Press digest – July 15
JBIC Governor speaks highly of investment climate
Governor of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) Hiroshi Watanabe has said Japan will continue its official development assistance (ODA) for Viet Nam.
Japan takes high interest in major projects in Viet Nam, and plans to sign credit contracts to build Vinh Tan 4 thermal power plant and others in Nghi Son, Vung Ang and Van Phong, Watanabe told President Truong Tan Sang in Ha Noi.
He also spoke highly of the investment climate in Viet Nam, especially political trust.
VN, Slovakia enhance trade, investment ties
Viet Nam and Slovakia have reached a consensus on strengthening trade and investment ties, especially in the fields that Slovakia holds advantages and Viet Nam has demand, including agriculture, infrastructure, environment and information technology.
The agreement was gained during Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son’s recent visit to Slovakia, during which Son chaired a political consultation with the Slovak Foreign Ministry.
Both sides pledged to create favourable conditions for the two countries’ businesses to learn about each market and seek cooperation opportunities, and agreed to expand connections in education-training, tourism and defence industry.
VN, Laos enhance cooperation in combating human trafficking
A communication campaign on human trafficking prevention along the shared border between Viet Nam and Laos was launched in Lao Bao town, Quang Tri province.
The campaign is significant in helping local residents learn moreabout human trafficking, which tends to increase and causes negative effects in society. The number of victims and cases has risen year on year, mainly due to traffickers’ plots to entice gullible people.
According to the General Police Department for Crime Prevention and Suppression, under the Ministry of Public Security, 85 cases with 179 traffickers and 234 victims were detected in ten localities along the border shared by Viet Nam and Laos. Of which, 151 Vietnamese victims were tricked and trafficked to Laos.
Phu Quoc festival promotes local specialty
Phu Quoc island district in the southern province of Kien Giang kicked off a festival to promote its fish sauce, a hundred-year specialty.
The festival drew many local fish sauce producers and many businesses that are keen on this specialty.
This was a chance for Kien Giang to introduce economic and cultural values of Phu Quoc fish sauce, as well as tourism potential to domestic and foreign visitors.
Da Nang to host Int’l Marathon Competition 2014
The 2014 International Marathon due to take place in the central coastal city of Da Nang from August 28-31.
The event, the first of its kind in Da Nang, will involve three races including a full marathon (42.195 km run), half marathon (21.0975 km run), and a 5 km fun run for cancer patients.
The course will be certified by the IAAF-AIMS (International Association of Athletics-Association of International Marathon and Distance Races) to international standards, making its timing records official.
Ninh Thuan hosts Int’l tourism trade fair
Over 350 enterprises from 64 countries around the globe are participating in an international tourism trade fair which opened in Ninh Thuan province.
The fair, which is being held in conjunction with the Int’l Grape and Wine Festival, aims to honour special products of Ninh Thuan province and create favourable conditions for businesses to seek cooperation partners.
It also provides a chance for the province to introduce the country’s economic potential, promote tourism and investment to participating countries such as France, Italy, USA, Chile, Portugal and Australia.
Israel, VN enhance agricultural cooperation
Leading agricultural enterprises from Viet Nam and Israel discussed ways to strengthen bilateral agro-forestry- fishery cooperation at the VietNam-Israel Business Forum held in Ha Noi.
According to Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Vice President Doan Duy Khuong, two-way trade turnover in 2012 reached $1.1 billion.
Municipal leader meets outgoing UK diplomat
Outgoing UK Ambassador Antony Stokes has said that his nation followed with keen interest the developments in the East Sea and issues related to maritime freedom and safety in the area.
At a meeting with Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Secretary Le Thanh Hai, the UK diplomat stated that the UK’s consistent stance is that all parties concerned must respect international law and ensure maritime security, safety and freedom in the East Sea.
The municipal leader also commended the UK ambassador’s effective contributions to strengthening the Viet Nam-UK strategic partnership, hoping that the diplomat will continue supporting Viet Nam in the future.
