PM outlines measures to tackle global financial turmoil impacts

Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung emphasised the dire need to boost exports and narrow the trade deficit to halt a slowdown of the national economy, which is being increasingly affected by the global financial crisis and the world-wide economic recession trend.

The Government leader raised the matter whilst presenting a review of his cabinet’s recent performance and its goals for next year to the National Assembly deputies in Hanoi on Nov. 13.

PM Dung said that the national economy is showing more signs of suffering from the effects of the global financial turmoil and economic slowdown than was forecasted, particularly in areas such as export, tourism, direct and indirect foreign investment and access to loans.

To improve this situation, the Government will continue to implement its tightened but flexible monetary policy in the near future, PM Dung stated.

“Loan interest rates will continue to be slashed and fluctuations in consumer prices and developments and trends in the global market will be closely monitored in order to curb rampant inflation rates,” he said.

In addition, the Government will complete the drawing up of management mechanisms and regulations mandating merger and acquisition activities, as well as keeping a close eye on the operations of banks, financial service providers, real estate businesses and credit organisations’ payment capacity.

Such moves aim to effectively monitor those financial institutions and ensure that individuals’ savings are safeguarded, the PM affirmed.

He said that a mechanism that will allow borrowers and lenders to agree on appropriate loan interest rates, as advocated by the National Assembly, will soon be in place and the prices of coal and electricity would be adjusted only after outlining an appropriate roadmap.

“Auditing must be compulsory for businesses and the fight against speculation, fake goods, trade fraud and cross-border smuggling activities will be intensified,” stressed the Government leader, speaking about the imminent measures to shore-up the economy.

He informed law-makers that during 2009, ineffective government-funded projects will continue to be suspended and State budget, government bonds and State businesses’ capital will be allocated mainly to power plants, vital production projects, and seaport and road infrastructure.

PM Dung assured the law-makers that the Government will inject more investment into agriculture, rural development, education and training, science and technology, and social affairs to spur development in those areas.

He stated that the Government would closely monitor investments by State-owned enterprises’ and reiterated the policy of encouraging other economic sectors to invest in the generation of power, infrastructure construction, hi-technologies, processing industries, and the development of production and business services in rural areas.

Regarding efforts to spur production and expand markets, PM Dung stressed that the Government is currently finalising the establishment of a credit guarantee fund to aid small and medium-sized enterprises and will soon outline a number of policies supporting the growth of this sector.

He called upon those businesses to participate in these efforts and, at the same time requested them to instigate a range of energy-saving programmes, use modern technology and improve management skills to reduce production costs and establish efficient distribution networks in local markets before eyeing foreign ones.

To ensure social welfare and further reduce poverty, PM Dung said the Government will set up an unemployment insurance fund, implement developmental projects to assist the poorest communes, and improve the capacity of the social policy bank to implement effective social welfare credit programmes targeting students and those in poverty.

Touching upon issues relating to environmental protection and food hygiene and safety, the Government leader stressed that his cabinet is aware of the importance of environmental protection and will issue instructions to deal firmly with those found to be polluting the environment, including the suspension of licenses for projects and works that threaten to cause environmental pollution.-

Labour exporters target European market

Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam is shifting its labour export activities to European markets rather than relying on traditional Asian markets, in order to create more job opportunities for local workers.

A series of labour cooperation documents have been signed by Vietnam and Russia and by Vietnam and Slovakia during the past two months, the Ministry of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs (Molisa) said, adding that later this month, it plans to visit Poland to conduct research into the market.

Eastern European countries such as Poland , the Czech Republic , Slovakia and Russia have huge demands for overseas workers and this represents an excellent opportunity for Vietnamese workers, said Nguyen Ngoc Quynh, director of Molisa’s Overseas Labour Management Department.

Quynh’s view was supported by Nguyen Huy Tung from the Tourism, Trade and Labour Export Joint Stock Company (TTLC), who said the European Union’s policy of allowing free travel between member countries has made it possible for Polish and Czech workers to move to Western European countries to seek jobs with higher wages, resulting in a serious shortage of workers in these countries.

The Air Service and Trading Joint Stock Company (Airseco) has recently received orders for thousands of workers from Poland . Airseco General Director Nguyen Xuan Vui said the Eastern European market, which offers foreign workers a monthly wage ranging between 500 USD and 1,000 USD, is no less attractive than the US , Canadian and Australian markets.

At a recent working session with Molisa, Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic Voltech Filip said his country would not place any limits on workers from Vietnam .

However, experts claim that the quality of workers poses a huge challenge to Vietnam ’s labour export activities. In addition, Europe ’s move to tighten control of the granting of visas to foreigners also represents a hindrance for the Vietnamese labour export market.

As well as requesting Molisa to increase its promotional activities in these markets, many labour export businesses have actively organised training courses that meet international standards to help Vietnamese workers better meet the requirements of foreign employers and recruitment agencies.-

Malaysia wishes to expand cooperation with Vietnam

Hanoi (VNA) – The Malaysian Government attaches huge importance to the expansion of cooperation with Vietnam , affirmed Malaysian Foreign Minister Rais Yatim.

The Malaysian FM made the statement while meeting with the Vietnamese State President Nguyen Minh Triet in Hanoi on Nov. 12.

He said that Malaysia wants to work together with Vietnam in addressing a number of outstanding problems regarding labour exports in the spirit of cordiality and friendship.

President Triet expressed his pleasure at the comprehensive development of the relations between Vietnam and Malaysia over recent years.

Currently, Malaysia is the second-largest foreign investor in Vietnam and trade turnover between the two countries has constantly and steadily increased. Malaysia has recently become the largest market for Vietnamese labourers working abroad, having employed around 110,000 workers to date.

The President expressed his wish that the two countries would strengthen cooperation in the near future, focusing on labour export, education, culture, science and technology.

Earlier, during his discussions with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem, the Malaysian Foreign Minister Rais Yatim pledged to work to further his country’s all-round cooperation with Vietnam , affirming his government treasures its relationship with Vietnam , regarding it as an important counterpart in Southeast Asia .

The two FMs were pleased at rapid developments in the two countries’ cooperation across a wide range of areas and welcomed the fact that Malaysia is currently the second-largest investor in Vietnam , with registered FDI standing at 17.7 billion USD as of October this year.

Malaysia is Vietnam ’s ninth-largest trade partner – its two-way trade value with Vietnam has reached almost 3.5 billion USD over the past nine months.

The two officials reached agreement on a host of measures to lift the two countries’ relations to new heights, including increasing the exchange of visits by high-ranking delegations, conducting the fifth meeting of the two countries’ joint committee in Malaysia, completing an action plan to implement the joint statement on a comprehensive framework for cooperation in the 21 st century, and boosting cooperation in a wide range of matters.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem thanked the Malaysian Government for facilitating its businesses’ employment of Vietnamese workers and requested that it continue to monitor the safety of Vietnamese workers and coordinate in ensuring that standards are upheld.

He spoke highly of the two countries’ coordination at regional and international forums, including ASEAN, ARF, EAS, ASEM, APEC and the UN.

On the same day, Permanent Deputy PM Nguyen Sinh Hung also received FM Rais Yatim, stressing that the two countries need to increase cooperation in the training of workers, including specific training in the laws, customs and cultures of the two countries.

The Malaysian FM said that the Vietnamese who work in his country are highly-valued by the Malaysian Government for their skills.-

President receives new foreign ambassadors to Vietnam

Hanoi (VNA) – State President Nguyen Minh Triet received several newly-accredited ambassadors to Vietnam from the United Arab Emirates , Estonia , Kenya and Serbia on Nov. 12, following a credentials presentation ceremony.

Receiving the Ambassador for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ahmed Ali Hamad Al-Muala, President Triet said that the opening of the UAE embassy in Hanoi represents a new step in the development of the two countries’ relations.

The UAE Ambassador affirmed that Vietnam possesses huge potential for the two sides to expand their cooperation activities in the fields of investment and labour.

Meeting with the Kenyan Ambassador Richard Titus Ekai, President Triet stressed that Vietnam is ready to develop bilateral cooperation with Kenya across a number of fields.

The Kenyan diplomat expressed his admiration of the achievements attained by Vietnam in poverty reduction and food self-sufficiency. He stressed that Kenya is keen to learn from Vietnamese experiences in these areas. He also said Kenya plans to open its embassy in Vietnam .

At his meeting with President Triet, the Serbian Ambassador Zoran Kazazavic affirmed that, inheriting the traditional relationship between the former Yugoslavia and Vietnam, Serbia hopes to develop comprehensive relations with Vietnam, particularly in areas such as trade, science and technology, education and culture.

The Estonian Ambassador Andres Unga told President Triet that it is an honor for him to be the first Estonian ambassador to Vietnam and emphasised the potential for the two countries to promote cooperation in tourism and other areas.

He said that Estonian businesses consider Vietnam an attractive investment and trade destination and, as a result Estonia plans to appoint an honourary consul in Vietnam .

President Triet and Ambassador Unga agreed that Vietnam and Estonia need to establish agreements on trade, investment and double tax avoidance as soon as possible in order to facilitate for cooperation between their businesses.-

Foreign diplomats tour central highlands

Dak Lak (VNA) – Foreign ambassadors from Canada , New Zealand , Norway and Switzerland are visiting the Central Highlands provinces of Kon Tum, Gia Lai and Dak Lak to gain an insight into socio-economic development, religious and ethnic affairs, and the enforcement of land laws in the region.

During their four-day visit, which began on November 10, the diplomats will be studying the advantages and disadvantages of local residents in having access to health services, education, land-use rights and the right to freedom of belief and religion.

They valued the endeavours made by the Central Highlands provincial authorities and the Vietnamese Government to further improve the living conditions for highlanders and to promote cultural diversity and ensure the execution of basic rights for ethnic minorities living in the region.

During their trip, the diplomats attended meetings with local authorities and representatives of a number of social organisations. They also toured several places of Catholic worship and inquired about the progress of projects that make use of their respective countries’ ODA in the localities.-

Deputy PM: Vietnam wants more Japanese aid

Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam would like to receive more assistance from the Japanese Government in areas such as infrastructure, personnel training and completion of the legal system and administrative reform, said Permanent Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung.

Deputy PM Hung made this statement while receiving the chairman of the Japan-Vietnam Economic Commission, Kato Susumu, in Hanoi on Nov. 12.

He said as the global financial crisis poses an increasing number of difficulties, tightening cooperation between the two countries in numerous fields is necessary.

He expressed his belief that, on the basis of past achievements, the second phase of the Plan of Action on the Japan-Vietnam Joint Initiative will obtain greater success in boosting mutual understanding and the fine relationship enjoyed by the two nations.

Kato Susumu expressed his sympathy over the recent difficulties faced by the Vietnamese people as a result of recent floods.

He praised Vietnam ’s efforts in controlling inflation and stabilising the macro-economy and requested the Vietnamese Government to focus its attention on speeding up the rate of construction work at power plants.-

State President to visit Venezuela

Hanoi (VNA) – State President Nguyen Minh Triet and his wife will pay an official visit to Venezuela from Nov. 19-20 and attend the 16 th leader’s meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Lima , Peru from Nov. 21-23.

The visits will be made at the invitations of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Frias and Peruvian President Alan Garcia Perez.-

Ban on unsafe helmets from Nov. 15

– As from Nov. 15, motorbike helmets must comply with technical standards or they will be barred.

Under a new regulation, helmet producers and importers will not be allowed to deliver their products to market without a safety certificate.

Helmets that met standards would receive a three-year certification and a “CR” stamp, said the deputy head of the Directorate for Standards and Quality (Stameq), Vu Van Dien, at a conference in Hanoi on Nov. 12.

Previously, domestic helmet manufacturers tested their own products and announced their conformity to receive a stamp, while imported products were inspected for quality and given a stamp stating they had been checked.

The new CR stamp, however, is only issued to products that have been tested by one of the five certifying organisations.

So far, the following organisations have been authorised to inspect helmets and issue the certification: Quality Assurance and Testing Centres 1,2 and 3; the Vietnam Certification Centre; and the Bureau of Quality Certification.

Helmets already on the market that carry the CS or “checked” stamps would continue to be sold, Dien said, but new products would only be allowed to enter the market if they carry the CR stamp.

Dien said there were 82 helmet manufacturing enterprises nationwide, of which 51 had registered a self-assessment of conformity with regulations.

“There are 67 helmet importers in the country. The imported helmets will have to meet national standards,” said Dien.

A survey conducted by the Vietnam Consumer Protection Association showed that 60 percent of people surveyed said they wore helmets for safety, while the rest said they only wore them to prevent being stopped by police.

Many respondents said they were more concerned with the helmet’s appearance than its safety.

“We have discovered that many kinds of helmet carry the CS stamp but don’t meet safety standards,” said association vice president, Ho Tat Thang.

Regulators are taking a particularly close look at these so-called “fashionable” helmets that look like caps, saying that marketers of this type of helmet would have to prove that their design and quality ensured the safety of consumers.

“If they do, we will grant them certification,” said Stameq general director Ngo Quy Viet.

“This kind of helmet has already received the CS stamp, so I don’t know why it can’t receive the CR stamp,” said the director of the Duc Minh Co Ltd, which makes the helmets.

“There are tens of thousands of ‘fashionable’ helmets in the stores and on the market already, worth 100,000 VND (6 USD) each. Who will help us prove their safety so they can receive the CR stamp?”

To assure helmet quality and prevent illegal or counterfeit helmets from hitting the market, Viet said relevant sectors would closely coordinate to inspect domestic producers and importers for compliance.

He said there would also be an expansion of consumer-education campaigns that warn the public about poor quality helmets.-

Experts address social change

– About 40 European and Southeast Asian experts from politics, business and social sciences gathered in Hanoi on Nov. 12 for an interdisciplinary debate on responses to rapid social change in the region.

The forum was hosted by Bertelsmann Stiftung ( Germany ) in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It was supported by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, the Asia Society New York and the Asia Pacific Times.

As the European Union (EU) celebrates the Year of Intercultural Dialogue, the forum addressed European-Asian relations and how EU-Asia relations can address the challenges.

Professor Dr Bob S Hadiwinata, head of Department of International Relations at the University of Parahyangan , Indonesia , said the EU acted as the ultimate entity in promoting democracy and human rights.

“In promoting democratic principles, international agencies share the same ideas of the centrality of values or principled ideas, that is, respect for human rights, belief in the effectiveness of the electoral system, confidence in the functioning of democratic institutions, and being positive about a vibrant civil society,” he said. Liz Mohn, vice chairwoman of the executive board at Bertelsmann Stiftung, said the foundation aimed to develop an unbiased, balanced and deepened understanding of Asia .

“The Southeast Asian region and its 560 million people are currently experiencing a remarkable economic boom and we Europeans must devote much greater attention to the area,” she said.

“Undoubtedly Europe and Asia are increasingly influencing each other and are facing comparable challenges. We enter a new era of both inner-Asian as well as global cooperation.

“In a dialogue between Europe and Southeast Asia , we can work together to shape a future that is neither Western nor Asian, but that is instead global.”

Bertelsmann Stiftung promotes social change through project work that focuses on ensuring society’s long-term viability, she said.

Working with a wide range of partners, the foundation wants to identify social problems and challenges at an early stage and develop exemplary solutions.

Bertelsmann Stiftung has held a series of international cultural forums since 2001 to bring people together across various divides, as well as to examine the role played by non-Western societies in the process of globalisation.

As the foundation seeks to contribute to a better understanding between Europe and Asia, such forums in Tokyo (2001), Beijing (2004 and 2007), New Delhi (2005) and Vietnam (2008) have led to a focus on Asia that is to be expanded further.-

Vietnam reiterates support to global terror fight

Ambassador Hoang Chi Trung has reiterated continued cooperation with the UN in the fight against terrorism and called for special care of each country in any UN approach to sub-region or region.

Trung, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations, was addressing a debate of the Security Council on the work of three specialised agencies, including the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), held in the UN Headquarters in New York on November 12.

“My Delegation reiterates its continued cooperation with other members for further success in the work of the three Committees,” said the Vietnamese diplomat.

He reaffirmed Vietnam ’s position that any regional or sub-regional approach undertaken by the CTC should pay attention to the particular conditions of each country and encourage the participation of all countries in the region or sub-region.

“We continue to support the CTC in carrying out flexible types of visits to Member States and its planned stocktaking exercise based on the preliminary implementation assessments (PIAs),” said the Vietnamese delegate.

He called on the CTC to improve its dialogues with Member States, such as providing them with opportunities to present their views to the Committee through visits to their countries or contents of their PIAs.

“My delegation calls on the Committees to continue looking for ways and means to engage in constructive dialogues with Member States to enhance their support for the Committees’ initiatives,” concluded the ambassador.–