NA committee holds talks with European Parliament’s delegation
The National Assembly’s Committee for External Relations had talks with a group of members of the European Parliament’s Delegation for relations with Southeast Asia and ASEAN countries on November 4.
The talks between the NA's Committee for External Relations and the DASE in Hanoi on November 4 (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - The National Assembly (NA)’s Committee for External Relations had talks with a group of members of the European Parliament (EP)’s Delegation for relations with Southeast Asia and ASEAN countries (DASE) in Hanoiꦯ on November 4.
The EP delegation, led by DASE Chairman Werner Langen, is on a working visit to Vietnam from November 4 – 6.
At the talks, Chairman of the NA Committee for External Relations Tran Van Hang said Vietnam and the EU have gone a long way in their relations and are now entering a new stage of development as they are accelerating the ratification of the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation (PCA) and have basically concluded negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA).
The two sides agreed on the need to reinforce multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and the EU in general, and between Vietnam and the DASE in particular.
They also touched upon activities of the Vietnamese parliament, the country’s foreign policies, and its efforts towards the establishment of the ASEAN Community later this year.
Also on November 4, officials of the NA’s Committee for Economic Affairs held a working session with the DASE representatives.
Chairman of the committee Nguyen Van Giau noted that the EU is the second biggest trading partner and export market of Vietnam. Bilateral trade rises by 15 – 20 percent annually, reaching 36.8 billion USD in 2014 and 27.3 billion USD in the first eight months of this year.
He voiced his hope for enhanced cooperation between the two sides while asking Werner Langen and the DASE to support the expeditious ratification of the PCA, the signing of the Vietnam-EU FTA, and the recognition of Vietnam’s market economy status.
Participants at the session also discussed the Vietnam-EU FTA’s possible impacts on EU businesses in Vietnam and the Southeast Asian nation’s endeavours towards the ASEAN Economic Community.-VNA
Experts pointed out opportunities and challenges facing local businesses and authorities once an FTA between Vietnam and the EU is signed while at a seminar in Ho Chi Minh City on October 26.
Some 100 business-to-business meetings are tailored during “Lifestyle Trade Mission to Vietnam 2015”, a Vietnam-EU trade promotion programme held in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City from October 27-30.
The Prime Minister approved the extension of the EU-funded Environmentally and Socially Responsible Tourism Capacity Development Programme till November 10, 2016.
Known as the “four pillars for Vietnam’s ascend”, the Pobiburo's Resolutions 57, 59, 66, and 68 focus on cultivating a robust national entrepreneurial spirit, unlocking resources for innovation across society, and accelerating the development of digital economy, knowledge-based economy, green economy, and circular economy, propelling Vietnam forward rapidly and firmly on the path of modernisation and international integration.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang cleared up deputies' concern regarding how to spur socio-economic growth, renew traditional growth motives and establish new momentum for development.
Vietnam proposed several priorities: narrowing the digital divide, strengthening women’s leadership in the digital economy and AI governance, and mobilising sustainable financing for gender equality initiatives in line with each country’s national priorities and context. Vietnam also advocated for genuine women’s participation and leadership across all areas of public life.
Ha expressed his hope that cooperation in science and technology, agriculture, and natural resources would emerge as new focal points and engines of growth in Vietnam–China relations.
Giang said he believes that building on the solid foundation nurtured over the past half-century and the strong determination of both nations, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will continue to grow in a more robust, comprehensive, and extensive manner, thus bringing more practical benefits to the two nations' people.
Highlighting the transformative potential of the draft law in revitalising Vietnam’s railway industry, Hoang Van Cuong, a deputy of Hanoi, expressed his support for Article 39, which empowers the Prime Minister to issue a list of railway-related goods and services to be assigned or ordered from domestic enterprises for production.
According to the Ministry of Public Security, Hoan, formerly Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, is under investigation for allegedly taking bribes in connection with a case involving the Hoang Long Construction and Manpower Supply JSC and related units.
Chairing a national conference on the organisation of the examination on June 18, the PM highlighted the historical significance of the examination, as the restructuring of provincial-level administrative units is underway and the two-tier local administration model is set to officially begin operations on July 1.
Right on the same day, the ministry issued its highest-level travel warning, urging Vietnamese citizens not to travel to Israel or Iran, and advised those already in these countries to swiftly consider evacuation or relocation plans.
From the struggles against colonialists and imperialists to the period of Doi moi (renewal) and international integration, the Vietnamese revolutionary press has always played a pioneering role on the ideological and cultural front, he said.
The Party leader's working session with the standing boards of the Party Committees of HCM City, Ba Ria – Vung Tau and Binh Duong, the VNA General Director's remarks on the occasion of the 19th OANA General Assembly, the launch of new NIC - Google initiatives aimed at bolstering AI entrepreneurship and digital literacy in Vietnam are among news highlights June 18.
Vietnam and Indonesia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in combating terrorism as it remains a threat to peace, security, and stability across their respective nations, the broader region, and the international community.
The Vietnamese representative also emphasised the shared responsibility of relevant parties to build trust, enhance cooperation, and jointly manage the risks of conflict, thus safeguarding long-term peace and stability in the East Sea.
The National Assembly on June 18 passed the law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Product and Goods Quality, with 408 out of 420 participating deputies voting in favour, accounting for 85.36% of the total.
The Party leader asked the new HCM City to embrace a multi-centre and integrated urban ecosystem where each development pole functions as a link complementary to and intelligently connected with each other in a harmonious whole.
The resolutions issued by the PM as well as ministries and ministry-level agencies reassign responsibility for 346 administrative procedures - 18 from district to provincial levels, 278 to commune level, and 50 eliminated.
Legislators are due to pass several amended laws, including the Law amending and supplementing several articles of the Law on Economical and Efficient Use of Energy, and the Law amending and supplementing several articles of the Law on Product and Goods Quality.
Vietnamese localities' readiness to implement the two-tier local administration model, the evacuation of 18 Vietnamese citizens from Iran, Petrovietnam's 11th ranking in the 2025 Fortune Southeast Asia 500 are among news highlights on June 17 evening.
The talks between the NA's Committee for External Relations and the DASE in Hanoi on November 4 (Photo: VNA)
