Vietnam News Today (Nov. 1): Vietnam Wishes to Develop Sustainable Relations With US

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	Vietnam News Today (Oct. 31): UKVFTA Greatly Benefits Vietnam-UK Trade

Foreign Ministry deputy spokesperson Doan Khac Viet.

Vietnam wishes to develop sustainable relations with US

Vietnam is keen to closely cooperate with the United States Government to develop the Vietnam - US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a strong, comprehensive, and stable manner for the long-term interests and aspirations of both nations’ people and for the sake of peace, stability, co-operation, and development in the region and around the world.

This statement was made by Doan Khac Viet, deputy spokesperson of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at a regular press briefing held on October 31 in Hanoi in response to reporters' questions about the impact of the US presidential election on Vietnam - US bilateral relations.

After nearly 30 years of bilateral diplomacy, the relationship between the two countries has seen very strong, profound, substantive, and effective developments, including the two countries upgrading their ties to that of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023, cited VOV.

Currently, the two countries are working hand in hand to effectively implement major cooperation directions over the next decade and beyond, as outlined in the Joint Leaders' Statement on elevating US-Vietnam relations to a Comprehensive strategic partnership for Peace, Cooperation and Sustainable Development.

Also at the press conference, answering a reporter’s question about the relationship between Vietnam and the BRICS group, the deputy spokesperson said, "As an active and responsible member of the international community, Vietnam has been and will make active and responsible contribution to multilateral mechanisms and forums for the sake of peace, stability and development in the region and the world, in accordance with the nation's needs and interests.

"Vietnam will continue to look into the information on the regulations regarding third-party countries of BRICS and Vietnam’s participation in multilateral, regional and international cooperation mechanisms has always been actively considered in line with the country’s interests, conditions and capacity," the diplomat emphasized.

This also indicates the implementation of the consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, and diversification of external relations with Vietnam being a friend, a reliable partner, and responsible member of the international community.

Prime Minister hopes for stronger Vietnam - Qatar parliamentary ties

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Speaker of the Shura Council (Consultative Assembly) of Qatar Hassan bin Abdulla Al-Ghanim in Doha on October 31 as part of his official visit to the Middle Eastern country.

Welcoming PM Chinh, the Speaker believed the visit will harvest significant results, creating new impetus to help further expand and intensify the friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.

He congratulated Vietnam on its major socio-economic achievements and also expressed his admiration for the country’s revolutionary history, which has inspired nations around the world.

The Speaker stated that the Shura Council hopes to advance cooperation with the National Assembly of Vietnam to assist the two governments to promote the productive and substantive implementation of cooperation commitments and plans for the sake of the two countries' people.

PM Chinh lauded the Shura Council and the Speaker’s contributions to the implementation of Qatar National Vision 2030, which has maintained political stability, boosted socio-economic development, and preserved and promoted cultural and historical values of the country, according to VNA.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (L) met with Speaker of the Shura Council (Consultative Assembly) of Qatar Hassan bin Abdulla Al-Ghanim (R) in Doha on October 31. (Photo: VNA)

The Vietnamese leader affirmed that cooperation between the two countries has been growing fast for the last more than 30 years since the establishment of their diplomatic ties, with numerous positive results such as deeper political trust, strong growth in economic, trade and investment partnerships, and increased mutual support at multilateral forums.

However, he held that there remains enormous room for both sides to further foster the bilateral collaboration, particularly in such areas as economy, trade, investment, energy, and agriculture, to match the sound political relationship as well as each country’s potential and advantages.

Highlighting Qatar’s proud successes in economic development along with the successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022 and the recent Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), the PM said Vietnam can learn much from Qatar in terms of mindset, vision, and measures for national development.

To further develop the Vietnam - Qatar friendship and cooperation for the sake of the two nations' people, the two leaders agreed to continue promoting the role of parliamentary diplomacy and step up cooperation between their parliaments through mutual visits by leaders of the two parliaments and their specialized committees to share legislative and supervisory experiences.

The two sides also agreed to maintain the two parliaments’ close coordination to reinforce cooperation between the group of Arab parliaments and the group of Asian parliaments at inter-parliamentary forums like the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). Besides, they will promote exchanges between young and female parliamentarians.

The Speaker recommended the two sides to soon establish a parliamentary friendship group between the two countries to frequently share opinions and propose measures for strengthening bilateral parliamentary ties.

He also called on the parliaments of Vietnam and Qatar to work together in supporting the just struggle by the Palestinian people and the two-state solution.

Meanwhile, PM Chinh asked the two parliaments to coordinate closely to support the effective implementation of bilateral cooperation mechanisms, advocate the upgrade of the two countries’ relations to a new height, prioritize collaboration in economy, trade, investment and energy, and perfect policies and agreements, especially the free trade agreement, to help tighten businesses’ connections and people-to-people links.

On this occasion, he conveyed National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man’s regards and invitation to the Speaker to visit Vietnam in the near future.

The Qatari Speaker also sent his regards to Man and other high-ranking leaders of Vietnam. He appreciated and accepted the invitation with pleasure.

Northern region braces for impending cold spell

A cold spell is predicted to impact the northern region, starting on the afternoon of November 1, with the chilly conditions potentially bringing temperatures in high mountainous northern areas down to under 15 degrees Celsius.

According to the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, during this cold spell the weather in the northern and northern-central regions will turn cool, with chilly nights and early mornings.

Temperatures in northern localities are forecast to drop to between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius, while mountainous areas may experience lows of 15 to 18 degrees Celsius, VOV reported.

Photo: VOV

From Thanh Hoa province to Nghe An province, temperatures are likely to fall, with the lowest level ranging from 20 to 23 degrees Celsius.

The center noted that the first extreme cold spell hitting the northern region is anticipated to fall from November 4 to November 11, bringing with it a mild chilling climate along with drizzle and fog.

Temperatures in northern mountainous provinces are expected to decrease sharply from 12 to 16 degrees Celsius, while in Hanoi, they will fall to between 16 and 19 degrees Celsius.

Daytime temperatures are expected to range from 20 degrees Celsius to 23 degrees Celsius. Due to the impact of the cold spell, the central region is likely to experience a prolonged period of heavy rain.

HCM City welcomes over 4.6 million foreign visitors in 10 months

Ho Chi Minh City welcomed more than 4.6 million foreign visitors in the first 10 months of this year, a 12.9% increase compared to the same period in 2023, the municipal Department of Tourism announced on October 31.

Domestic tourists numbered over 30.9 million, up by 1.3%, contributing to total tourism revenue of 156.65 trillion VND (6.2 billion USD), marking an 11.9% year-on-year increase.

The department is currently developing preferential policies aimed at attracting international MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) groups to hold events in the southern largest economic hub. It has reached out to relevant stakeholders to gather opinions for a draft report assessing the impact of MICE tourism policies.

In terms of tourism development partnerships, the department has launched a collaborative tourism initiative with 13 Mekong Delta provinces and cities, highlighting 126 local attractions through a new voting platform, VNA reported.

HCM City welcomes over 4.6 million foreign visitors in 10 months. (Photo: VNA)

Additionally, a tourism development cooperation plan with the southeastern region has been issued, and discussions are ongoing with the Ba Ria - Vung Tau Department of Tourism to promote eco-friendly, sustainable travel routes that attract international visitors.

For the remaining months of 2024, the department will collaborate with local authorities, including Thu Duc city and 21 districts, to prepare for the 4th Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Week. Efforts are also underway with the Department of Culture and Sports and the city's Athletics Federation to organize the 7th Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon.

The city is gearing up to promote tourism at events in Singapore in 2024 and will attend the 43rd Executive Committee Meeting of the Organization of Global City Tourism Promotion (TPO) in Malaysia to highlight the locality as a premier destination among TPO member cities.

Vietnam eyes top spot in Southeast Asia for semiconductor design startups

With a focus on startups, testing, and R&D, Vietnam targets regional leadership in semiconductor design and packaging.

To advance its semiconductor industry, Vietnam plans to focus on the design phase and foster the growth of startups in this area, aiming to lead Southeast Asia in the number of semiconductor design companies by 2030. Nguyen Vinh Quang, Director of FPT Semiconductor, shared this information at an event held in Ho Chi Minh City on October 31.

According to Quang, a recent meeting gathered Vietnamese experts in semiconductors from around the world to discuss strategies for developing this sector in Vietnam.

To develop the semiconductor industry, experts emphasized the need for Vietnam to invest in high quality human resources, focus on the design phase, and establish startups engaged in semiconductor design. This approach aims to position Vietnam as the top country in Southeast Asia for semiconductor design startups by 2030.

Additionally, Vietnam is also striving to become the leading country in Southeast Asia for semiconductor testing and packaging, cited VNN.

Nguyen Vinh Quang (far right) at an event on October 31. Photo: Le My

Focusing on testing and packaging, Quang noted, aligns with the U.S. government's objective to reshape the global semiconductor supply chain, providing support for Vietnam’s involvement in this field.

The FPT Semiconductor director also disclosed that FPT will participate in semiconductor testing and packaging, though it will limit its involvement in packaging due to the heavy investments required in machinery, engineers, and labor.

Instead, FPT plans to focus on testing, where the need for engineers and equipment is balanced at about a 50:50 ratio, potentially favoring more engineers.

Moreover, the testing process FPT will undertake differs from the one currently used by companies like Intel, as it will cover a variety of chip types. In the packaging field, FPT’s focus will primarily remain on R&D.

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