Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong (second from left, first row) and other leaders pose for a group ohoto ahead of their discussion on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity cooperation in San Francisco on November 16. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam proposes IPEF cooperation measures at APEC 2023 summit

Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong put forward major initiatives aimed at realizing future cooperation orientations within the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting 2023 in San Francisco, USA, on November 16.

In his speech, Thuong noted that IPEF shows its member economies’ joint effort to strengthen cooperation and coordination amid the changing global landscape that presents both opportunities and challenges. The new organization is expected to be a dynamic and effective model of economic connection, bringing practical benefits for the people, and contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the wider world.

He acknowledged the ministers’ hard work to reach a consensus on an important premise for cooperation, based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit, inclusiveness, compliance with international law, and respect for laws and political institutions of each member economy, while promoting flexibility and voluntariness.

To fully tap into the potential of IPEF and make its cooperation truly effective, the President said IPEF needs to be an open, inclusive, non-discriminatory cooperation mechanism that supports a rules-based multilateral trading system.

IPEP should welcome countries inside and outside the region as its members, and at the same time align with economic connectivity initiatives of other regions, he suggested.

According to the Vietnamese President, IPEF cooperation should meet the development needs and interests of all parties, taking into account the differences and unique characteristics of each country, with a primary focus on technical support and capacity building.

He also called for new investment in infrastructure construction, clean energy conversion, and high-tech industrial production in the region, cited VOV.

The meeting brought together senior leaders of APEC economies, heads of government and state, and representatives of several countries, including the United States, India, Brunei, Indonesia, and the Republic of Korea. China, New Zealand, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, Fiji, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam.

The leaders agreed to establish the IPEF climate fund and the IPEF catalytic capital fund, with an initial capital of about US$30 million, to support projects on clean economy transformation. They also discussed in detail the establishment of several specialized cooperation mechanisms such as the IPEF Investment Accelerator, the Critical Mineral Dialogue, and the Clean Economy Investor Forum.

After the meeting, the leaders approved a joint statement on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity.

The IPEF launched in May 2022 is comprised of 14 member countries, namely Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and the US. The IPEF nations account for 40% of the global GDP and 28% of the world’s commodities, services, and trade.

Countries see Vietnam as model in implementing SDGs: UN official

Many countries consider Vietnam as a model in implementing sustainable development goals (SDGs) and promoting the reform of the UN development system, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam Pauline Tamesis has stated.

In a meeting with Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, in New York on November 16, Tamesis expressed the desire to continue seeking resources to support Vietnam in promoting education and training development and expanding to new areas such as big data and strategic forecasting, towards helping Vietnam reap more achievements in sustainable development.

According to the UN official, the UN Secretary-General has assessed Vietnam as one of the emerging economies with potential and resources and emphasized the need for the UN to continue implementing more effective measures to support Vietnam in implementing socio-economic development strategies.

Ambassador Giang spoke highly of efforts by the resident coordinator and UN agencies in Vietnam in supporting the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, affirming that Vietnam will continue to support the reform of the UN development system, including ensuring sustainable finance and effective operation for the resident coordinator system.

The diplomat said he hopes that the UN will continue to assist Vietnam in seeking resources and share knowledge and experience with the country in its efforts to achieve sustainable development goals, international commitments on climate action, digital transformation, and energy transition, according to VNA.

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN (R) and UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam Pauline Tamesis (Photo: VNA)

Previously, during the global meeting of Resident Coordinators on November 15, Tamesis delivered a presentation on Vietnam’s achievements and efforts in implementing sustainable development goals, as well as the support of UN agencies for Vietnam's endeavors in developing human resources, ensuring social security, and promoting post-pandemic recovery.

Ambassador Giang highly valued the role of UN agencies in general and the Resident Coordinator in particular in coordinating with and supporting Vietnam in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

He suggested the two sides continue effectively implementing the Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development Cooperation 2022 – 2026, intensifying collaboration in new areas such as green transformation, energy transition, and digitization, with a focus on inclusive social policies so that no one is left behind.

Vietnamese culture promoted to international friends in Laos

The traditional culture of Vietnam was promoted at a tea party organized on November 17 by the Women’s Union of the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vientiane, aiming to tighten connections among domestic and foreign female diplomats in Laos.

The party brought together the wives of diplomats along with female staff members of Laos, other countries, and international organizations, including those from the women’s union of the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos.

In her opening speech, Alouni Kommasith, the spouse of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos Saleumxay Kommasith, said that this year's tea party is of great significance as Laos is preparing to assume its role as ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024.

Vietnamese culture is introduced to international friends in Laos. Photo:VNA

Furthermore, the Lao Government has launched a program themed “Visit Laos Year 2024” and Lao people are willing to welcome senior leaders of ASEAN countries and other partner countries to attend the ASEAN Summit and many other related events, she said.

The tea party featured booths showcasing participating countries’ traditional handicrafts, cuisine, and tourism information. Singing and dancing performances put on by the diplomatic corps also made up a significant part of the occasion, VOV reported.

At the event, representatives of the Embassy of Vietnam in Laos introduced Ao Dai (traditional long dress) and typical dishes such as spring rolls and tea lotus to visitors.

They also displayed their homeland’s handicrafts, drawing plenty of attention from international friends.

HCM City calls for US investment in sustainable economy, technology

Officials of Ho Chi Minh City had a meeting with US enterprises in San Francisco city on November 16 (local time) to call for investment in green growth and high technology in the southern economic hub of Vietnam.

The event, held within the framework of Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong’s trip to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Week in San Francisco, attracted nearly 30 major US enterprises operating in such fields as energy, infrastructure, information technology, finance, and innovation.

Chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee Phan Van Mai stressed that his city is aware of its pioneering role in implementing cooperation activities, with a focus on developing high technology, the semiconductor industry, the digital economy, and the green economy, cited VNA.

Chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee Phan Van Mai speaks at an investment promotion conference in San Francisco on November 16. (Photo: Government Portal)

He informed US firms about HCM City’s green growth and sustainable development strategy, including a green growth strategic framework until 2030 with a vision to 2050 that puts local people and businesses at the center of transition.

David Lewis, Chairman and CEO of Energy Capital Vietnam, which was founded in 2017 by a group of experienced investors and experts in energy and infrastructure, pledged that his company will invest in innovation and green energy in the time ahead.

Patrick Sweeney, Vice President at Business Executives for National Security (BENS), said many member enterprises of BENS wish to invest in the fields of technology, aerospace, defense, finance, healthcare, and energy in HCM City.

At an investment promotion conference held by the HCM City delegation later on November 16, US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper highlighted the favorable conditions in HCM City’s investment climate and called on US enterprises to invest more strongly in the city.

Four memoranda of understanding (MoU) and two letters of intent were signed and handed over between enterprises at the event to step up green growth and high technology projects.

Phu Quoc listed among 50 best places to travel in 2024

Online travel guide Travel Lemming has ranked Phu Quoc sixth among the 50 best places to travel to in 2024 which are perfect for longer trips and embracing a slower and more sustainable pace of travel.

The pearl of Vietnam lures visitors with visa-free access and world-class beach resorts. Guests can revel in gorgeous sandy shores, a massive national park, and fiery sunsets which turn the sky into a nightly kaleidoscope of colors, the website wrote.

Phu Quoc makes up the largest island in Vietnam and is considered to be a hidden gem for both nature enthusiasts and luxury travelers. Indeed, it is home to some of the country’s best beaches, a famous pearl farming industry, whilst boasting some of the world’s most spectacularly bright sunsets. Half of the island is protected as a national park, featuring waterfalls, white powder beaches, and coral reefs.

Photo: Nguyen Van Thanh

Visitors from the United States to Phu Quoc can skip the otherwise-required Vietnam visa thanks to the launch of a special Government program aimed at boosting tourism, it added.

Travel Lemming also suggested things to do in the island city, including riding the Hon Thom Cable car, hiking to waterfalls, snorkeling and diving, and watching the sunset from Long Beach.

Phu Quoc National Park, Emerald Bay, Duong Dong, and Ham Ninh Fishing Village are all among the top places travelers should spend time visiting on the island.

Furthermore, the travel guide recommended that the best time to visit is between September and December, or between March and April.

Yucatán of Mexico is the No.1 destination to visit in 2024, according to Travel Lemming. Guests can escape Cancun on the Maya Train to visit colorfully authentic Mexican towns or discover beaches free of tourists and seaweed, ancient pyramids, and underground swimming holes that the Mayans believed were gateways to the underworld.

This was followed by Gizo of the Solomon Islands, Stavanger of Norway, Antigua of Guatemala, and Memphis of Tennessee.

Rounding off the Top 10 are St. John’s of Canada, Kodiak of Alaska, Guatapé of Colombia, and Eureka Springs of Arkansas.

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