Press digest – April 16

PM welcomes new Ambassadors

PM Nguyen Tan Dung on Wednesday met with new Ambassadors of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Myanmar to Viet Nam, Mr. Khalid Ibrahim Abdulaziz Shohail Al-Qahtani and Mr. Uyn Lai, respectively.

At his meeting with Mr. Khalid Ibrahim Abdulaziz Shohail Al-Qahtani, PM Dung expressed his pleasure at the positive development of the Viet Nam-UAE relations, affirming that Viet Nam attaches importance to accelerating ties with the UAE.

The two Ambassadors committed to sparing no effort to reinforce their countries’ ties with Viet Nam.

VN-Russia relations developing positively

Deputy PM, FM Pham Binh Minh and Russian FM Sergei Lavrov have agreed that the Viet Nam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership has been developing positively, bringing practical benefits to the two countries.

The agreement was made during their talks in Ha Noi on Wednesday on the occasion of the Russian FM’s official visit to Viet Nam from April 15-16.

They discussed the implementation of key projects, including the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Plant No. 1 and construction of a Center for Nuclear Science and Technology in Viet Nam; measures to create favorable conditions for Vietnamese people to work effectively and legally in Russia.

VN runs trade surplus in Q1

Viet Nam ran a trade surplus of US$ 1.08 billion in the first quater of 2014, according to Viet Nam Customs.

As of late March, total trade turnover touched nearly US$ 65.99 billion, up 13.8% (equivalent to US$ 8 billion) against the same period last year.

Imports reached US$ 32.45 billion, a year-on-year increase of 12.8%. Meanwhile, exports were US$ 33.54 billion, representing a year-on-year surge of 14.8%.

Viet Nam Expo 2014 opens in HN

The 24th Viet Nam International Trade Fair (Vietnam Expo) kicked off in Ha Noi on April 16 with the participation of more than 600 exhibitors from over 20 countries and territories worldwide.

In addition to areas showcasing machines, electronic products and food and beverages, this year’s fair includes a space for booths to promote investment in the industrial sector. Information about industrial zones and their preferential policies for investors are available to visitors.

Measles cases reach 7,000 this year

The nation has to date recorded over 7,000 cases of measles this year, one third of which is in Ha Noi, said Director of the National Hospital of Tropical Diseases Nguyen Van Kinh at a meeting in Ha Noion April 16 to review the outbreak.

The disease erupted in 61 out of 63 cities and provinces in the first quarter of this year. The number of fatalities from measles complications has amounted to 108, including 25 deaths directly attributable to the disease.

At the meeting, which was also attended by experts from the World Health Organisation, Minister of Public Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien affirmed the ministry would provide hospitals nationwide with more respirators and antibiotics.

At the same time, she made it clear that vaccination for children is the essential and long-term measure to counter the disease.

Thousands flock to enjoy vibrant Hue Festival

A series of diverse performances have been taking place at the ongoing Festival Hue 2014 – the biggest and most eclectic cultural event in the central province of Thua Thien Hue.

The “Dem Hoang Cung”(Royal Night) event, one of the highlights of the festival, took place on April 15 on an evening packed with music, dancing, games and cuisine once favoured by Hue’s royal court.

Visitors were taken back in time for some lively scenes, including a royal feast and a changing of the guard ceremony. They were also offered the chance to see historical remnants from the royal era, including the imperial autographs of the Nguyen Dynasty’s kings.

Japan remains largest investor in VN

As of March 2014, Japanese investors have involved in 18 out of 21 economic sectors in Viet Nam, according to the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

With 2,237 projects valued US$ 35.38 billion, Japan is the biggest investor out of 101 countries and territories investing in Viet Nam.

So far, Japanese investors have engaged in the processing and manufacturing sector in Viet Nam with 1,213 projects worth US$ 29.82 billion (accounting for 54.2% of total number and 843% of total capital)./.

(Source: VGP/VNA/VOV/Nhan dan)