Nguyễn Xuân Đại, deputy director of the Hà Nội Department for Agriculture and Rural Development, talks to Hà Nội Mới (New Hà Nội) newspaper on the city’s achievements in international co-operation in agriculture in the last three years

Can you tell us about some of the city’s international co-operation in agriculture?

Since 2007, the Hà Nội agriculture sector has signed five memorandums of understanding with foreign counterparts, particularly in the field of import-export of agriculture products.

For example, Hà Nội signed a memorandum of understanding with the Japanese Meika Shoji Group; the Malaysian SDN BHD Fresh Farm in the import-export of Canh orange, Diễn pomello, longan and others. Now, Hà Nội has 18 co-operative projects with foreign counterparts in crop cultivation and animal husbandry.

How has Hà Nội benefited from this collaboration?

The city has completed its task of land accumulation to facilitate its agriculture development in accordance with the Hà Nội municipal city authorities’ plan. For example, the city has 15 communes specialised in raising dairy cows; 13 communes specialised in pig rearing and 29 communes in poultry raising, plus more than 4,200 farms.

Through international co-operation, many projects on advanced technology in farming activities have been transferred to Hà Nội farmers. As a result, many of Hà Nội’s agro-products have been exported. For example, in 2018, Hà Nội exported 19 tonnes of longans to the US and some European countries.

In animal husbandry, Hà Nội has carried out the Việt Nam-Belgium Dairy Cow project and received support from Belgium in dairy cow rearing. The city has also co-operated with the Netherlands in a project on pig rearing.

In other words, co-operation projects with foreign partners have helped the Hà Nội agriculture sector gain a high reputation in both the domestic and foreign markets. This is an important motivation for the city’s agriculture sector.

Can you elaborate?

Since 2014, the Hà Nội Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has supported Laos’ Vientiane and Luang Prabang Province to develop their agriculture production. Hà Nội has also completed a project to help Vientiane develop its own plan on agriculture and forestry development. In the meantime, Hà Nội has helped Luang Prabang develop its Nậm Bạc native orange with high yield and quality.

From 2011-2014, Hà Nội also sent agriculture experts to Mozambique to grow rice with high yield on 100ha and to develop three books on rice cultivation techniques.

Does Hà Nội have plans to expand its international agriculture relations?

International co-operation in agriculture is a tendency nowadays as it is an important tool in agricultural restructuring.

To accelerate its international integration, the Hà Nội agriculture sector will continue to work with farmers in restructuring their crop plants and animal husbandry to achieve the target of high economic efficiency. Also, Hà Nội authorities will work side by side with the farmers to help them apply advanced technology to gain higher yields to cater for both the domestic and foreign markets’ demand

Read more at http://vietnamnews.vn/society/518988/international-co-operation-drives-agriculture-development.html#ZuqCuIDElfIWGLDl.99

Dear all valued members and friends,

It is our great pleasure to invite you to attend the 2019 Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup Ho Chi Minh City qualifier.

Established in 2013 with just 12 events, this global amateur golf series is now played in more countries worldwide than any other corporate amateur event of its kind, mirroring the truly global reach of Turkish Airlines.

The 2019 Qualifying Series will feature events in 103 destinations across 72 countries worldwide, providing a unique opportunity for participants to network with senior business people in a relaxed environment, whilst enjoying a round of golf at one of the world’s most prestigious golf courses.

This year’s Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup is proudly sponsored by National Car Rental.

The Ho Chi Minh City qualifying event will take place at Tan Son Nhat Golf Club on Saturday 25^th May 2019 and Turkish Airlines are delighted to offer you the opportunity to take part in what promises to be a great day.

Entries are limited therefore we encourage you to register early to avoid disappointment.

Address: Tan Son Nhat Golf Club, 6 Tan Son, Ward 12,Go Vap District ,Ho Chi Minh City

Fee: Free for everyone. So first come, first served!

Brief Schedule

10:00 – Registration & Lunch

11:30 – Group Photograph & Tournament Briefing

12:00 – Shotgun Start

17:00 – Dinner

18:00 – Prize Presentation

The competition will be an individual stableford format. The best net stableford winner from each qualifying event will join the Grand Final as a guest of Turkish Airlines*. The maximum handicap index for both men and women will be 24.0. Any player with a handicap index of 24.1 and above will be allocated a 24.0 handicap index for the purpose of the event.

The Grand Final will take place between Saturday 2^nd  November to Thursday 7^th  November inTurkey. The prize includes:

• Participation in the Grand Final of the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup Round Trip Business Class flights to Turkey with Turkish Airlines
• 5 nights*, accommodation

The finalist winner will have hospitality at the Turkish Airlines Open.

For more information please visit www.turkishairlines.com/golf or you may contact Ms Trang (trangnguyen@thy.com) or Ms. Quynh (qnguyen@thy.com)

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan met President of the Chamber of Representatives of Belgium Siegfried Bracke in the capital city of Brussels on April 3 after her arrival.

During the meeting, the top Vietnamese legislator highlighted the growing ties between the two nations, saying her visit aims to spur the development of bilateral ties in a more practical manner.

She also voiced her hope that both sides would consider a new cooperation agreement in the time ahead.
Ngan briefed her host on Vietnam’s current situations, noting that the country has boosted its deeper integration into the world economy with its participation in 12 free trade agreements (FTAs). Vietnam is expected to sign and ratify another four FTAs.

Vietnam has been selected by many investors as their investment destination for its favourable business climate, stable socio-economic environment, and good economic growth, she said.

The country is appreciative of its cooperation with Belgium and regards the country as an important partner in Europe. Both nations have enjoyed successful cooperation across a variety of areas, with last year’s bilateral trade touching US$2.8 billion.

She showed Vietnam’s wish to augment cooperation with Belgium in multiple fields, particularly in renewable energies like solar and wind power.

Vietnam also aspires to foster bilateral ties in sea port infrastructure, public health, agriculture, and education and training.

Belgium grants 40 scholarships to Vietnam on an annual basis, and supports the country via a broad range of educational projects and cooperation programmes with Vietnamese universities and research institutes.

At the meeting, the leaders also touched upon the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement while showing her hope that the Belgian Federal Parliament will raise it voice to expedite the European Parliament (EP)’s ratification of the agreement, as the ratification will bring about practical benefits to Vietnam, Belgium and the EU.

Bracke said that the two sides realized the importance of the EVFTA in economic development of all parties, adding that involved parties will consider all finalized procedures to ratify the agreement at the beginning of the next tenure of the EP.

The Belgian side will try its best to accelerate the process, he affirmed.

President Bracke said it is time to sign cooperation agreements in a wide range of areas, especially in agriculture.

He suggested that both countries should work hand in hand in education, particularly at the tertiary level, adding that creativity is really crucial to achieving win-win cooperation.

Source : VOV

On March 9th, the Belgian Federal Parliament (IPU section) visited Can Tho University, a long-time academic partner of Belgium, especially in researches related to aquaculture, fisheries, and the development of sustainable bio-products. With a budget of around 8 million EUR since 1997, the strong academic cooperation between Belgium and Can Tho University have contributed to the sustainable economic development of the Mekong Delta region and to the adaptation of Vietnamese aquaculture to climate change.

The delegation also visited the Mekong Delta Institute on Climate Change (Can Tho University) to learn more about the studies that have been done on climate change, especially in the Mekong Delta region.

source: Embassy of Belgium in Vietnam

Europe has emerged as a potential market for an array of Vietnamese products, including garments and textiles, footwear, wooden items.

The General Statistics Office of Vietnam reported that exports to the EU edged up 1.2 per cent on year to US$6.3 billion during the two-month period while imports from the block enjoyed a dramatic surge of 15.9 per cent to US$2.2 billion, therefore resulting in a trade surplus of US$4.1 billion for the Southeast Asian country.

During January, Vietnam obtained a trade surplus of US$2.5 billion with the EU as the nation earned US$3.77 billion from exports while imports from the block only reached US$1.26 billion. Notably, Vietnam recorded trade surpluses with a number of EU member states in January, including the UK, Austria, Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands, France, and Italy.

Hoang Quoc Vuong, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, valued the European region as a significant market for Vietnam, noting that the country has always given priority to increasing co-operation with partners on the continent.

Europe has emerged as a potential market for an array of Vietnamese products, including tropical fruits, garments and textiles, footwear, wooden items, and telephones. Simultaneously, Vietnam could potentially serve as a bridge helping to accelerate the access of European firms and their goods to the wider Southeast Asian region.

Another facilitating factor is that Vietnam has signed and put into force a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union while finalizing negotiations on the much-anticipated EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement. Vietnam is also maintaining efforts to complete negotiations on an FTA with the European Free Trade Association.

With several trade deals pending, they are expected to further leverage Vietnam’s trading position with European partners once they come into force.

Vietnam has so far established 23 partnerships through intergovernmental committees, joint committees, and bilateral policy consultations with European countries. These partnerships have helped to further bolster bilateral co-operation in trade and investment as well as giving the ability to promptly ease difficulties and barriers facing enterprises from both sides.

Statistics released by the General Department of Vietnam Customs indicate that bilateral trade between Vietnam and Europe swelled to US$62.11 billion last year. Of which, Vietnam raked in US$44.93 billion from exports to Europe while recording a trade surplus of US$27.75 billion, hence helping to boost the country’s trade balance.

Vietnam is now home to 3,300 projects invested by European enterprises, with a combined investment capital of nearly US$50 billion.

Source: VOV

From January 1st 2019 onwards, Belgium will begin its two-year term in the United Nations Security Council. On the eve of the start of this mandate, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders underscores the importance of this responsibility, which the international community entrusted to our country. Minister Reynders renews the commitment of Belgium to be a constructive, open and trustworthy partner in the pursuit of collective answers to international issues of peace of security, in cooperation with the other members of the Security Council and all other stakeholders.

In line with the United Nations Charter, Belgium will act in the name of the whole international community. While the pressure on the post-war mechanisms of international cooperation is also felt in the dynamics within the Security Council itself, Belgium is committed to embody the multilateral vision which inspires its foreign policy since the end of the second world war. During its mandate, Belgium will remain true to the spirit of dialogue which guided its entire campaign and strive to bring to value, in a pragmatic way, its traditional conciliatory role translated in the motto “Building consensus, acting for peace”.

Belgium will seek to contribute substantially to debates on all important global questions that will come to the attention of the Security Council, with emphasis on a number of points, reflecting our values and expertise. This mandate falls indeed within the broader framework of the international action of Belgium, which displays in particular a strong human rights profile and a strong commitment to its European dimension. Belgium will also make sure to bring forward actions integrating in a coherent manner the tools of Diplomacy, Development cooperation and Defense, in line with its efforts for a “comprehensive approach”.

Besides the specific tasks divided among the members of the Council, Belgium will continue to devote particular attention to a number of themes on which it has a longstanding track record and which it promoted all along its campaign. These can be brought under the keywords of prevention, protection and performance.

• Prevention first, with the objective to address preoccupying situations before they degenerate into international conflicts. The promotion of mediation, attention for the threats which climate change can constitute for peace and security or the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction all fall under this header.
• Protection, because international security depends on the security of each individual. Our country will strive in particular to keep the protection of children in armed conflicts, the access to humanitarian aid and the fight against impunity high on the agenda.
• Lastly, performance. A performant operational management of United Nations missions is indeed critical. Our country supports moreover the UN Secretary General’s reform agenda, including his Action for peacekeeping. The pursuit of better results should also be reflected in a larger involvement of women, at the political as well as operational level.

Belgium – Luxembourg Chamber of commerce in Vietnam (BELUXCHAM) is pleased to announce that the Fifth Belgian Beer Festival 2018 will be held on November 24, 2018 starting at 3.00 pm at Saigon Outcast (188 / 1 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien Ward, District 2). Beluxcham and other Belgian beer import companies and Belgian restaurants will co-organize this festival to promote and introduce Belgian beer to Vietnamese.

Belgium – “the heart of Europe” is not only famous for owning more mansions than any other country, but also for its unique culinary culture. In particular, Belgian beer- The beverage has more than 2500 different kinds of beer and recipes are passed down through many generations. In 2014, a Belgian beer (Tongerlo Blond) was selected as the best beer in the world and by 2016, UNESCO has recognized Belgian beers as a world cultural heritage. In Belgium, beer is both a drink and the culture, tradition to play an indispensable role in social life. Belgian beer is an art from how to make to the way to enjoy. During the Middle Ages, the monks selected brewing materials from barley, special grass and hops. Then, they distilled and fermented carefully. Therefore, Belgian beer is very diverse from color to flavor . Belgian beer color scale is from light yellow to dark brown. The flavor is sweet, bitter to sour. Each type of beer brings the characteristics for each region that cannot be mixed or resembled anywhere. Belgian beer is always kept cool preserved properly. Each kind of beer will own the beer glass designed exclusively for it so that people can enjoy the taste fully. We have to pour slowly to avoid spilling the foam and the perfect foam is about 1.5cm to 2cm.

Belgian Beer Festival in Vietnam was first held in Hanoi in 2014 according to the idea of the Belgian Ambassador. ‘’I would expect more visitors to attend the event and enjoy the Belgian beers”, Belgian Ambassador Bruno Angelet said. On 30.03.2018, the Belgian beer festival has returned to Hanoi and succeeded with more than 1200 guests and international friends in Vietnam. Participating in the festival, you will have the opportunity to get more knowledge about Belgian beer, about the diverse, unique and excellent quality of Belgian beer. You can try many kinds of Belgian beers including light beer, fruit beer and beer for woman, know how to make beer, participate in mini games or drown in the vibrant atmosphere of Belgium and other activities.

The ticket price is 50.000 VND for the entrance and can be bought at the door or contact the online and offline selling ticket channels as follows:

 Online: https://ticketbox.vn/event/belgian-beer-festival-73824/50609

Offline:

– Belgo restaurant: 159A Nguyen Van Thu street, Dakao Ward, District 1

– Saigon Outcast: 188/1 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien Ward, District 2

– Beluxcham office: F.15, 5B Ton Duc Thang St, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1.

For more information on newspaper articles, please contact:

Ms Lê Thị Mỹ Bình

Phone: +84 28 3822 4029

Email: info@beluxcham.com

Website: https://www.beluxcham.com

The 12th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit concluded in Brussels, Belgium on October 19 with the release of a Presidential Statement affirming determination of ASEM members in strengthening partnership between the two continents in coping with global challenges and sketching out orientations to enhance intra-bloc cooperation in the future.

Prior to the closing, leaders of ASEM member countries had a discussion on regional and international issues, focusing on matters related to peace, security, anti-terrorism, non- proliferation of mass destruction weapons and maritime security.

They also discussed the complicated situation in the Middle East – Northern Africa, the Korean Peninsula, Iran, and the migration crisis. Many countries showed their concern about developments affecting security environment in Asia, including the East Sea and East China Sea.

Participants affirmed their commitment to maintaining peace, stability, maritime and overflight security, safety and freedom on the basis of full implementation of international law, as well as peacefully settling disputes in line with international law, especially the UN Charter and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, refraining from using or threatening to use force, not conducting unilateral actions against international law, and implementing measures to build trust and ensure self-restraint.

Addressing the session, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc stressed that peace, cooperation and development is the main trend of the era, but the international community is also witnessing strong changes and unprecedented challenges.

He proposed strengthening trade to maintain the recovery and ensure bright prospects of the global economy.

Vietnam supports efforts by the international community in line with the UN Charter and international law to seek peaceful and sustainable solutions to conflicts and disputes in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, he said.

The Vietnamese PM made clear that Vietnam and ASEAN members are working closely with the international community, including ASEM member countries, to maintain peace, stability, maritime and overflight security, safety and freedom, thus ensuring that freedom of trade is not hindered in the East Sea which is a big international sea route connecting trade between Asia and Europe as well as the whole world.

He underlined the need to persistently promote joint efforts, strengthen measures to build trust and preventive diplomacy, deal with disputed in a peaceful manner in conformity with international law including the UNCLOS, respect diplomatic and legal processes, and restrain from actions complicating the situation.

He also recognised initial progress in negotiation for a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), highlighting Vietnam’s proposal that all parties should continue practical negotiation to soon reach the document.

The success of the 12th ASEM Summit created new motivation for the close and dynamic partnership between Asia and Europe, thus continuing to affirming the significant role of ASEM in the shaping architecture.

At a meeting on October 18 with Steven Vanackere who is also head of a group of parliamentarians from the Flemish Christian Democratic Party and a great contributor to the growth of the Vietnam-Belgium relationship, PM Phuc said the two countries have agreed upon a score of measures to step up future cooperation, including the acceleration of the signing of EVFTA, noting that the Belgian former minister has a wealth of experience in the field.

For his part, Vanackere assured his willingness to assist Vietnam in achieving the best results in this regard, adding that as a country with certain influences in the EU, Belgium has a strong voice in the signing of the trade deal.

Vietnam and Belgium hold huge potential for elevating their partnership to new heights, he said whilst highlighting Belgian enterprises’ strengths in seaports and logistics- the areas Belgium can expand its cooperation with Vietnam.

At the same time, Vietnam has well progressed in sustainable growth, while Belgium has many big businesses in science and technology, and as such the two sides should supplement each other in this field,  the former Belgian official said.

Vietnam has made great strides in sustainable development and Belgium has many leading businesses in science and technology, this giving the chance to both sides to support each other in this realm. On higher education cooperation, Belgium wants to receive more Vietnamese students, he said.

Vanackere stated that the European Council (EC)’s adoption of the free trade agreement with Vietnam indicates the union’s goodwill and aspiration to promote the deal and suggested both sides should maintain a regular exchange of information. Vietnam should provide further information on its achievements and efforts in socio-economic development, with its open and reforming government, he said.

The Vietnamese government leader agreed with Vanackere on great potential for substantial cooperation between the two countries, particularly in Vietnam’s strengths of processing industry and agriculture, and reiterated Vietnam’s readiness to import key products from Belgium.

Phuc also extolled cultural and education cooperation as Vietnam currently has 250 postgraduates studying in Belgium and the figure is expected to go up in the future, helping to improve the human resource quality of Vietnam.

He told the Belgian former FM that during his visit, the two countries’ businesses have signed many investment cooperation documents, while heads of major regions and enterprises of Belgium also showed their wish to augment mutually beneficial cooperation with Vietnam.

The EC’s approval of the EVFTA is good news and will benefit both sides, Phuc said, while affirming Vietnam’s stance on its active international integration and constant efforts in this aspect.

During the meeting, PM Phuc briefed his host on the results of his talks with Prime Minister Charles Michel and his discussions with leaders of the parliament, regions, and communities of Belgium.

Vietnam attributes importance to relations with Belgium, a founding member with an important role in the European Union (EU), Phuc said while affirming the country’s willingness to offer optimal conditions for Belgian enterprises to do business in Vietnam.

The PM voiced hope that the King and Queen of Belgium would visit Vietnam at an appropriate time in the future.

King Philippe welcomed the PM’s visit in conjunction with the 45th founding anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties. He was reminiscent of his first visit to Vietnam in 1994 and led delegations of Belgian enterprises to the country to set up connectivity and carry out projects to improve the lives of local residents in the Mekong Delta.

The King held that he always greatly values ties with Vietnam and pays heed to Vietnam’s efforts to cope with climate change, saying that Belgium stays ready to transfer technologies to Vietnam to help mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Both sides echoed their views that bilateral ties are growing steadily across a wide range of fields, especially in economics, trade, and investment, as demonstrated by nearly 70 successful projects in Vietnam.

They also suggested advancing bilateral collaboration in fields of Belgium’s strength and Vietnam’s demand such as high-tech agriculture, green technology, renewable energy, healthcare, and education-training.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc spoke highly of growing ties between Vietnam and the Flanders region of Belgium during a reception in Brussels on October 17 for the regional Minister-President Geert Bourgeois.

Belgium’s lower house of parliament backs expanding cooperation with Vietnam at all levels, said President of the Chamber of Representatives Siegfried Bracke when meeting with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Brussels on October 17.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc shakes hands with Belgian President of the Chamber of Representatives Siegfried Bracke in their meeting in Brussels on October 17.

At the meeting, both Phuc and Bracke expressed their delight at the development of the Vietnam – Belgium relations over the 45 years of their ties.

The Vietnamese Prime Minister thanked the Belgian Chamber of Representatives for its support in deepening the two countries’ relations, saying the partnership between the two parliaments has played a vital role in enhancing bilateral ties.

Bracke hailed Phuc’s visit as significant to fostering relations and lauded the Vietnamese community in Belgium and their contributions to the ties. He welcomed strengthened collaboration between the two nations in agriculture as it suits both countries’ needs.

Both sides agreed Vietnam and Belgium should work to fulfil their cooperation potential, especially in education, science-technology, maritime transport and clean energy.

Bracke also voiced his support for the early signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), saying it will benefit all parties as it creates an engine to bolster cooperation between Vietnam and EU countries in economics and trade.

The two sides also agreed that all concerned nations must work to maintain peace, stability, security and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea and settle disputes via peaceful means in respect of international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc is on the final leg of his visit to Belgium from October 16 – 18, being made at the invitation of his Belgian counterpart Charles Michel.

On the occasion of the visit, the two side issued a joint statement, stressing the importance of promoting trade and investment between Vietnam and Belgium and expressed their hope that the EVFTA will soon be signed and ratified.

They agreed to step up bilateral ties in diplomacy, economics, social affairs, trade, education and science and to maintain regular exchanges.

Belgium was among the first Western countries to set up diplomatic relations with Vietnam, following the signing of the Paris Peace Accords, in 1973.

Belgium is now Vietnam’s seventh largest trade partner in the EU, with two-way trade reaching US$2.7 billion last year. As of August 2018, Belgium’s investment in the country was valued at US$900 million.

VOV- Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc had working sessions with representatives from EU and Belgian leading firms operating in Vietnam on October 17 as part of his official visit to Belgium.

During the meetings, they informed the Vietnamese leader on outcomes and investment and business plans in the Southeast Asian nation in such fields as oil and gas, renewable energy, agriculture, fertiliser and insecticide production, seaport infrastructure, rubber, and tire production.

They also made recommendations on how to accelerate cooperation between the business communities of Vietnam and the EU, as well as between those of Vietnam and Belgium in particular.

Earlier, on October 16, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc received leaders of Solveigh and Nijhuis – the Dutch businesses with experience in anti-erosion, water exploitation and use and carrying out a climate change adaptation project in central Vietnam.

The PM hailed Solveigh and Nijhuis as well as other Dutch partners in conducting surveys, research and working solutions to minimise coastal erosion in Vietnam. He described their work as a specific action to implement cooperation programmes within the framework of the strategic partnership on adaptation to climate change and water management between Vietnam and the Netherlands.

Menno Holterman, Managing Director of Nijhuis, said the project’s partners inspected erosion in Hoi An and agreed to carry out another project to address challenges in the area. It aims to improve safety and livelihood for locals, and protect and restore Hoi An coast, while forming new eco-system tourist sites there. Investment for this will be arranged by European and Dutch organisations and businesses and Vietnam’s T&T group.

Representatives of the two Dutch groups expressed their wish to continue receiving attention and facilitation from the Prime Minister and relevant agencies of Vietnam during the project’s implementation.

Welcoming proposals of Dutch organisations and businesses, PM Phuc said the Vietnamese Government hopes for experience sharing and support on human resources and technology from the Dutch partners to solve urgent issues in Vietnam, especially coastal and riverbank erosion and subsidence, climate change response, and help local people’s sustainable socio-economic development.

The PM suggested Dutch and Vietnamese partners coordinate with the People’s Committee of Quang Nam province to accelerate the study and survey to have an optimal plan.

The two Dutch groups, T&T group and other partners were asked to work with Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and Quang Nam authorities to reach an implementation plan.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Vietnamese Government and the administration of Belgium’s Flemish region on October 17 as part of PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s visit to the European country, confirming the increasingly extensive cooperation between the two sides.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and Minister-President of the Government of Flanders Geert Bourgeois

In an interview granted to Vietnam News Agency’s correspondent in Brussels, Minister-President of the Government of Flanders Geert Bourgeois said that the MoU signing came after the first deal inked in 2013, underlining the long-term partnership between Vietnam and Belgium in general and the Flemish Region in particular.

Praising Vietnam’s economic development in the past 30 years, with an impressive GDP growth of 6-7 percent per year, he said that Vietnam should continue updating its international frameworks to attract more foreign investors, which will help Vietnamese firms better integrate into the global value chain.

The Belgian Government will continue to support the early ratification of the EU-Vietnam free trade agreement (EVFTA) which promotes free and fair trade towards sustainable growth among its members, he stressed, expressing his belief that the EVFTA and the freshly-inked MoU are expected to help the Flemish region to double its exports to Vietnam to 1 billion EUR (about US$1.16 billion) over the next three years.

Vietnam is currently the fourth largest export market of Flanders in Southeast Asia. Around 70-80 percent of Belgian shipments to Vietnam come from the region. Last year, Flanders shipped 492 million EUR (nearly US$570 million)  worth of products to Vietnam, up 22.23 percent year-on-year. Meanwhile, Vietnam’s exports to the region surged some 20.86 percent and the figure is expected to rise even further in the future.

In recent times, Vietnamese localities and the Flemish region have enjoyed fruitful cooperation, especially relating to transportation and the environment. Flanders invested 4.4 million EUR (around US$5.1 million) in joint research programmes of the Research Founderation: Flanders (FWO), and Vietnam’s National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED), he added.

The Prime Ministers of Vietnam and Belgium announced at a joint press conference in Brussels on October 16 that they had agreed to promote cooperation between the two countries in multiple fields.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his Belgian counterpart Charles Michel co-chaired the press conference following their talks.

The Vietnamese PM said he and PM Charles Michel had agreed to bolster ties in agriculture, eduction-training, culture, transport and facilitation of business and investment, especially when the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement will be signed soon.

He told the press that many Belgian-invested projects in Vietnam have been successful, adding that Vietnam is making constant efforts to improve its investment environment.

He added that Belgian had agreed to push for the signing of the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement, thus facilitating trade and investment between the two countries.

Phuc announced that he had invited the Belgian PM to visit Vietnam and his invitation had been accepted.

PM Charles Michel said besides many important issues to bolster the two countries’ economic partnership, especially in trade and investment, the two sides also considered collaboration in education-training and examined the framework to promote Vietnam-EU free trade agreements.

The Belgian PM said Belgium supports Vietnam’s candidacy as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2020-2021. The two countries will work together for peace and security in the East Sea, and raise voice to protest unilateral actions that violate peace and international law.

He also said Belgian wants to work with Vietnam in agriculture, helping the Southeast Asian country develop clean agriculture and procedures to ensure food safety.

The two PMs said they had agreed on the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security and safety of navigation and aviation in the East Sea.

Disputes should be addressed by peaceful measures, in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), they said.

Following their talks, the leaders witnessed the signing of some cooperation documents between agencies and businesses of the two countries, covering agriculture, food safety, seaport and other spheres.

They include a strategic partnership agreement on agriculture between the two Governments, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on improving food safety and hygiene between the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain, and another MoU on establishing a bilateral political consultation mechanism between the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.

A MoU on cooperation in research of smart port in the northern port city of Hai Phong between Vietnam’s Hateco and Rent-A-Port Group of Belgium and another MoU on cooperation in research of seaport investment and development between Vinalines and Rent-A-Port were also inked on this occasion.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his Belgian counterpart, Charles Michel, highlighted the strides in the two countries’ relations in numerous spheres during their talks in Brussels on the afternoon of October 16 (local time).

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his Belgian counterpart, Charles Michel, shake hands before their talks in Brussels on October 16

PM Phuc, who is on an official visit to Belgium, said Vietnam will always treasure its friendship and multifaceted cooperation with the European nation. He thanked PM Michel and the Belgian Government for supporting bilateral ties over the years.

Michel noted that the trip – which takes place on the threshold of the 12th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit and amidst the 45th founding anniversary of the countries’ diplomatic ties – will create a new driving force for bilateral connections to grow strongly.

The two PMs said that Vietnam-Belgium relations have enjoyed progress in multiple areas and at many levels, from local to central levels, creating diverse cooperation links that have helped to capitalise on the strength of both sides.

They agreed to increase mutual visits and meetings at all levels. PM Phuc also took this occasion to invite his counterpart to visit Vietnam, and Michel accepted the invitation with pleasure.

At the talks, the leaders agreed to enhance economic partnerships and maintain cooperation mechanisms, such as the Vietnam-Belgium Joint Committee. The two sides will also improve the effectiveness of cooperation projects as well as coordination among mechanisms.

PM Michel said that bilateral trade and investment have continued to expand well, noting that last year’s trade revenue of US$2.7 billion will be a catalyst for Belgium’s trade and investment in Vietnam.

He affirmed his support for the early signing and ratification of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), which will provide practical benefits for the EU and form a bridge linking Europe with Southeast Asia and the Asia Pacific.

The PMs emphasised the need to work together to create conditions for connecting Vietnamese and Belgian partners, especially in fields Belgium holds strength and Vietnam has demand for, namely transportation, seaports, logistics services, green technology, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy.

The establishment of a strategic partnership in agriculture and cooperation in food safety and hygiene between the two countries will provide optimal conditions for high-quality Vietnamese agricultural and fishery products to enter Belgium and vice versa. They will also help the agricultural sectors of both sides to expand production and apply high technology to meet sustainability requirements, the leaders said.

They added that Vietnam and Belgium should build on what they have achieved so far in development cooperation and collaboration in education-training, science-technology, justice, and culture.

PM Phuc also called on the Belgian Government to continue favourable conditions for Vietnamese people in the country.

At the event, the two leaders stressed that their countries need to enhance cooperation and mutual support at multilateral forums and international organisations, especially the United Nations.

PM Phuc welcomed the EU and Belgium’s viewpoint on and active role in the East Sea issue. The two sides underscored the importance of peace, stability, and security in the East Sea; the settlement of disputes by peaceful means; and respect for international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

VOV.VN -Vietnam will serve as a bridge for European enterprises to gain access to the ASEAN market toward a free and fair trade, said Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the Vietnam EU-Belgium Business Forum on October 17 as part of his official visit to Belgium.

The event, jointly held by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), Belgian Vietnamese Alliance, embassies and trade offices of Vietnam and Belgium, brought together Chairman of the Belgium – Vietnam Friendship Alliance Andries Gryffoy, leaders from several Vietnamese ministries and sectors along with nearly 200 business representatives from both nations.

In his remarks, Andries Gryffoy said the involvement of roughly 200 Belgian, Vietnamese and EU businesses in the forum showed their intense interest in seeking opportunities for business cooperation. The participating businesses- are seen as potential investors for Vietnamese enterprises- operate in a wide range of areas such as health, real estate, green energy, food, beverages, and seaport infrastructure.

Belgium has a business-friendly government, dynamic research environment, international standard education system and high labour productivity, he said, adding that lying in the heart of the EU with a population of 420 million and modern infrastructure, Belgium focuses on industries such as aerospace, chemicals, energy, waste and wastewater treatment, artificial intelligence and 4.0 technology, which boast huge potential for stronger partnership with Vietnamese businesses.

In an interview given to a Radio Voice of Vietnam (VOV) reporter at the forum, Luc Van Looveren from the Antwerp Chamber of Commerce and Industry said many Belgian businesses are highly interested in the Vietnamese market, noting that the Vietnamese Prime Minister delivering a speech at the event is a great honour, demonstrating Vietnam’s importance in successful economic cooperation with the European Union (EU).

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s upcoming official visit to Belgium takes place in the context of constant development of the relationship between Vietnam and the country in various realms and at different levels.

The visits to Austria, Belgium, Demark and the European Union (EU) by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc aim to convey a message of Vietnam’s desire to make friends with all countries, and boost extensive international integration, and effective participation along with the international community in resolving global challenges.

LUXEMBOURG —  EU ministers battled on Tuesday over the extent of emission cuts to be imposed on carmakers, in the wake of a warning by UN experts on the dangers of global warming.

Auto-making giant Germany in a fierce resistance succeeded in imposing a compromise plan tabled by Austria, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union.

Ministers agreed to a 35 per cent CO2 reduction for new cars by 2030 compared to models made for 2021. This target was reduced to 30 per cent for vans.

“After 13 hours of negotiations, we are relieved… The compromise is in the interest of all member states,” Austrian Environment Minister Elisabeth Kostinger told reporters.

The deal on cars was greater than the target of 30 per cent suggested by the European Commission, the EU executive, but it remained well below the 40 per cent cut advocated by the European Parliament in a vote last week.

Germany was backed by eastern European member states — while Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Nordic states had pushed for more ambitious reductions.

“This text is worse than what was on the table this morning,” said a disappointed Irish Environment Minister Denis Naughton.

German Environment Minister Svenja Schulze, a social democrat, said that she would have liked to be able to support a more ambitious cut on behalf of Berlin, particularly after the alarm signal sent by IPCC experts.

But she admitted that her coalition partner the CDU, the party of Chancellor Angela Merkel, was pushing the tougher line, which she defended at the Luxembourg meeting.

Germany — home to Volkswagen, Daimler and BMW — is worried that if targets are set too high it would hurt exports and threaten jobs.

France, home to Renault and Peugeot, said it had wanted “a 40 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions from cars in 2030”, but appeared to have accepted the compromise position.

The ministerial agreement is now set for tough negotiations with MEPs and the commission, with a first round of talks set for Wednesday.

Countries and NGOs pushing for a more ambitious position pointed the finger directly at Berlin.

“Germany and the (eastern European) Visegrad countries fiercely lobbied for no more than a 30 percent cut proposed by the European Commission, aided behind the scenes by European Commissioner (Miguel Arias) Canete,” said activist lobby Transport & Environment.

“Today’s decision … shows how far the Commission and some member states have shrunk from climate leadership putting carmakers interests first,” it added.

‘Positive signal’

Tuesday’s meeting also adopted the EU’s position at COP24, the UN climate summit to be held in December in Katowice, Poland.

On Monday, UN climate experts urged policy makers to adopt “rapid” and “unprecedented” reforms if they want to adequately limit global warming and meet commitments made at the COP21 talks in 2016.

At COP21, the EU had committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 per cent by 2030, compared to 1990, in all sectors of its economy.

In a carefully worded text, ministers on Tuesday agreed that the EU was “ready (…) to communicate or update” its national contributions by 2020 to meet the targets set in Paris.

“The main priority was to send a positive signal, not to commit to new EU targets,” said a diplomatic source. — AFP

EU ministers agreed to a 35 percent CO2 reduction in emissions for new cars by 2030 compared to models made for 2021. — AFP Photo

Fortunata is the story of a young mother with a failed marriage, who fights daily for her dream. — Photo courtesy of the Wallonie-Bruxelles delegation in Việt Nam

This screenings are being organised by the Wallonie-Bruxelles delegation in Việt Nam, and the National Documentary and Scientific Film Studio, following the success of the two seasons of FIFA Mons held in Việt Nam in 2016 and 2017.

Anne Lange, a representative for Wallonie – Bruxelles in Việt Nam, said the festival was a much-awaited cultural event for Vietnamese audiences thanks to the high quality of the films.

“This year we will present more films in more genres than last year,” she said.

The audience will have a chance to enjoy two tragedies, a comedy, an animation and a documentary. All of the films have been winners at international film festivals, she said.

Noces (A Wedding, 2016), a film of Belgium, France, Luxembourg and Pakistan will start the festival.

Directed by Stephan Streker, the film is about Zahira, 18, who is close to her family until her parents ask her to follow Pakistani tradition to choose a husband. Torn between family customs and her western lifestyle, the young woman turns for help from her brother and confidant Amir.

It stars Lina El Arabi, Sebastien Houbani and Babak Karimi. The film has won various prizes at the Rotterdam International Film Festival (2017), Istanbul International Film Festival (2017), Lumiere Awards (France, 2018) and Cesar Awards (France, 2018).

I Am Not Your Negro is a 2016 documentary film which won the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Award for Best Documentary.

It is directed by Raoul Peck, based on James Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript, Remember This House. Narrated by Samuel L Jackson, the film explores the history of racism in the US through Baldwin’s reminiscences of civil rights leaders Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr, as well as his personal observations of American history.

Fortunata (2017) tells the story of a young mother (Jasmine Trinca) with a failed marriage behind her, who fights daily for her dream to open a hair salon, challenging her fate in an effort to free herself and gain independence and the right to happiness.

Meanwhile, Lerd (A Man of Integrity) is a 2017 Iranian drama film about corruption and injustice in Iranian society, directed by Mohammad Rasoulof. It was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival where it won the main prize.

Especially for young audience, the animation Wake Up and Dream Again takes children on different adventures during a single film show.

One moonlit night, the Cinema owl flies onto a branch and greets the children from her perch. She tells them that she is a travelling storyteller who gathers the bedtime stories she overhears each evening at children’s bedroom windows.

FIFA Mons was launched in 1984 in the Wallonie region, Belgium. The festival first took place in 1985 and is organised every two years.

The film festival will take place as a celebration of the 25 year anniversary of the Wallonie-Bruxelles delegation in Việt Nam.

The films will be presented to the audience at the Việt Nam National Studio for Documentary Scientific Films, 465 Hoàng Hoa Thám Street, Hà Nội.

Vietnamese jazz lovers will have a chance to enjoy two concerts performed by renowned musicians including Steve Houben, Grégory Houben, Quentin Líegeois and Jean-Louis Rassinfosse.

The concerts are scheduled to take place at the Vietnam National Academy of Music in Hanoi on September 25 and at the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House on September 28.

The events are organised by the Wallonie-Bruxelles Delegation to Vietnam on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of a bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and Wallonie-Bruxelles (1993-2018).

The concerts will also feature two popular Vietnamese jazz artists Quyen Van Minh and Quyen Thien Dac.

Steve Houben has performed with music legends such as Chet Baker, Mike Stern, George Coleman, Gerry Mulligan, Clark Terry, Joe Eardley, Joe Newman, etc.

His music ability, talent for improvisation, and relentless creativity have led to him becoming a widely known artist in the world and an icon of Belgium jazz music.

Grégory Houben is a multi-talented artist. He learned to play the trumpet, but his heart was always torn between music and acting, between jazz and French songs, between his beloved homeland Belgium and Brazil – a country he explored while on a vacation when he was 17, the land which aroused in him the passion to devote himself to music wholeheartedly.

Jean-Louis Rassinfosse is a well-known contrabass musician. He is highly regarded for his warm, romantic music heard through hundreds of records whilst Quentin Liégeois is a guitarist who won the New Talent award of DjangodOr 2009, First Prize for Jazz guitar at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels.

We are looking for meeting you there !

Dear Beluxcham members and friends,
This is a meaningful events to participate in a charity golf tournament, enhance your business network, raise funds for unprivileged Vietnamese, pay a favorable fee

DUTCH OPEN 2018 CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT
Time: 30 November 2018
Venue: Song Be Golf Course, Thuan An, Binh Duong

Register : http://dbav.org.vn/dutch-open-2018-online-registration/

 PARTICIPATION FEE

Note:

1. This is a friendly tournament. The scoring system format will be Stableford and handicap will be calculated based on the Callaway system.
2. All rates above are net. Kindly note that we are unable to issue VAT invoices.
3. Very Early Bird rate is limited to 50 places and requires payment by August 31, 2018.
4. Tournament fee includes lunch, snacks, buggy, goodie bag, caddie fee, drinks, international buffet dinner, transportation.
5. Clinic fee includes goodie bag, pro’s fee, clubs, snacks, drinks, international buffet dinner, transportation.
6. Golf club(s) for tournament is allowed to rent (VND 658,000 per normal set | VND 764,000 per Nike set).

 PAYMENT

Payment can be made in cash or via bank transfer.
Please contact us at dutchopen@dbav.org.vn for more details.

 SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Dutch Open 2018 is a unique opportunity to promote your company or your brand to a business audience, while you are entertaining your business partners, co-workers and friends in a friendly golf tournament atmosphere. The sponsorship options offer a suitable solution for all purposes and soon will be updated with details.

If your company is interested in this sponsorship, please contact us at dutchopen@dbav.org.vn or call (84-28) 3822 4019.

See you on the green!

Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg Vu Quang Anh hosted a ceremony to mark the 73rd Vietnamese National Day in Brussels on September 6.

The event saw Belgian President of the Chamber of Representatives Siegfried Bracke, Deputy Foreign Minister Dirk Achten, foreign diplomatic corps, and many Vietnamese people living in Belgium.

The ambassador briefed his guests on Vietnam’s development and international integration over the past years and spoke highly of the Vietnam-Belgium relations, which have enjoyed strong growth in recent years. This year, the two countries are celebrating the 45th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, he said.

Ambassador Anh, also head of the Vietnamese Mission to the European Union, moved on to highlight the ties between Vietnam and the EU, adding that strengthening the comprehensive partnership with the Union has been a key pillar in Vietnam’s foreign policy and that the country treasures its sound relations with the EU and its member states.

The EU is Vietnam’s second largest trade partner with the bilateral trade reaching 47.6 billion EUR last year – a figure which is expect to rise to more than 50 billion EUR in 2018. The EU is also the fifth biggest investor of Vietnam, injecting more than 44 billion EUR into the country, with the two sides finalising negotiations on the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), he said.

Deputy FM Dirk Achten, for his part, said he hopes Vietnam and Belgium will ink a deal on strategic partnership in agriculture this year or early next year at the latest. The deal will include cooperation in agricultural technology development, food safety, food processing, and climate change response.

Achten affirmed that Belgium backs Vietnam in the signing of the EVFTA and was delighted at the enhanced collaboration in education and science between the two countries. He also looked forward to Vietnam and Belgium fostering multilateral activities together in the United Nations meetings.

The Embassy of Vietnam in Bangladesh has also held a special event to celebrate the Vietnamese National Day and the 45th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations in Dhaka. It was attended by Bangladeshi Minister of Commerce Tofail Ahmed, Minister of Social Welfare and Chairman of the Workers Party Rashed Khan Menon, and others.

Vietnamese Ambassador Tran Van Khoa gave his guests an overview of Vietnam’s recent socio-economic development and the steps made by the two countries, while Minister of Commerce Tofail Ahmed called on the business societies of the two sides to bolster partnership and expand trade and investment.

At the event, performers from Vietnam brought the practices of the Mother Goddesses of Three Realms worship to the Bangladeshi audience for the first time.

The worship is based on an ancient system of beliefs in the incarnation of various deities channeled through mediums, and believed to provide good health and prosperity. The ceremony showcased rites and art performances honouring the unique values of the Mother Goddesses’ cultural and historical tradition.

It was officially recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016.

South Korean soprano Cho Hae Ryong will perform songs by Belgian composers Lodewijk Mortelmans and Joseph Jongen at a concert on July 19 at the Opera House to mark 45 years of establishing diplomatic relations between Việt Nam and Belgium. File Photo courtesy of HBSO

The concert will open with the song Lied of Mignon composed by Belgian conductor Lodewijk Mortelmans with lyrics from the poem Mignon, Kennst du das Land (Mignon, Do You Know the Land) by German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

It will be followed by two excerpts Release and Les Langues de Feu (The Fire of Languages) from Cinq Melodies (Five Melodies), Op 57 by Belgian composer and music educator Joseph Jongen.

The songs will be performed by South Korean soprano Cho Hae Ryong, a graduate of Novosibirsk State Conservatory in Russia.

Cho is a lecturer of vocal studies at the HCM City Conservatory of Music.

Clarinetist Hoàng Ngọc Quân Anh, a new graduate of Maastricht Academy of Music in the Netherlands, will continue the performance with Italian composer Gioachino Rossini’s Introduction, Theme and Variations for the Clarinet and Orchestra.

The second part of the night will feature Symphony No 8 in F Major, op 93 composed by Beethoven in 1892. The four-movement symphony premiered in Vienna in 1814.

The performance will feature HBSO’s symphony orchestra, led by Belgian conductor Daniel Gazon.

Gazon, born in 1955, completed his studies in trumpet and double bass in 1977, and began conducting a year later. He graduated from the International Seminar in Weimar, Germany and from Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria.

Since 1985, he has worked with internationally acclaimed conductors like Seiji Ozawa and Sergiu Celibidache, and leading orchestras in Belgium, Poland, Slovakia and other European countries.

He has premiered contemporary works by 20th century composers, including Magnus Lindberg from Finland, Claude Vivier from Canada, and Luc Van Hove of Belgium.

Gazon has been invited to perform at big contemporary music festivals such as the International Society for Contemporary Music (ISCM)’s World Music Days Festival, Melos-Ethos International Festival of Contemporary Music, and Warsaw Autumn Festival.

He has given master classes in conducting at conservatories in Belgium, Sloviakia, Sweden and Italy.

The concert will begin at 8pm at 7 Lam Sơn Square in District 1. Tickets are available at the venue’s box office and at www.ticketbox.vn.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Phạm Bình Minh (second right) and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Luxembourg Jean Asselborn met in Hà Nội yesterday.

Photo Lâm Khánh

Deputy PM Minh thanked Luxembourg for its strong commitments to development cooperation programmes in Việt Nam and welcomed the establishment of Luxembourg’s Honourary Consulate offices in Hà Nội and HCM City, which he said, has reflected the country’s desire to strengthen bilateral ties.

He asked for the early organisation of the 10th meeting of the Việt Nam – Luxembourg Partnership Committee in 2018 in the European country to review the implementation of Luxembourg-funded projects and programmes for the 2016-20 period.

The host hoped that investors from Luxembourg would diversify investment in the fields of construction, food processing and high-tech media in Việt Nam, and the European nation would make it easier for Vietnamese goods to enter the country and the European Union.

Asselborn, for his part, affirmed that the Luxembourg government wants to develop collaboration with Việt Nam and considers Việt Nam a priority partner in development cooperation in Asia.

The two sides discussed measures to step up bilateral ties such as facilitating all-level visits and implementing the framework agreement on cooperation signed in November 2017. They identified cooperation fields in the new period to effectively use non-refundable aid provided by the Luxembourg Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) for climate change-related projects in Việt Nam.

On regional and global issues of shared concern, they pledged to work closely together at regional and global forums.

The Luxembourg side affirmed support for Việt Nam to reinforce ties with the EU and its willingness to push for the EU’s early approval of the EU-Việt Nam Free Trade Agreement.

Luxembourg shared Việt Nam’s stance on the East Sea issue that maritime freedom must be respected everywhere and disputes need to be settled by peaceful means in line with international law, stressing that ensuring maritime and aviation security and safety in the region is not only for the interest of regional countries but also the common interest of the global community.

Asselborn expressed support for denuclearisation on the Korean peninsula to contribute to peace, stability and security in the region.

Following the talks, Deputy PM Minh received two honourary consuls of Luxembourg in Hà Nội and HCM City.

Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Luxembourg Jean Asselborn is on an official visit to Việt Nam on June 14 and 15 at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Phạm Bình Minh. — VNS

Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc (fourth right) receives Jean Asselborn, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Luxembourg in Hà Nội on Thursday.

Photo Thống Nhất

PM Phúc welcomed the signing of a framework agreement on co-operation between the two governments, saying it creates a co-operation framework suitable for the new situation, especially in co-operation for development and climate change response support.

He spoke highly of Luxembourg as the fifth biggest European Union investor in Việt Nam and expressed his hope that the two countries will work to facilitate their businesses to meet and partner in the fields of finance-banking, tourism and green growth.

The two countries should accelerate the completion of all remaining issues of the Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) and launch relevant procedures to sign the Free Trade Agreement on the sidelines of the upcoming 12th ASEM, the leader said.

Phúc expected that the European country will continue aiding Việt Nam in responding to climate change, and speed up co-operation with the country in building and developing the financial and banking markets as it has a lot of experience and has carried out a number of efficient co-operative programmes with Việt Nam in the field.

Minister Asselborn said Luxembourg’s maintenance of official development assistance for Việt Nam over the past 25 years showed its respect to developing the ties with Việt Nam.

He expressed his delight at the growing trade value between the two countries and pledged that his country will work together with Việt Nam to raise the value.

He spoke highly of PM Phúc’s speech relating to environmental protection at the recent G7 Outreach Summit and offered the sharing of his country’s experience in green bond model for application in Việt Nam.

He expected that the EU and Việt Nam will soon sign their free trade agreement to facilitate the stronger co-operation between Việt Nam and other EU members in the future.

On November 14, 2017, Vietnamese Minister of the Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung and Luxembourgian Minister for Development Co-operation and Humanitarian Action Romain Schneider signed the Framework Agreement on bilateral co-operation on behalf of the governments of the two countries, focusing on the fields of climate change and sustainable energy.

Vietnam and Luxembourg have been maintaining diplomatic relations since 1973. The first development co-operation was established in 1993. From 1994 to 2015, Luxembourg provided EUR124 million ($146.4 million) to a total of 80 development projects in Vietnam under three General Co-operation Agreements.

At the signing ceremony, Minister Dung applauded the contributions of non-refundable ODA that the Luxembourgian government provided for Vietnam in the last two decades.

“Programmes and projects using non-refundable ODA from Luxembourgian government have promoted efficiency and positively contributed to Vietnam’s socio-economic development,” said Dung.

Minister Schneider said that the Luxembourgian government hopes to diversify the relations between the two countries in order to go beyond the traditional donor-recipient relationship and to base the bilateral partnership fully on an approach of exchange and mutual interest in the future.

The new bilateral co-operation agreement will allow for a broader and more diversified co-operation between the two countries. Various projects can be implemented through this co-operation agreement that allows for more variety in their nature and in co-operation with any ministry in Luxembourg.

The new co-operation agreement can therefore cover different topics, such as climate change, energy, medical research, banking and finance. The two projects that are in the pipeline on climate change and energy in co-operation with Luxembourg’s Ministry of Sustainable Development and Infrastructure are expected to be started soon after this agreement has been signed.

“Luxembourg’s financial contribution to Vietnam in 2017 will remain at a similar level as in the previous years,” said Minister Schneider.