Press digest – December 23

Party chief greets Cuban minister of armed forces

Minister of Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces Leopoldo Cintra Frias reiterated strong will to further strengthen the fraternal friendship and cooperation with the Vietnamese Party, State and people as he met Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in Ha Noi on December 22.

The Party chief affirmed the Vietnamese Party and people’s support to Cuba’s revolutionary cause. He congratulated the Cuban Party, State and people on their tireless fight over the past 50 years, which has led to the normalisation of ties with the US.

Viet Nam and Cuba share a special and loyal relationship, which is a precious and admirable asset, he said.

NA Standing Committee convenes 33th session

The National Assembly Standing Committee (NASC) on December 22 convened its 33th session under the chair of NA Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung.

The two-day session will evaluate the outcomes of the eighth session of the 13th National Assembly and comment on four bills, especially the draft Civil Code (amended) and two draft ordinances.

Addressing the event, Mr. Hung assessed that the eighth session of the National Assembly concluded successfully; draw much attention and attained strong support from voters nationwide.

VN, Cambodia to discuss ways to boost ties

Vietnamese State President Truong Tan Sang and Cambodian leaders will discuss measures to foster the two countries' friendship and comprehensive cooperation during his State visit to Cambodia from December 23-24.

The two countries set up their diplomatic ties in 1967. Since then, the bilateral relations continue thriving on the motto of good neighborliness, time-honored friendship, comprehensive cooperation and long-term sustainability in many fields.

Gov’t prepares for Lunar New Year festival

The PM has issued an instruction asking ministries, agencies and localities to strengthen management work; stabilize the domestic market; and ensure social security for the upcoming Lunar New Year festival.

PM Dung also asked his inferiors to conduct measures stipulated in Resolution 01/NQ-CP, dated January 2, 2014.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) is responsible for keeping a close watch on the demand and supply of essential commodities from production to consumption; support domestic enterprises to expand their business networks, and ensure appropriate prices and quality of essential goods.

The State Bank of Viet Nam (SBV) shall continue to manage the flexible, synchronous, and effective monetary instruments; control the growing rate of the total mean of payment and credit growth and ensure smooth and safe operations of ATMs and salary payment during Tet holidays.

The Ministry of Transport is responsible for directing relevant agencies and travel enterprises to strengthen means of transport in order to meet travel demand of passengers and ease traffic congestions, especially in big cities.

Oil prices cut for 13th time amid global dip

The Viet Nam National Petroleum Group (Petrolimex) reduced retail prices for a number of fuel types since 15:00, December 22.

Retail price of RON 92 petrol, the most commonly used fuel in Viet Nam, went down by VND 2,050 per liter (10%) to only VND 17,880 per liter.

The price for diesel was slashed by 8% to VND 16,990 per kilogram and that of mazut was reduced to VND 13,130 per kilogram. Kerosene now costs VND 17,400 per kilogram, down 8% from earlier.

Banks on track for 12% credit growth target

The State Bank of Viet Nam announced recently that banking credit grew by 10.22% in the first 11 months.

This means that the full year growth target of 12% is certain to be achieved.

Banking industry insiders attribute a rapid increase in credit growth in the last few months to several reasons including the market's increasing seasonal demand for funds and the impacts of the Government's policies to revive the economy.

VN sovereignty over seas, islands in spotlight

Hundreds of photos and documents spotlighting Viet Nam’s sovereignty over seas, islands, and borders are being displayed at a museum in the northern province of Bac Ninh.

The exhibits include a collection of royal records under the Nguyen dynasty (1802 – 1945) together with dozens of maps sketched out by Viet Nam and foreign countries, ancient bibliographies and photos proving the Viet Nam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes.

The exhibition is spanning from December 22 to January 5 as part of activities to celebrate the 70th founding anniversary of the Viet Nam People’s Army.

VN among top 4 “must-visit” hotspots for 2015

Viet Nam has been named as one of top 4 travel hotspots of the coming year, according to the online travel agency Destinia.com.

The travel website said that Viet Nam will further promote a number of activities towards its National Tourism Year 2015.

This is an important event for foreign visitors to get better understanding about tangible and intangible cultural value and beautiful landscapes of the country.

Dubai, the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates ranked top of the travel bucket list, followed by Namibia and Burma.

India-VN bilateral trade reaches target a year ahead

Two-way trade turnover between Viet Nam and India hit US$ 5.15 billion in 11 months this year, a year-on year increase of 8.37%.

Thus, it reached one year ahead of time the target of US$5 billion by 2015 set in 2007 when the two countries established strategic partnership.

According to statistics released by the General Department of Viet Nam Customs, Viet Nam’s exports rose by 3.72% to US$ 2.27 billion and imports by 12.34% to US$ 2.88 billion.

Biggest cities see CPI declines

Ha Noi’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell 0.23% in December, posting a year-on-year increase of 1.55%, the lowest surge in recent years, according to the Municipal Statistics Office.

In December, eight out of 11 groups of products and services in the CPI basket saw rising prices. 

Ho Chi Minh City’s consumer price index (CPI) in December inched down 0.36% against the previous month due to the decline in fuel prices, the municipal Statistics Department reported on December 22. On a year-on-year basis, the index saw a rise of 1.65%./.

(Source: VGP/VOV/VNA/Nhandan)