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The Hanoitimes – The two countries have determined to expand their bilateral ties in the new historical conditions.

The Strategic Partnership between the Russia and Vietnam is a natural result of decades-long fruitful collaboration between the two countries, according to a Russian diplomat.

The Vietnam-Russia relations upgraded to strategic partnership 20 years ago. Photo: Vietnam Briefing

Maria Zakharova made the statement on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the bilateral strategic partnership, saying that the relations over the past 20 years has achieved impressive results.

The declaration of the diplomatic relationship, which was signed in Hanoi on March 1, 2001, materialized the Russian and Vietnamese peoples’ wish to progressively strengthen their intergovernmental relations based on many years of friendship and mutually advantageous cooperation,” Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said.

She named the milestone is “historic” and marks the cooperation in a variety of fields and showed the two countries’ determination to expand bilateral ties in the new historical conditions on the basis of their rich experience of interaction accumulated over the previous period of time.

Political dialog at the top and high levels has become regular. The cooperation in the trade, economic, military, military-technical, scientific, technological and humanitarian spheres has got an additional impetus.

Meanwhile, inter-parliamentary and interparty exchanges as well as inter-regional contacts have become more active.

“We have developed new cooperation mechanisms which enable more efficient interaction so as to find ways of solving pressing issues concerning bilateral affairs and close coordination on the international arena. It is indicative that our strategic partnership became comprehensive by mutual consent in 2012,” the spokeswoman stressed.

She highlighted the solidarity and unchanging mutual support, typical in the two countries’ joint efforts in containing the spread of the novel coronavirus infection.

Russia and Vietnam have been offering each other the necessary consultative and methodological assistance while their specialized institutions are engaged in a dialogue on a whole range of matters in fighting against Covid-19 pandemic, constantly exchanging experience in combating this dangerous disease, Maria Zakharova said.

Today, notwithstanding a complex situation in the region and the world, increased turbulence and radical changes in the entire system of international relations, the all-round strategic partnership between Russia and Vietnam based on many years of experience of fruitful cooperation remains an important part of Russian foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific region, she noted.

The Hanoitimes – Priceless support in the past is said to be the treasury for the further Vietnam-Russia relationship in which defence is one of pillars.

Vietnamese veteran officials have said that Vietnam needs to have long-term strategies to sustain the durable relationship with Russia that has lasted for more than seven decades.

Participants at the workshop. Photo: Baoquocte

The relationship between Vietnam and Russia (and the former USSR) is so special that should be maintained for generations, officials who used to study in the USSR decades ago said at a workshop held in Hanoi on December 30.

Participants said each stage of Vietnam’s development has been marked by the tightened relationship of Vietnam-Russia/USSR, highlighting the Russian great support in the victory and progress of the Vietnam People’s Army, mostly in the wars.

Senior Lieutenant General Vo Van Tuan , Deputy Chief of the General Staff, was trained in USSR. Photo: Baoquocte

The participants affirmed that strengthening the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is one of Vietnam’s priorities, with a focus on defence cooperation and military training based on the decade-long support.

It’s valuable assets that the leadership and people of Vietnam are determined to keep and the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership needs being enhanced, the delegates insisted at the workshop which is among activities to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Vietnam-Russia/USSR Defense Relations.

USSR-trained Pham Tuan was the first Asian astronaut. Photo: Baoquocte

In 1950-1990s, USSR/Russia granted great support to Vietnam in both training manpower for the army and supplying weapons to help the country went through several wars against French and American troops, among other.

Lieu. General Pham Tuan recalled the priceless support by both his Russian teachers and people who he considered like his relatives when he attended a pilot course there.

USSR-trained Pham Tuan was the first Asian astronaut.

The Hanoitimes – It is vital for Vietnam to further boost the development of private sector and public investment funds, in turn contributing to economic growth and creating the foundation for long-term development.

Vietnam would speed up socio-economic recovery to realize the growth target of 6.5% for this year.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the meeting. Photo: Quang Hieu

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc stressed the view at a monthly government meeting on March 2, which were attended by government leaders and representatives of ministries and sectors.

Among measures to boost growth, the PM stressed the importance of enhancing greater efficiency in global integration to boost exports and attract high quality   foreign direct investment (FDI).

“The current situation presents huge opportunity for Vietnam to attract investment capital,” stressed Phuc, adding a favorable investment environment is a must to keep capital inflow from growing.

In addition to the role of state-owned corporations, Phuc said it is vital for Vietnam to further boost the development of private sector and public investment funds, in turn contributing to economic growth and creating the foundation for long-term development.

According to Phuc, disbursement of public funds is a major mission, for which the Government Office is tasked with inspecting efficiency in disbursing public funds and ODA-funded projects.

Phuc stressed the importance of reviewing current supporting programs and proposing new ones to assist businesses and people affected by the pandemic.

“Nurturing economic growth drivers and creating long-term revenue sources are the objective for monetary and fiscal policies,” said Phuc.

The PM requested major economic hubs to play a greater role in aiding economic growth, especially Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau, Danang, and Can Tho.

For economic sectors that are struggling with the Covid-19 impacts, including those in fields of aviation, services, and tourism, Phuc called for substantial measures to address their concern and difficulties.

Expansionary fiscal, monetary policies to boost growth

At the meeting, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung said Vietnam remains steadfast in pursuing expansionary fiscal and monetary policies to boost economic growth and control inflation rate.

Dung referred to a forecast that the Covid-19 pandemic would continue to exert its impacts on the global economy until at least the first half of 2021 or when Covid-19 vaccines are rolled out worldwide, as such, “keeping expansionary fiscal and monetary policies are necessary,” he added.

“It is important to enhance efficiency in the combination of fiscal and monetary policies to aid economic recovery and keep inflation under control,” Dung asserted.

“Government agencies and provinces/cities should closely monitor the market situation to timely propose supporting policies for people and businesses affected by the pandemic, especially for those operating in services, tourism and transportation sectors,” stressed Dung.

Meanwhile, the minister urged to stay alert against the Covid-19 pandemic as the country aims to ensure the realization of the dual target of both containing the pandemic and boosting economic recovery.

Amid the Covid-19 outbreak, Dung requested related agencies to soon issue a uniform safety procedure during the production and distribution of farm produce from Covid-19 zones to other localities.

While the world is still struggling with the Covid-19 impacts, “the domestic market remains a priority,” asserted Dung.

Dung also highlighted the importance of applying hi-tech and accelerating the digital transformation process and promoting e-commerce, in which local authorities should provide more support for enterprises to shift their operation online and apply e-payment methods.

“Vietnam would step up efforts in diversifying trade markets depending on the actual Covid-19 situation globally, while taking this opportunity to restructure the country’s export-import activities to reduce its reliance on a single market,” noted Dung.

With foreign direct investment (FDI) as a key source for economic growth, Dung called for a more selective approach in attracting such capital inflow, including a thoroughly review of M&A activities related to enterprises operating in national core and strategic business fields with high socio-economic impacts.

“The move is necessary to ensure favorable conditions for FDI attraction, protect domestic enterprises and prevent tax evasion through investment activities,” Dung concluded.

The Hanoitimes – Activities including trade expos are expected to tighten economic ties between the two countries which will celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year.

Two-way trade between Vietnam and Russia is of great potential and Vietnamese authorities will create more favorable conditions for the investment and operations of Russian firms, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung has said.

Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung. Photo: Linh Pham

Vietnam and Russia trade will greatly depend on vision and determination from the both sides, especially the business communities, Dung said at the Expo-Russia Vietnam 2019 taking place in Hanoi on November 14-16.

Being a member of 13 free trade agreements (FTAs), 12 of which are already effective, Vietnam has been committed to international regulations requiring high standards for goods and trade activities, Dung said, adding that FTAs will encourage foreign companies to enter Vietnam, ASEAN, and Asia as well.

Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Konstantin Vnukov. Photo: VTC News

The enforcement of the Vietnam-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement (VN-EAEU FTA) is a strong boost for the Vietnam-Russia trade, he noted.

Accordingly, Vietnam expects its leather and footwear, agro-forestry-fisheries, electronics and consumer goods to further penetrate into Russia and other markets in the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Vu Tien Loc, president of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Photo: Linh Pham

Meanwhile, Vietnam welcomes Russian goods like farm produce, pharmaceuticals, health, industrial equipment, automobile spare parts, devices, mine extraction, materials, high-tech products, energy, and oil.

Sergey Anatolievich Tsyb, first deputy minister of Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade, said at the expo that Vietnam ranks among Russia’s top 10 Asian biggest trade partners and the biggest trade partner in ASEAN.

Health and pharmaceuticals are among sectors posting the strongest growth in the bilateral economic ties and Russian companies are finding opportunities to cooperate in these sectors as Vietnam has a strong health industry.

Russian companies are ready to supply the best materials which are highlighted in this expo for Vietnamese partners, he emphasized.

Senior Russian offcials attend the expo. Photo: Linh Pham

Expo-Russia Vietnam 2019 is one of the main activities celebrating Vietnam Year in Russia and Russia Year in Vietnam 2019.

The expo will open up opportunities to exchange goods and find out new collaborative ways that will support companies and facilitate short-term trade between the two countries, Russia’s Ambassador to Hanoi Konstantin Vnukov said at the event.

Sergey Anatolievich Tsyb (1st from left), first deputy minister of Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade. Photo: Ha An

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in a letter sent to the expo that the event is necessary for information exchange and partnership for enhanced economic ties, of which Vietnam has contributed tremendously to the substantive cooperation.

The expo showcases booths of nearly 200 Russian companies and localities in Vietnam. More than 300 exchange meetings have been held during the three-day event.

Vision

Vietnam-Russia trade value in 2014-2020. Source: General Department of Vietnam Customs. Chart: Linh Pham

The bilateral economic ties have significantly increased since the enforcement of the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

As a result of the launch of this mechanism, Vietnam will obtain a privileged access to the large and lucrative common market of five countries namely Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan with the total volume of gross domestic product of around US$2.2 trillion and with almost 183 million consumers.

In exchange, the five Eurasian countries will be able to promote their products in Vietnam with a population of over 95 million people.

Two-way trade rose from US$2.6 billion in 2014, US$3.9 billion in 2015, US$5.2 billion in 2017, US$6.1 billion in 2018 and is estimated to reach US$10 billion by 2020, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs.

Addressing the event, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said that in principle, the urban administration models in HCM City and Da Nang should meet the demands of each locality and ensure the unity and synchronicity of the State administrative apparatus from the central to local levels.

From the pilot application of the new models, the two cities should reform the method of leadership and direction of the Party committees and administrations, while ensuring the concentrated and united management of the municipal People’s Committee and its head to suit the renovations in the operation of wards and districts towards higher dynamism and efficiency, thus meeting the demands of enterprises and locals, he said.

He asked the two cities to speed up the building of e-government and the reform of administrative procedures as well as policies for public servants.

The PM asked the administrative agencies at ward and district levels to improve efficiency and focus more on the people, while officials, Party members and public servants should enhance the responsibilities to the Party and people.

Over the contents of draft decrees, the Government leader asked the Ministry of Home Affairs to gather opinions, especially on the role of the Chair of the People’s Committee of wards and districts when there is no People’s Council as well as the authority and duties of the Chair of the People’s Committee as the highest leader of State administration in wards and districts.

He underlined the need to implement the principle of concentration and democracy in the work as well as the design of mechanism of supervising and discussion on important issues of wards and districts. He highlighted the significant role of the city People’s Council, the National Assembly delegation, the Vietnam Fatherland Front committees and Party Committees at all levels in the field.

He reminded the ministry of adjusting regulations on the organisation of the People’s Committee at ward and district levels to suit regulations of relevant laws and resolutions of the NA with the collection of feedback from ministries and sectors on including representatives of police and military forces in the People’s Committee.

Source: VNA