Press digest – January 10

January 11, 2017 9:30 AM GMT+7

VN gives priority to multifaceted cooperation with Russia

President Tran Dai Quang affirmed Viet Nam's readiness to boost all-around cooperation with Russia, especially in economics, trade and investment at a January 10 reception for PM of the Government of the Republic of Bashkortostan of Russia R.Kh. Mardanov in Ha Noi.

Viet Nam praises the signing of a cooperation agreement and action programme between Bashkortostan and the central province of Ba Ria –Vung Tau, Quang told his guest.

He expressed his wish that companies from Russia and Bashkortostan will expand investment in Viet Nam and reiterated Viet Nam's willingness to provide all possible support for foreign enterprises, including those from Bashkortostan to do long-term business in the country.

Disseminating laws on combining economic development with enhancement of defence

The PM has approved a project to popularize policies and laws on combining economic development with the enhancement of nationaldefence and security until 2020.

The common goal of the project is to raise awareness, responsibilities and action among levels, sectors, ministries and classes of people, in implementing the Party and State’s policies and laws on combining economic development with ensuring national defence and security, aiming to create a high consensus in society and promote the power of the great national unity bloc in economic development associated with ensuring nationaldefence and security, contributing to successfully realizing the strategic tasks of building and protecting the socialist republic of Viet Nam.

Deputy PM signs no-cash policy

Deputy PM Vuong Dinh Hue has signed a policy decision encouraging cash-free transactions in Viet Nam in order to reduce the number of cash-based deals, improve overall electronic payment methods and control tax evasion.

Under the plan, by 2020, total cash transactions will be less than 10% of total market transactions; all supermarkets, shopping malls and distributors will accept credit cards; 70% of water, electronics and telecommunication service providers will accept cash-free payments from households and individuals, and 50% of total urban households will use electronic payment methods for daily transactions.

VN-India diplomatic ties marked

A ceremony was held in Ho Chi Minh city on January 10 to mark the 45th anniversary of the Viet Nam-India diplomatic relationship (January 7, 1972 –2017) and the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the two countries (July 6, 2007 –2017).

India’s General Consul in HCM City Smita Pant said the Viet Nam-India relationship is built on a solid foundation of close cultural and historical links as well as mutual trust, understanding and support.

She promised to boost cooperation programmes in tourism, culture, and people between India’s localities and HCM City.

VN, China mark 67-year relations

A banquet and music performance was held in Ha Noi to celebrate the 67th anniversary of the Viet Nam – China ties (January 18, 1950-2017) by the Hanoi People’s Committee in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Viet Nam.

Chinese Ambassador to Viet Nam Hong Xiaoyong affirmed that China attaches importance to boosting traditional friendship and all-rounded cooperation with Viet Nam, with the aim of pushing bilateral strategic cooperative partnership to new heights.

Belarus to apply visa-free entry for Vietnamese citizens

Belarus will allow visa-free entry for citizens from 80 countries, including Vietnam, for visits of up to five days, according to a decree signed by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

The relaxed visa rules will apply to visitors who arrive in Belarus by air. They will come into force a month after their official publication.

The decree applies to 39 countries in Europe, including the entire European Union, as well as Brazil, Indonesia, the U.S., Japan and other states.

Olympic Run Day 2017 slated for March 26

The Olympic Run Day for Public Health 2017 is scheduled to begin across the country on March 26, announced the Vietnam Sports Administration.

The event is part of activities to celebrate the 71st anniversary of the Viet Nam Sport Day as well as the 86th year of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union.

It is hoped to encourage Vietnamese people to do physical exercise regularly.

Exports to Canada up almost 10%

Viet Nam exports to Canada rose 9.54% to nearly US$2.5 billion for 11 months leading up to December 2016.

Among export items, garment ranked first with US$459.5 million (accounting for 18.9% of total export value but down 5.78%), trailed by footwear (up 16.88% to US$223.5 million) and computers, electronics and components (up 1.92% to US$204.3 million).

It’s noteworthy that although rubber exports reached a value of just US$5.6 million, it enjoyed the highest growth rate of 21.8%.

By Ngoc Van