Themed “Towards a Resilient and Innovative Community”, the event drew over 350 delegates from both member and observing countries, along with representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat and parliamentarians from Morocco and Norway as guests of the host. Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean suggested the AIPA focus on solidarity, connectivity, creativity, and climate change adaptation to build a sustainable and innovative ASEAN community. He affirmed that mechanisms led by ASEAN are an important foundation for regional countries – especially given the context of an increasingly complicated geopolitical situation, non-traditional and cross-border challenges such as terrorism, violent extremism, and cyber crime; along with protectionism, which are threatening global political order and economy. Meanwhile, the AIPA plays a significant part in promoting solidarity and cooperation in the region, he said, adding that AIPA parliamentarians hold a crucial role … [Read more...] about Vietnam attends 39th AIPA General Assembly in Singapore
Vietnam conflict
Legal complications remain for foreign investment in Vietnam infrastructure
Vietnam’s infrastructure has struggled to keep up with its robust economic and population growth. Rapid economic growth and urbanization are driving demand for roads, power, airports, ports, waste and water treatment, hospitals, and other public infrastructure for goods and services. Meanwhile, public funding is unable to meet these needs. The gap would have to be made up from other sources including private investment in the form of public-private partnerships (PPPs). To put it simply, the public sector has the ‘users’ (or customers) and land and can provide other incentives such as tax breaks. The private sector can bring in technology, capital and efficiency through experience. Other countries have successfully implemented PPPs. In Vietnam, a number of tools have been created to assist the government in its support for PPPs, aiming to create a much improved legal framework for PPP to revitalize investment in infrastructure projects. Legal issues update The … [Read more...] about Legal complications remain for foreign investment in Vietnam infrastructure
Vietnam ranks 95th in World Happiness Report
Vietnam is ranked 95th out of 156 countries by their happiness levels, according to the UN's World Happiness Report. illustrative image Vietnam is still behind many neighbouring countries including China which occupies the 86th place and Thailand which is in 46th place. The report was released by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network for the United Nations on March 14. The countries were ranked in six categories including income, freedom, trust, healthy life expectancy, social support and generosity. Four top countries are all in northern Europe. Finland with a population of 5.5 million tops the list with high rankings in happiest immigrants, most trustworthy banks and police and least corrupted government. Burundi is in the bottom countries because of civil conflicts. The US dropped five places due to various reasons including worsening public health. In January, Vietnam was ranked fifth in the world's Happy Planet Index and second in the Asia-Pacific region by … [Read more...] about Vietnam ranks 95th in World Happiness Report
Vietnam, Egypt issue joint statement
Signing of the joint statement (Source: VNA) Cairo (VNA) – Vietnam and Egypt have issued a joint statement on the occasion of the State-level visit to Egypt by President Tran Dai Quang and his spouse from August 25-28 at the invitation of President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi. The joint statement said President Quang held talks with President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, and met with Speaker of the House of Representatives Ali Abdel Aal and Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly. During the talks, the two State leaders discussed in depth bilateral, regional and international issues of common concern. The two leaders affirmed that President Tran Dai Quang’s visit is an important landmark in bilateral ties on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relationship. They expressed the belief that the outcomes of the first visit by a Vietnamese President will help consolidate political trust, expand cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, education and … [Read more...] about Vietnam, Egypt issue joint statement
Vietnam, Ethiopia bring relations to new height
President Tran Dai Quang (right) and Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – President Tran Dai Quang and his Spouse made a State-level visit to Ethiopia from August 23-25 at the invitation of President Mulatu Teshome. On the occasion, the two sides issued a joint statement. During the visit, President Quang on August 23 held talks with President Mulatu Teshome who later hosted a state banquet in honor of the guest. President Quang also had separate meetings with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Speaker of the House of Federation Keria Ibrahim, and visited the headquarters of the African Union (AU) and met with AU Acting President Amira Elfadil Mohammed Elfadil. In the meeting with PM Abiy Ahmed, President Quang spoke highly of Ethiopian’s efforts in maintaining a stable political environment and the highest economic growth in Africa. The PM congratulated Vietnam on the country’s important achievements in socio-economic development and in … [Read more...] about Vietnam, Ethiopia bring relations to new height