At the14th Vietnam - Laos Security Cooperation Conference in Vientiane, Laos. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Laos foster security cooperation

Security forces of Vietnam and Laos sought ways to strengthen their cooperation at their annual conference held in Vientiane on March 19.

The 14th Vietnam - Laos Security Cooperation Conference was co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Public Security Senior Lieutenant General Luong Tam Quang and his Lao counterpart Kongthong Phongvichit.

Both officers highlighted the importance of the conference, which sets out cooperation orientations in the time ahead, thus contributing to the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive collaboration between Vietnam and Laos.

Quang expressed his hope that the two sides will maintain their effective and practical coordination, and stay resolved to prevent hostile and reactionary forces from taking advantage of one country against the other, sabotaging political stability, security and order in each nation, and undermining their relationship.

The two sides reviewed the close, fruitful coordination between public security forces in border localities in implementing the minutes of the previous conference, covering political, economic, cultural, and cyber security, among others, cited VNA.

They agreed to further materialize the existing cooperation mechanisms, especially those between specialized units and border public security forces, with more attention to be paid to information sharing.

They will also work together to avert impact from traditional security threats on the development of each country and the comprehensive cooperation between the two countries and their ministries of public security in particular.

The sides consented to continue their close coordination and mutual support at international and regional forums, and to promote ASEAN cooperation in preventing and combating international terrorism.

The public security forces of the two countries will firstly coordinate to ensure security for events and conferences within the 2024 ASEAN Year when Laos holds the Chairmanship, along with major events in both nations in the time to come.

The ministers then signed the minutes of the 14th Vietnam - Laos Security Cooperation Conference.

Netherlands to assist Vietnam in sustainable sand mining, water management

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dang Quoc Khanh on March 18 had a working session with visiting Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Mark Harbers, who expressed his country’s readiness to assist Vietnam in offshore sand mining, groundwater management, and mineral exploitation.

Harbers spoke highly of the active moves by the Vietnamese Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) to protect the environment, especially nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation.

He shared opinions about the cooperation programmes on sustainable offshore sand mining, sustainable groundwater management in the Mekong Delta, the exploitation of essential minerals, and activities at the International Panel on Deltas, Coastal Areas and Islands, according to VOV.

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Dang Quoc Khanh (R) and Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Mark Harbers at the meeting in Hanoi on March 18. (Photo: baotainguyenmoitruong.vn)

These are strengths of the Netherlands, and it is ready to assist and share its policies, experience, techniques, and financial solutions with Vietnam, the minister stressed.

With regard to sustainable offshore sand mining, Khanh agreed with his guest on the need to quickly issue guidance for the projects on seeking offshore sand sources.

Talking about sustainable groundwater management in the Mekong Delta, he noted that the geographical location has made this region vulnerable to climate change and extreme weather conditions. Given this, the MoNRE hopes to receive assistance and experience from the Netherlands to devise water storage solutions to help solve water excess in the flood season and water scarcity in the dry season there, thus balancing water resources and boost sustainable development in the Delta.

In terms of activities at the International Panel on Deltas, Coastal Areas and Islands, the Vietnamese minister considered this as a good platform for sharing knowledge about climate change adaptation.

The MoNRE’s Department of Climate Change, Department of Water Resources Management, and Vietnam National Mekong Committee Standing Office will coordinate with the Netherlands to work out proposals for improving the national capacity to make use of water resources amid climate change and give livelihood support to residents in the Delta, he added.

At the meeting, the two ministers also discussed the building of a programme marking the 15th founding anniversary of the framework on climate change adaptation and water resources management between the two countries. They said this is an occasion for countries in the region and the world to learn about the two sides’ efforts to comply with international commitments on climate change response.

Hanoi, Vientiane expand business cooperation

Hanoi and Vientiane have signed cooperation documents within the framework of the working trip by a Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Committee and head of the National Assembly deputies' delegation of Hanoi Dinh Tien Dung to the capital of Laos in mid-March.

The Department of Information, Culture and Tourism of Vientiane and the Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion Centre of Hanoi signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) of friendship cooperation to research and develop a cooperative programme for tourism promotion activities, and regularly support businesses to connect and explore cooperation and business opportunities.

At a conference to promote cooperation between businesses of Hanoi and Vientiane in Laos in March 2024. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi’s association of artisans and skilled craftsmen also inked an MoUs on cooperation, and action programs with associations in Vientiane, including those of furniture, sculpture, bamboo and rattan, and jewelers.

Nguyen Anh Duong, Director of the Hanoi Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion Centre, said these documents will serve as an important basis and condition for businesses and associations to strengthen collaboration and production. Apart from training and improving skills, the cooperation will also help businesses access markets, develop tourism, and consume typical products of the two capital cities.

According to the Hanoi People's Committee, Hanoi's export value to Laos in 2023 hit US$119.6 million.

The two localities have also arranged field surveys in areas growing agricultural raw materials and a number of handicraft production establishments in Vientiane, Luang Prabang province, and surrounding areas, VNA reported.

Nguyen Manh Quyen, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, said in 2024, municipal authorities will promote cooperation between Hanoi and Lao localities. The city will also continue to implement the MoU between the Departments of Industry and Trade of Hanoi and Vientiane for the 2022 – 2025 period, thus supporting cooperation of businesses to cooperate and develop.

Trade promotion activities will continue to be organized in Laos, thereby supporting products and businesses of both sides to develop together, and encouraging Hanoi businesses to invest and do business in Laos, especially in agriculture, and agricultural product processing.

Attention will be also paid to providing market information and export policies for businesses exporting to the Lao market.

FDI sector becomes key Vietnamese growth driver: Vietnam Business Forum

The foreign-invested sector is considered to be a key driving force to develop the economy, accelerate international ties, and support local businesses in engaging in further involved in global value chains, said Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung at the Vietnam Business Forum on March 19 in Hanoi.

Minister Dung made the statement at Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s meeting with FDI enterprises and the annual Vietnam Business Forum (VBF) themed “FDI enterprises pioneer in green growth strategies” on March 19 in Hanoi.

In his opening speech, Minister Dung highlighted the importance of the foreign-invested sector as part of the national economy, adding that the sector has played a major role in attracting investment and cutting-edge technologies, as well as improving management methods and expanding export markets.

Minister Dung affirmed that the participation of Prime Minister Chinh in the event has demonstrated the Government leader’s special attention to and companionship with the business community in general and FDI enterprises in particular.

He revealed that the PM has recently approved the National Strategy on Green Growth for the 2021 to 2030 period with a vision towards 2050, reported VOV.

An overview of the event (Photo: VNA)

In his opening speech, Minister Dung highlighted the importance of the foreign-invested sector as part of the national economy, adding that the sector has played a major role in attracting investment and cutting-edge technologies, as well as improving management methods and expanding export markets.

Minister Dung affirmed that the participation of Prime Minister Chinh in the event has demonstrated the Government leader’s special attention to and companionship with the business community in general and FDI enterprises in particular.

He revealed that the PM has recently approved the National Strategy on Green Growth for the 2021 to 2030 period with a vision towards 2050.

Da Lat is among the top nature destinations in Asia: Agoda

Vietnam’s resort city of Da Lat is one of the nine most favored nature destinations in Asia, based on searches made on the online travel platform Agoda in January 2024.

The list was announced to mark the launch of Eco Deals 2024, Agoda’s flagship 1-million-USD partnership with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), cited NDO.

Da Lat is one of the top nature destinations in Asia.

According to Agoda, the Vietnamese city is nestled a short flight from Ho Chi Minh City, and offers a nature lover’s paradise with cool weather, pine forests, and waterfalls.

Da Lat is ideal for hiking, lake activities such as canyoning, and enjoying local gardens, while the surroundings offer enchanting scenery, making Da Lat an unforgettable retreat for nature enthusiasts from around the globe.

Other destinations on the list are Ooty (India), Lombok (Indonesia), Hakone (Japan), Miri (Malaysia), Siquijor Island (Philippines), Jeongseon-gun (Republic of Korea), Hualien (Taiwan, China) and Khao Yai (Thailand).

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