it is essential to enhance cooperation in addressing global challenges, including traditional and non-traditional security issues. They underscored the importance of de-escalating tensions in hot spots and resolving conflicts through peaceful means, and dialogue with respect for the legitimate interests of all parties involved.

Borrell stated that the EU supports Vietnam's and ASEAN's stance on freedom of navigation and overflight, peaceful settlement of disputes, and adherence to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982 as well as the yearly finalization of a practical and effective Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea.

Following the talks, the two officials met with the press and participated in several activities.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh embarks on first official visit to India

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, along with a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, departed Hanoi this evening for an official state visit to India, marking his first visit to the country.

Responding to an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will visit India from July 30 to August 1.

This visit follows India's successful 18th Lower House elections and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's re-election for a third consecutive term.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh is among the first foreign leaders invited to visit India following the country's recent parliamentary elections and the formation of a new government.

This is also his first visit since the two countries established a new framework for relations - the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2016, reported VNN.

At 8 PM on July 30, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh left Vietnam for New Delhi for his state visit to India. Photo: Nhat Bac

The Vietnam-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has seen positive developments with a solid foundation and high political trust. The two countries have expanded relations at various levels, maintaining regular high-level visits and exchanges across different channels.

Defense and security remain key pillars, with the two nations signing the Joint Vision Statement on Defense Partnership and the Memorandum of Understanding on Mutual Logistics Support in June 2022, as well as defense industry cooperation.

In terms of the economy, bilateral trade has increased 2.5 times since the upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2016, reaching nearly US$15 billion in 2023. By May 2024, bilateral trade stood at nearly US$5.94 billion, with Vietnam exporting US$3.56 billion to India and importing nearly US$2.38 billion from India.

India currently has 380 active investment projects in Vietnam with a total capital of US$1.067 billion, ranking 24th out of 144 countries and territories investing in Vietnam.

The two countries see great potential in trade and investment cooperation, leveraging strengths such as the world's most populous market and dynamic economic development.

Recently, major Indian corporations have shown interest in the Vietnamese market in strategic fields such as renewable energy, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, and logistics. Cooperation in science and technology, information and communication, education and training, culture and tourism, and people-to-people exchanges has also developed positively.

According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, in the first five months of 2024, the number of Indian visitors to Vietnam reached 196,000, up 39.2% from the same period in 2023, making India one of the top 10 source markets for Vietnam. In 2023, Vietnam welcomed approximately 355,000 Indian tourists.

Air and sea connectivity between the two countries has been strengthened, with 54 direct flights per week currently.

Agricultural and educational cooperation continues to achieve positive results, and cooperation in energy and oil and gas is developing well.

India, an important member of many multilateral forums and international platforms, regularly supports and cooperates with Vietnam at regional and international forums, particularly at the United Nations.

Guide for Mexican businesses interested in Vietnamese market

The Western Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade (COMCE de Occidente) in collaboration with the Mexican Embassy in Vietnam and the National Bank of Foreign Trade (Bancomext) of Mexico have recently launched the book "Business Guide in Vietnam" as part of efforts to provide useful information for Mexican firms interested in the Vietnamese market.

The document consists of 13 chapters containing practical and concise information on the Vietnamese economy and foreign trade, updates on bilateral trade, potential sectors and products, useful tools related to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), as well as useful contacts in the nation.

Regarding the bilateral ties between both nations, the chairman of COMCE Occidente said that the relationship between the two countries is being promoted across multiple fields, such as politics, economics, trade, culture, education, and tourism, going on to affirm that trade between the two sides will continue to grow strongly as both countries are members of the CPTPP, cited VOV.

At the launch of the business guide book (Photo: VNA)

Mexican Ambassador to Vietnam Alejandro Negrín said that bilateral trade has grown exponentially since the CPTPP agreement came into effect.

On that basis, the business handbook will continue to support Mexican enterprises interested in exporting or expanding operations in the Vietnamese market.

For his part, the newly appointed Ambassador Nguyen Van Hai affirmed that bilateral trade still has plenty of room for further development, especially since the two nations are both large markets and share many similarities such as population size and purchasing power, with many products and industries which complement each other.

According to the Vietnamese diplomat, the “Business Guide in Vietnam” not only serves as a useful tool to help Mexican businesses to make the most out of business and investment opportunities in Vietnam, but is also a special gift for the business communities of the two countries towards the 50th anniversary of both nations’ diplomatic ties.

According to details from the Vietnam Trade Office in Mexico, bilateral trade turnover between the two countries reached US$3.1 billion in the first half of the year, up 22% on-year, of which Vietnamese exports to the South American nation hit US$2.64 billion, up 22.2% on-year.

Vietnamese embassy warns citizens amid escalating Israel-Hezbollah tensions

The Vietnamese Embassy in Egypt and in charge of Lebanon has issued a warning to Vietnamese citizens amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, advising them to avoid traveling to Lebanon at this time and encouraging those currently in Lebanon to consider leaving if they do not have urgent or critical reasons to stay.

Since the onset of heightened tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, the embassy has kept constant communication with Vietnamese citizens in Lebanon to monitor the situation and prepare contingency plans for emergencies. The embassy is ready to coordinate with relevant authorities to evacuate or protect the citizens when necessary, while continuing to provide updates and staying in contact with the community. It has called on the Honorary Consulate to keep a close watch on the situation and report any emergencies promptly, VNA reported.

In unavoidable situations, the embassy recommends that Vietnamese citizens in Lebanon remain in regular contact with each other for mutual support and avoid crowded areas. For assistance, they can contact the embassy via the hotline: 20 102 613 9869, the Honorary Consulate in Lebanon at 96 170 229 300, or the citizen protection hotline at 84 981 84 84 84.

Building destroyed in Israeli Airstrike in Houla, Lebanon, on July 21, 2024. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has led several airlines to suspend or cancel flights to and from Lebanon, with many countries advising their citizens to leave Lebanon as soon as possible. The situation has worsened since the outbreak of the Hamas-Israel conflict in October 2023, and has become unpredictable after a rocket attack on July 27 on the Golan Heights, controlled by Israel, resulted in the deaths of 12 youths and children. On July 30, the Israeli military announced that it had targeted approximately ten Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, causing the death of a Hezbollah member.

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