Press digest – March 26

PM chairs conference on boosting administrative reforms

PM Nguyen Tan Dung chaired a national online conference held on March 26 to review and boost the country’s administrative reforms.

According to a report by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in 2014 ministries, sectors and localities achieved important results in improving institution, organization, administrative procedures and personnel policy through reforms in various aspects of administrative operation.

In 2015, the master plan on administrative reforms in the 2011-2020 will be implemented nationwide while the operation of the Government’s Steering Committee on Administrative Reforms will be enhanced.

One-door policy will also be implemented at district level after being approved.

PM Dung asks for urgent rescue in scaffolding collapse

PM Nguyen Tan Dung has issued Dispatch No.417/CD-TTg on steering rescue work in the scaffolding collapse at a construction site in the Vung Ang Economic Zone in central Ha Tinh province.

PM Dung conveyed deep condolences to families of the victims and asked the Ha Tinh provincial People’s Committee to step up the search for those still trapped under the rubble, ensure safety for rescue forces, visit and ecnourage the injured and coordinate with local authorities to organise funerals for the victims.

He also required the People’s Committee to steer relevant agencies to investigate the cause of the scaffolding collapse and punish strictly violations in accordance with legal regulations.

The National Committee for Search and Rescue, Ministries of National Defence, Public Security, Health, Industry and Trade were assigned to work with the People’s Committee in steering rescue work and ensuring security and order at the site.

VN asks for Global Fund’s continuous support in HIV/AIDS fight

Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam has asked the Global Fund to continue assisting Viet Nam in researching methadone detoxification methods as well as dealing with difficulties in rehabilitation and preventing the spread of HIV.

The Deputy PM also thanked the fund for assisting Viet Nam in conducting projects on preventing and controlling HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and dengue fever thus far, improving public health in Viet Nam.
 
For his part, the Head of the Global Fund’s High Impact Asia Urban Weber pledged that the Global Fund will continue giving Vietnam financial, professional and technical support in preventing and combating HIV/AIDS.
 
Sri Lanka, VN upbeat about parliamentary cooperation

National Assembly (NA) Vice Chairman Huynh Ngoc Son and his Sri Lankan counterpart Chandima Weerakkody expressed their pleasure at the strengthened cooperation between the two legislative bodies over recent years.

The two NA leaders, at their talks on March 26, agreed to reinforce the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two NAs in legislation, economics and culture, intensify exchange delegation at all levels and offer mutual support at international parliamentary forums.

Son suggested Sri Lanka work hand in hand with the Viet Nam NA to supervise the implementation of agreements as committed by the two governments, particularly those on investment, finance, manufacturing and agricultural development in order to create a favorable legal environment for businesses and citizens to promote exchange, trade and investment.

For his part, Chandima Weerakkody voiced his desire to continue boosting cooperation with Viet Nam in the areas of his nation’s strength and share legislation experience with the Vietnamese legislative body.

VN approves tax treaty with Iran

The Government recently approved a double tax avoidance agreement between Viet Nam and Iran.

As of July 15, 2014, Viet Nam had tax treaties with 69 countries and territories across the globe.

VN coffee favoured in Singapore

Vietnamese coffee accounted for one-fourth of Singapore’s total coffee import volume in 2014, marking its strong foothold in the regional market.

According to Vietnamese Trade Counsellor in Singapore Nguyen Viet Chi, annual export revenue of Vietnamese coffee and tea to Singapore grew an average of 68% per year from 2012 to 2014. In 2014 alone, revenue reached $102 million.

Singapore is a gateway to several potential markets for Viet Nam, she said. 
 
After 8 years of operating in Singapore, popular Vietnamese trademark Trung Nguyen Coffee has gained local favour for its good quality reputation.

                                                                                                                        By Vien Nhu