Latest news with #CommunistPartyofVietnamCentralCommittee
BusinessToday
4 days ago
- Business
- BusinessToday
Vietnam Govt Goes On Cost-Cutting Measures, Asks Public To Be Thrifty
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam has called on the public to promote a culture of thrift in daily life as part of the nation's broader efforts to combat wastefulness, Vietnam News Agency reported. In an article published on Sunday, he proposed the establishment of an annual national thrift day to further encourage and institutionalize this practice across society. As an example of effective cost-cutting, the Party chief highlighted the ongoing restructuring of the government apparatus, which began in late 2024. This includes the merger of provinces, the dissolution of certain district-level administrative units and the consolidation of commune-level units. These reforms are projected to save the State budget more than 20 trillion Vietnamese dong (770 million U.S. dollars) annually during the 2025-2030 period, with savings expected to exceed 30 trillion dong (1.2 billion dollars) per year from 2030 onward, he wrote. Related
Sky News AU
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Sky News AU
'Friends of steel': The alarming Xi Jinping pledge to Russia that should put Anthony Albanese and other Western leaders on edge
As Australia awakens to the reality of the Coalition's crushing defeat and the Albanese government's massive victory, and what this means for the future direction of this country over the next three years and beyond, another cold reality is upon us. That's the turbulent world we have in front of us, fuelled by the major powers competing for control of the international order. May 8 marked 80 years since the allied victory over Nazism in Europe, which paved the way for the end of hostilities in September 1945, and the united effort of the victorious nations to create a new world order. Has that world order been achieved nearly a century later? The answer to that question has to be no, largely because of the once united World War Two allies' polarising viewpoints about what that new order should look like. Europe and the former Soviet space remembered V day in their own ways this month, but was it was Russia's marking of the occasion that has drawn the most international attention. The parade, the talks, and 'friends of steel' Despite the ongoing war in Ukraine and open threats by Kyiv to target the May 8 military parade in Red Square, Moscow once again overshadowed other VD ceremonies with the scale and grandiose way it marked what the Russians remember as the Great Patriotic War. At the same time, the Kremlin used the opportunity to showcase it has many friends, particularly in the Global South. The presence of 27 heads of state (though some not being recognised by the international community like Abkhazia and Southern Ossetia), among them Xi Jinping of China, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lâm, clearly indicated a sense of ease in Russia-Global South relations. Russian President Vladimir Putin wasted no time and held 20 bilateral talks with his VIP guests. Most of the discussions resulted in the signing of key partnership agreements, ranging from cooperation in the humanitarian sphere, education and research, to economic support and trade, to the close alignment of the countries' positions in the foreign policy spheres as well as security and defence cooperation. And this is what the offices of Richard Marles and Penny Wong should be paying particular attention to. Some of the key agreements that were signed in Moscow do not just affect Russia's future strategic relations with its key partners and clients across the Global South - it also affects power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. For example, during the press conference following the conclusion of Russia-Vietnam talks and the signing of numerous agreements, the two leaders emphasised mutual interest in strengthening defence cooperation, which became the highlight of the briefing. The presence of military units from 13 nations, including China, Laos, Myanmar, Mongolia and Vietnam, show that despite the war in Ukraine, Russia has retained extensive cooperative defence ties. And it has rebuilt links with former Soviet clients, including in our part of the world. That's something that requires recognition by Canberra. The pre-election controversy surrounding Russian interest in Indonesia's Manuhua air base supports this point. Another potential point of concern for the Albanese government is what seems to be the unshaken Russia-China strategic partnership, or what Xi referred to as 'friends of steel'. That comment was cemented by Putin and Xi's clearly apparent level of personal chemistry and trust. The pair's 7.5-hour long interaction in Moscow resulted in the Joint Statement on Global Strategic Stability concerning the future shape of the global international system. One of the most revealing parts of the Joint Statement was an implied finger pointing at the AUKUS security framework as a regional destabiliser. The statement clearly articulates that issues concerning 'nuclear sharing' and 'extended nuclear deterrence' within the framework of relevant military alliances and coalitions'; the use of bases and territories of non-nuclear allies by nuclear-armed states; transfers of 'dual-capable platforms' like the Virginia and AUKUS class nuclear-powered submarines are considered as high risk factors by Russia and China. 'This has high potential to provoke a regional and global arms race and further escalate tensions,' it concludes. No easy ride for Labor Corks may still be popping in Canberra as Labor celebrates a historic election win. Regrettably, national security and defence did not end up being one of major discussion points in the election trail. It is even more disappointing that the Coalition failed to exploit it despite being traditionally stronger on the matter. But what is done is done. Albanese's domestic-focused policy messaging does not make the external international security environment more stable. The painful complexities of the world's crises and conflicts is highlighted by the much-anticipated peace settlement meeting between the Russians and the Ukrainians in Istanbul. The geopolitical fluidity of our region and its fragility is highlighted by the outbreak of armed violence between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan in recent weeks. Despite all the cheer in Labor's camp, the next three plus years for the victors look more like a roller coaster ride, unless Albanese's team get serious about keeping Australia safe and secure. Dr. Alexey Muraviev is Associate Professor of National Security and Strategic Studies at Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia.
Associated Press
14-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
President Xi Jinping's visit to Vietnam: Marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and boosting bilateral trade in agriculture, forestry and fisheries
HA NOI, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newswire - 14 April 2025 - China is Vietnam's largest export market for agricultural, forestry and fishery products. This market will continue to allow more Vietnamese agricultural goods to be officially exported. The state visit to Vietnam by Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping is expected to enhance bilateral relations, particularly in agricultural trade. China shows strong demand for Vietnam's high-quality agricultural products. Nurturing the traditional friendship General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping is going to pay a state visit to Vietnam from April 14 to 15. The visit will be made at the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Tô Lâm and State President Lương Cường. Vietnam and China are friendly neighbouring countries, and the peoples of both nations share a long-standing traditional relationship. In 2008, the two countries established a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. It aims to strengthen and deepen Vietnam-China relations in the interests of both peoples and for the sake of peace, stability and prosperity in the region. Bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation has grown increasingly substantial. In recent years, high-level delegations from the two Parties and States have frequently exchanged visits, elevating Vietnam-China comprehensive cooperation to a new height. Political trust has been strengthened, while economic, trade and investment cooperation maintain its growth momentum. Notably, the agricultural and rural development sector has consistently received close attention and guidance from the leaders of both Parties and States. For 20 consecutive years, China has remained Vietnam's largest trading partner. Vietnam is currently China's largest trading partner in ASEAN. China is also the largest export market for Vietnam's agricultural, forestry and fishery products. According to the General Department of Vietnam Customs, two-way trade reached US$205 billion in 2024. Of this, Vietnam's exports amounted to $60.6 billion, while imports rose significantly to $144.6 billion. The enormous potential of the Chinese market is further reflected in its GDP, which is close to $20 trillion. With a population 14 times that of Vietnam and consistent GDP growth, Chinese consumers are increasingly receptive to Vietnam's unique agricultural products. China also shares similar cultural traditions and consumption habits with Vietnam. Both countries have maintained economic and trade ties for centuries. Economic and trade relations with China are one of the top priorities in Vietnam's foreign economic policy. China shows strong demand for Vietnam's high-quality agricultural products During the official overseas visit to China by Party General Secretary Tô Lâm in 2024, Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping affirmed that China is ready to increase imports of high-quality goods from Vietnam, especially agricultural products. The strategic significance of building a 'Vietnam-China Community with a shared future' is also emphasised. Meanwhile, at his official visit to Vietnam in 2024, Chinese Premier Li Qiang affỉmed that China considers Vietnam a priority direction in its neighbourhood diplomacy. China will further open the market to Vietnamese goods, particularly high-quality agricultural, fishery and fruit products. He also highlighted plans to upgrade trade infrastructure, enhance 'soft connectivity' in smart customs systems and explore new models for cross-border economic cooperation. With a population of over 1.4 billion and a rapidly growing middle class, China is a massive market for high-quality agricultural, forestry and fishery products. Yet Vietnamese agricultural products currently account for less than 5 per cent of China's total imports in this category. This presents a major opportunity for businesses to expand their market share in China. In 2024, the bilateral trade turnover in agricultural, forestry and fishery products between Vietnam and China reached $17.8 billion, a 14.6 per cent increase compared to 2023. Of this, Vietnam's exports to China were estimated at $13.5 billion (up 14.3 per cent year-on-year), while imports were estimated at $4.3 billion (up 21 per cent). China currently accounts for nearly 54 per cent of the total value of Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports. Of this, about 90 per cent of exported lychee volume, 80 per cent of dragon fruit and over 90 per cent of cassava and cassava-based products. The two sides have signed 24 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and Protocols on the import-export of agricultural, forestry and fishery products. The protocols signed have significantly facilitated Vietnam's fruit and vegetable exports to China. Currently, Vietnam is officially exporting 12 types of agricultural products to China. Six items for which two sides have signed official export protocols, including watermelons, mangosteens, black jellies, durians, fresh bananas and sweet potatoes. Vietnam also exports dairy products, 128 species/product types of seafood products and 48 species of live aquatic animals. Passion fruit and chilli peppers are currently undergoing pilot export procedures. Enhancing agricultural product quality to meet China's standards Vietnam possesses significant agricultural potential, with a wide variety of speciality products highly favoured by Chinese consumers. Its geographic proximity to China gives Vietnam a logistical advantage over other countries. Fresh produce, including vegetables, fruits and seafood, can be transported to China in a short time, helping preserve their natural freshness and quality by the time they reach consumers. To reaffirm the quality and reputation of Vietnamese agricultural products and expand access to the Chinese market, Vietnam is set to intensify efforts to monitor agricultural exports following China's import regulations. Key focus areas include regularly updating information on market demand and China's regulations regarding quality standards and food safety, and strictly managing and monitoring product quality and traceability. Negotiations on official export will be promoted, ensuring that products meet standardised and synchronised requirements on quality, packaging, labelling, food safety, traceability and national branding (including logos and trademarks). Vietnam will standardise cross-border trade practices and maintain close coordination with China to address and resolve logistical bottlenecks. Hashtag: #MARD The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
