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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh receives Israeli Minister of Labour Rabbi Yoav Ben Tzur (Photo:VGP)

Stronger Vietnam-Israel cooperation expected in science, innovation and labor

At a reception on May 21 in Hanoi for Israeli Minister of Labor Rabbi Yoav Ben Tzur, who is on an official visit to Vietnam, the Vietnamese cabinet leader expressed his confidence that the Israeli Minister’s visit will help further reinforce the political, economic and trade relations between the two countries, including in the areas of labor and employment.

He affirmed that Vietnam always values its friendship and all-around cooperation with Israel, one of Vietnam’s key partners in the Middle East, and conveyed greetings to the Israeli Prime Minister via Minister Tzur. PM Chinh also proposed that the two countries continue to intensify high-level and other official exchanges.

On the occasion of Israel’s 77th Independence Day celebrated by the Israeli Embassy in Vietnam on May 21, PM Chinh extended his congratulations to the Government and people of Israel, wishing them continued success in national construction and development.

He emphasized that science and technology and labor are two key areas where the two countries can complement each other. He again suggested cooperation and support from Israel in science and technology, innovation, digital transformation and start-up development, while Vietnam could contribute to Israel’s development with its human resources.

To realize these ideas, the Government chief called for the early completion of negotiations and signing of a labor agreement between Vietnam and Israel by June 2025 at the latest. He also proposed that both sides agree on effective implementation mechanisms, cooperate on training programs for workers, including vocational skills, languages, culture, and legal knowledge, and roll out bilateral cooperation projects in the labor and employment sector, including new areas such as software design.

Assigning the Ministry of Home Affairs to provide weekly updates on the negotiation progress, the PM also requested the two countries to explore potential agreements on education and training, science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, start-ups, and high-tech agriculture.

In response, Minister Yoav Ben Tzur congratulated Vietnam on the 135th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh. He shared that he had visited the Vietnam Military History Museum and was deeply impressed by the country’s history and tradition of nation-building and defence. He also applauded Vietnam’s recent development achievements, cited VOV.

Yoav Ben Tzur said his visit aims to further strengthen existing cooperation between Israel’s Ministry of Labor and Vietnam’s Ministry of Home Affairs, as well as between the two countries, especially in labor relations. Israel, he affirmed, is ready to cooperate with Vietnam in all areas, including high-tech, software and energy.

Israel is currently experiencing a considerable labor shortage, particularly in the construction sector, and highly values the quality of Vietnamese human resources, which he said meet Israel’s requirements. He affirmed that Israel hopes to welcome more skilled Vietnamese workers and is committed to create favorable conditions for their employment. Israel is currently one of the countries offering the best protection of rights for foreign workers and is increasingly becoming a destination of choice for overseas labor.

Agreeing with the PM’s proposal to speed up labor agreement negotiations, Minister Tzur suggested that while waiting for the official agreement to be concluded, businesses from both sides could proceed with direct cooperation to bring Vietnamese workers to Israel.

After 32 years of diplomatic ties, Vietnam–Israel relations have continued to see positive development. In 2023, Vietnam became the first ASEAN member state to sign a Free Trade Agreement with Israel, also its first FTA in the Middle East. In 2024, two-way trade reached US$3.24 billion. Israel is currently Vietnam’s second-largest Middle Eastern investor, with more than US$150 million invested in the country.

Vietnam commits to protecting people's health: PM

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on May 20 sent a message to the 78th session of the World Health Assembly (WHA 78) in Geneva, at the invitation of World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

In his message, the Vietnamese leader emphasized that throughout Vietnam’s construction and development process, people have always been placed at the center – as both the goal and the driving force of progress. He reaffirmed the country's highest priority on caring for people's health and human development.

PM Chinh stated that health and human-related issues are universal, comprehensive, and global matters, and therefore require multilateralism, international cooperation, and solidarity.

He urged the global community to work together in addressing shared challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, population aging, and resource depletion, according to VNA.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (Photo: VNA)

The PM called on developed nations to step up strong and effective support for developing countries in terms of science, technology, resources, finance, and capacity building, and especially in production of medicines and vaccines, as well as institutional consultation, human resources training, and capacity building in implementing public health policies.

Expressing his strong support for the WHO and the WHA, PM Chinh affirmed that Vietnam is willing to actively contribute to the world community by sharing its experiences, expertise, and achievements. He reiterated Vietnam's dedication to investing in people and health care and working with the international community to build a healthier world where everyone enjoys their legal and legitimate rights and interests.

The WHA is the WHO’s highest decision-making body. The 78th session, themed “One World for Health”, is being held from May 19-27. Key issues include finalizing a global pandemic preparedness agreement and addressing priorities such as universal health coverage, strengthening health systems, antimicrobial resistance, and non-communicable diseases.

Vietnam’s administrative reforms earn praise from African ambassadors

Vietnam’s ongoing administrative reforms aimed at enhancing governance efficiency and optimizing national resources are being implemented in a methodical, determined, and comprehensive manner, making considerable contributions to the nation’s socio-economic development.

This assessment was made by several African ambassadors in Vietnam during a recent interview with Radio Voice of Vietnam (VOV). They praised the Vietnamese Government’s strong determination to create a more effective and transparent administrative system that better serves the people.

According to South African Ambassador to Vietnam Vuyiswa Tulelo, Vietnam has made remarkable strides in recent years. Drawing from her own observations, she noted that when she began her term three years ago, Lotte Mall was just a concept on paper, now it has become a bustling commercial hub. A once-swampy area behind her residence has also been cleaned up and turned into a residential zone.

These developments, she said, show that Vietnam’s Party and State leaders not only formulate policies but also take decisive and well-directed action to deliver practical results, reported VOV.

Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to Vietnam Vuyiswa Tulelo.

Ambassador Tulelo also expressed deep appreciation for the comprehensive reform directives issued by Party General Secretary To Lam, calling them a clear demonstration of top leadership’s consistent, long-term commitment to the nation’s sustainable development.

She added that the General Secretary’s working trips and meetings with foreign delegations consistently yield concrete outcomes and promote substantive cooperation, not mere formalities.

What General Secretary To Lam is doing shows tireless dedication and unwavering commitment. It ensures that policies are not only well-directed but also inclusive of the people. People’s lives do not improve through policies on paper alone. She said she is truly moved to see all levels of leadership and the Vietnamese people working together toward a shared goal.

Egyptian Ambassador to Vietnam Amal Salama highlighted the country’s post-war reconstruction journey as a testament to its resilient spirit. Since the Doi Moi (Renewal) process began in 1986, the Vietnamese Government has played a crucial role in promoting socio-economic achievements that benefit its people.

Ambassador Salama also emphasized that international diplomats closely monitor and highly value Party General Secretary To Lam’s far-sighted policy decisions.

It is clear that General Secretary To Lam pays close attention to the wellbeing of all Vietnamese citizens and strives to raise living standards. He is also committed to improving government operations through recent reforms. Structural changes from central to local levels have increased the State’s effectiveness and responsiveness, while improving service delivery, she said, adding that she feels proud to witness Vietnam’s progress firsthand and contribute to stronger Egypt–Vietnam relations.

Ambassador Salama further lauded Vietnam’s role on the international stage, particularly in promoting peace and regional stability through proactive and positive diplomacy.

Moroccan Ambassador to Vietnam Jamale Chouaibi, affirmed that Vietnam stands out as a model of successful reform and development.

Vietnam serves as an inspiration for developing countries across Africa. It is a shining example in the region. The achievements made since the Doi Moi era are truly admirable. Many of the country’s targets have been reached ahead of schedule, proving the government’s strong planning and execution capacity, he said.

Ambassador Chouaibi added that Vietnam’s success stems not only from the proper policies of the Party and State but also from the joint efforts of its people, who are hard-working, dynamic and steadfast in their pursuit of progress.

He expressed confidence that Vietnam’s goal of becoming a fully developed nation by 2045 is entirely feasible, and achievable ahead of time.

Singapore partners with Vietnamese travel platform to woo tourists

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) on May 21 joined hands with iVIVU.com, a Vietnamese online travel platform, in a calculated bid to woo Vietnamese tourists, cementing Singapore’s place as a top beacon for Vietnamese travelers.

The collaboration features a multi-channel marketing campaign, curated travel packages, and regular updates on Singapore’s tourism offerings. Through iVIVU.com, Vietnamese travelers can now access a range of services, from flight and hotel bundles, accommodations, cruise tours, and tickets to top attractions, all designed to balance affordability with the promise of unforgettable experiences.

Terrence Voon, Executive Director for Southeast Asia at STB, stressed that the partnership aims to highlight Singapore’s vibrancy, from its lifestyle experiences to world-class entertainment. Together with iVIVU.com, both sides want to ensure Vietnamese tourists savour every second of their stay, he said, noting that the move is part of a broader travel promotion series rooted in public-private partnership.

Nguyen Trung Cong, CEO of iVIVU.com, said Singapore is already a favourite among Vietnamese travelers. This partnership, he explained, is about delivering accessible, quality and affordable tourism products tailored to their needs, cited VNA.

The MoU signing ceremony between the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and iVIVU.com on May 21 (Photo: VNA)

The move came on the heels of a recent tripartite memorandum of understanding among STB, Vietnam Airlines, and Sentosa Development Corporation, designed to boost tourism and air connectivity between the two nations.

Singapore’s tourism sector is rebounding strongly. According to the Singapore Department of Statistics, it welcomed over 16.5 million foreigners in 2024, a 21% leap from the previous year and the highest post-pandemic tally. Among them, some 500,000 hailed from Vietnam, placing it firmly among the city-state’s top ten source markets.

French President Emmanuel Macron to visit Vietnam

French President Emmanuel Macron and his spouse will pay a State visit to Vietnam from May 25 – 27, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The visit will be made at the invitation of Vietnamese President Luong Cuong.

Vietnam and France set up diplomatic relations on April 12, 1973. The extensive history of relations and cooperation in all fields created a solid foundation for the two sides to elevate the bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership on the occasion of the 40th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2013.

In October 2024, General Secretary and President To Lam paid an official visit to France during which the two countries issued a Joint Statement on upgrading Vietnam - France relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, making France the first EU country to become the top-tier partner in Vietnam's diplomatic hierarchy, cited VGP.

French President Emmanuel Macron and his spouse

Today Vietnam and France maintain many diverse bilateral cooperation mechanisms, closely coordinate and support each other at international forums and organizations.

The two-way trade between Vietnam and France stood at US$3.4 billion in the first eight months of 2024, 6.9 percent higher than the same period of 2023.

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