HA NOI — Building the right development strategy for the future and mobilising resources for its implementation were critical steps for the future of the nation, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said here yesterday. He was addressing a senior policy seminar on a draft of the National Socio-Economic Development Strategy (NSDS) for the next 10 years. The seminar was attended by senior policymakers, representatives of research and business communities and development partners. Dung said Viet Nam was preparing for rapid and sustainable growth to enable it to continue the growth resulting from 20 years of the doi moi (renewal) process. He said the nation had recently crossed the per-capita income threshold to become a lower-middle-income country and now planned to become fully industrialised by 2020. Dung said the development model that Viet Nam had relied on since doi moi was launched had led to rapid economic growth. During this period, per-capita income had grown almost 10-fold … [Read more...] about Plans on socio-economic development are crucial
Senior year planning guide
Obama plans to end U.S. troop presence in Afghanistan by 2016
The decision means that Obama will leave office in early 2017 having extricated the country from the longest war in U.S. history. He ended Washington's combat presence in Iraq in 2011. Obama's White House Rose Garden announcement prompted criticism from Republicans that the hard-fought gains made against the Taliban could be lost in much the same way that sectarian violence returned to Iraq after the U.S. withdrawal. Obama, who made a whirlwind visit to U.S. troops in Afghanistan over the weekend before American combat operations conclude at the end of 2014, appeared to anticipate concerns that he is abandoning Afghanistan. He said it is time for Afghans to secure their country. "We have to recognize that Afghanistan will not be a perfect place, and it is not America's responsibility to make it one," Obama said. Under his plan, 9,800 U.S. troops would remain behind into next year. By the end of 2015, that number would be reduced by roughly half. By the end of 2016, the U.S. … [Read more...] about Obama plans to end U.S. troop presence in Afghanistan by 2016
Key solutions for realizing socio-economic development plan
RESOLUTION Key solutions for directing the implementation of the social-economic development plan and State budget estimate in 2012 Despite many difficulties and challenges in 2011, the national economy has, as guided by the sound leadership of the Communist Party and drastic measures taken by the Government, as well as fuelled by efforts exerted by sectors and agencies of all levels, the business community and people, moved positively and obtained an array of significant achievements in curbing inflation, stabilizing the macro-economy, and ensuring social welfare. These included an economic growth rate of at about 6%; agriculture developing stably; food output making a new record high; industrial production increasing fairly; service and tourism sectors continuing with their growing trend. Export turnover saw a three fold rise over the preset target; trade deficit went down sharply; State budget overspending dipped; the currency and credit balance were put under control; the foreign … [Read more...] about Key solutions for realizing socio-economic development plan
Syrian rebels see flaws in U.S.-Russian truce plan
The United States and Russia announced plans for a "cessation of hostilities" in Syria that would take effect on Saturday but exclude groups such as Islamic State and al Qaeda's Nusra Front, a loophole Syrian rebels immediately highlighted as a problem. Monday's agreement, described by a U.N. spokesman as "a first step towards a more durable ceasefire," is the fruit of intensive diplomacy between Washington and Moscow, which back opposing sides in the 5-year-old civil war that has killed more than 250,000 people. Presidents Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin discussed the accord by phone, and the Kremlin leader said it could "radically transform the crisis situation in Syria." The White House said it could help advance talks on bringing about political change in Syria. To succeed, the deal will require both countries to persuade their allies on the ground to comply. Fighting and air strikes continued on Monday, according to a British-based monitoring group. The plan allows the Syrian army … [Read more...] about Syrian rebels see flaws in U.S.-Russian truce plan
Army ready for new year training
PANO - Under the direction of Minister of National Defence and Chief of the General Staff, units across the whole army have fulfilled their preparations and are scheduled to start new-year training on March 1st 2016, with keen determination. Comprehensive preparation After the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday, the People's Army Newspaper (PAN) joined an inspection delegation of the Command of Artillery Arm, led by its Deputy Commander and Chief-of-Staff, Senior Colonel Nguyen Hong Phong. When visiting the command's constituent units, we witnessed troops' ebullient activities to prepare for the new-year training such as repairing and upgrading drill grounds. Especially, personnel for units, which is a key factor in new-recruit training, was strengthened from platoons to higher levels. The units' commanders were also provided with basic knowledge about combat training and regulations on soldier management while the facilities for training were repaired and newly invested in. Speaking to … [Read more...] about Army ready for new year training