Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son attended the 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-55) which opened in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on August 3 morning. The opening ceremony of the 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. (Photo: VNA) Addressing the opening ceremony, Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen recalled the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s 55-year history and its beyond-expected achievements, making Southeast Asia a region of cooperation, development and trust. He underscored the regional and global uncertainties caused by multidimensional impacts of COVID-19, tensions among major countries and crises in Myanmar and Ukraine. Non-traditional challenges, such as climate change, natural disasters, energy security and food security, have put ASEAN and the region at large through such an ordeal, according to the PM. More than ever, ASEAN needs to unite, promote its centrality, and strive to build a … [Read more...] about 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting opens in Cambodia
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Vietnam expands relations with ASEAN Partners
Canada, New Zealand, and the UK are three out of 11 Dialogue Partners of ASEAN. Vietnam’s Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son held a series of meetings with his counterparts of ASEAN Partners on the sidelines of the 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-55) and Related Meetings held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on August 3. The meetings aimed at intensifying cooperation and mutual support at international forums through the talks with Canada’s Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade Mary Ng, New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta, and UK Minister for Asia and the Middle East at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Amanda Milling. Vietnam's Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and Canada’s Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade Mary Ng in Cambodia on August 3. Photos: Baoquocte Canada In talks with Mary Ng, Son suggested Canada should enhance cooperation in regional mechanisms, … [Read more...] about Vietnam expands relations with ASEAN Partners
Vietnamese, Lao experts share experience in hydropower plant operation
Lao officials are introduced about the operation of Vietnam’s Son La hydroelectric power plant. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Officials from the Department of Energy Safety Management (DESM) under the Lao Ministry of Energy and Mines made a working visit to Vietnam’s Son La hydroelectric power plant on August 3 and 4 to study the plant’s operation. The Son La hydroelectric power plant is the biggest of its kind in Southeast Asia, with six turbines having a combined capacity of 2,400 MW. The plant generates over 10 billion kWh of electricity a year. The operation of the plant has ensured absolute safety since it was commissioned nearly 10 years ago. Besides electricity generation, the plant plays an important role in preventing floods in the rainy season and supplying water in the dry season for the Red River Delta , while creating an impetus for socio-economic development in the northwestern region. The Lao delegation has made a field trip and studied the operation of … [Read more...] about Vietnamese, Lao experts share experience in hydropower plant operation
Rising inflation causing concern for export businesses
Illustrative image Benefits and worries Referring to the increasing value of the US dollar, Mr. Nguyen Chi Trung, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Gia Dinh Group, said that big exporters such as Gia Dinh shoes will certainly benefit as they will have more revenue to reduce the pressure of input costs which have been increasing continuously over the last months. Mr. Trung cited that the previous exchange rate was about VND22,600 for one US dollar and when an enterprise exported US$1 million worth, it could earn about VND22.6 billion. Now, if the exchange rate is anchored at VND23,900 for one US dollar than the figure will be about VND23.9 billion. It is true that there will be an immediate benefit to be seen by many export groups. However, according to Mr. Nguyen Xuan Hong, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Textile and Garment Embroidery Association, in general when the dollar appreciates it will be seen as favorable for many exporters, including textile and garment … [Read more...] about Rising inflation causing concern for export businesses
Vietnamese, Laos experts share experience in hydropower plant operation
The Son La hydroelectric power plant is the biggest of its kind in Southeast Asia, with six turbines having a combined capacity of 2,400 MW. The plant generates over 10 billion kWh of electricity a year. The operation of the plant has ensured absolute safety since it was commissioned nearly 10 years ago. Besides electricity generation, the plant plays an important role in preventing floods in the rainy season and supplying water in the dry season for the Red River Delta, while creating an impetus for socio-economic development in the northwestern region. The Lao delegation has made a field trip and studied the operation of the plant with a focus on the safety of the dam and reservoir in the rainy season. DESM Deputy Director Phoukhong Sengvilay said he is impressed by the plant, and particularly the fact that it was entirely designed and built by Vietnamese engineers. He asked Vietnamese ministries, sectors and the Son La hydropower company to help Laos build regulations on dam … [Read more...] about Vietnamese, Laos experts share experience in hydropower plant operation
President receives new ambassadors of South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Belgium
President Nguyen Xuan Phuc (left) and Ambassador of South Africa Vuyiswa Tulelo (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – President Nguyen Xuan Phuc met with newly-appointed ambassadors of South Africa, Saudi Arabia and Belgium, who came to present their credentials, in Hanoi on August 5. Meeting with Ambassador of South Africa Vuyiswa Tulelo, President Phuc expressed his belief that she will contribute to promoting the bilateral ties, especially the organisation of activities marking the 30th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2023. Vietnam always attaches importance to the traditional friendship with South Africa and regards the country as an important cooperation and development partner in the continent, he affirmed. The President urged the diplomat to coordinate with Vietnamese agencies to step up the exchange of delegations, especially at the high level, through Party, State and National Assembly channels. Vietnam stands ready to support South Africa to … [Read more...] about President receives new ambassadors of South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Belgium