Vietnam, China strengthen cooperation in border management

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on April 23 sent a message of condolences to his India counterpart Narendra Modi over the serious terrorist attack that occurred in Pahalgam town on April 22 that caused many civilian casualties.

To effectively deal with these challenges, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highlighted the need for a new global-scale, comprehensive and inclusive mindset and approach; and for higher determination, stronger efforts, and more drastic actions, with breakthrough solutions and more effective implementation.

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Nguyen Khac Dinh expressed his hope that the two Parties, States, and peoples will maintain close ties, experience sharing, and mutual support as they move forward on new paths of development.

The PM hailed SYRE’s plan to invest in the south-central province of Binh Dinh, calling it a wise choice given the locality’s favourable business environment and well-developed infrastructure, including an airport and deep-water seaport.

NA Vice Chairman Nguyen Duc Hai proposed both sides continue to promote delegation exchanges and contacts at all levels, and enhance information exchange and experience sharing in legislative and supervisory work.

Assessing that Vietnam and the US are two economies with complementary advantages, the Party chief said Vietnam has an abundant workforce with a strong desire to contribute to and strive for progress, and rich natural resources, and places great emphasis on capital, technology, and high-tech products from the US.

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and his spouse will pay an official visit to Vietnam from April 27 to 29, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced.

This time, the two sides will review their cooperation based on the contents of the Minutes of the 2024 meeting between the Politburos of Laos and Vietnam, as well as the cooperation between the two governments, Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh talked to the Vietnam News Agency ahead of the visit.

President Cuong’s first state visit to Laos reflects the Vietnamese Party and State's consistent policy of prioritising bilateral cooperation, according to the Lao media.

At the reception, Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Quang Ngoc, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, affirmed that Vietnam attaches great importance to the traditional friendship between two countries as well as the two armies, saying India has always been a close, reliable, and trusted partner of Vietnam.

The VFF Central Committee's Presidium expressed confidence that inspired by Pope Francis' legacy of kindness, humility, and tireless efforts for peace, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Vietnam and the Committee for Solidarity of Vietnamese Catholics would continue guiding the clergy and faithful to follow the Pope’s teachings of unity and service.

The State leader noted many important events and major policies to be implemented in in the coming time, asking Office to maximise its capacity and take flexible and proactive response.

General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army and Deputy Minister of National Defence suggested Vietnam and Australia continue to effectively implement their agreed cooperation agenda, with a focus on increasing delegation exchanges and dialogue mechanisms, expanding training, especially in English language and military specialties for Vietnamese personnel and strengthening peacekeeping collaboration.

The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.

Singapore considers Hai Phong a crucial partner, especially in port development and investment, Ambassador Jaya Ratnam said, spotlighting the Vietnam – Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) as a standout example of successful investment collaboration.

For Vietnam, the victory on April 30, 1975, was a profoundly significant event in the nation's history. From that moment, Vietnam was fully reunified, and the nation entered a new historical era - the era of independence, unification, and socialism building.

Vietnam currently holds a prominent position and influence in the international politics arena, demonstrating successful political and economic transformation over the past 50 years and reflect the enduring vitality of the Doi moi (renewal) policy. Accordingly, from one of the least developed countries, Vietnam has become a country with a strong economy and improved people’s living conditions.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam recalled that half a century ago, under the sound leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the Spring General Offensive and Uprising 1975, with its peak being the historic Ho Chi Minh campaign, secured a resounding and glorious victory.

Son La province will further strengthen multifaceted collaboration with Lao localities, contributing to the development of the ties between the two Parties, States, and peoples, a local official has said.

The Government proposed a two-percentage-point reduction in VAT - from 10% to 8% - on goods and services currently subject to the 10% rate. This excludes certain sectors such as telecommunications, finance, banking, securities, insurance, real estate, metals, mineral products (excluding coal), and goods and services subject to special consumption tax (excluding petrol). The proposed timeframe for the reduction is from July 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026.