HCM City hopes for stronger ties in innovation, technology with Israel
Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Phan Van Mai received visiting Israeli Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat on August 14, noting that Israel is a partner that his city wishes to learn from and cooperate with in the fields of innovation and technology.
Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Phan Van Mai (R) and Israeli Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat (Photo: VNA)
HCM City (VNA) – Chairmanof the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Phan Van Mai received visiting IsraeliMinister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat on August 14, noting that Israel isa partner that his city wishes to learn from and cooperate with in the fieldsof innovation and technology.
The host official said HCM Cityhopes to be the locality that implements cooperation between the Vietnamese andIsraeli Governments, especially in the two above realms.
The southern economic hub of Vietnamis working to become an innovation centre in the region, he noted, adding thatit has sufficient space and room to develop connections in technology, startup,and innovation with Israeli partners.
Mai suggested that on the basis ofthe Governments’ cooperation, an agreement on innovation partnership bebuilt between HCM City and Israeli partners.
The two sides can also promoteinvestment and trade ties while working together to transfer agriculturaltechniques and technologies, along with new solutions and technologies forclimate change response, he added.
For his part, Barkat said he isimpressed with the dynamic development of Vietnam, including HCM City.
He held that the recent signing ofthe Vietnam - Israel free trade agreement will open up many opportunities for mutuallybeneficial development cooperation, particularly in the areas Israel is strongat such as startup, innovation, and technological solutions to global issueslike high technology development, agriculture, climate change, and urbangovernance.
HCM City in particular and Vietnam in general should build startup andinnovation support centres to attract startups, the minister went on, addingthat Israel is ready to share its experience in this regard and other fields ofits strength such as hi-tech farming and technological solutions.
He also expressed his hope that the city will enhance cooperation with Israelipartners, assist Israeli businesses in marketing and distributing technologicalproducts and solutions, and increase bilateral trade, especially in the goodshis country has high demand for like farm produce and consumer products./.
The 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Israel and the 78th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day were marked at a ceremony in Tel Aviv on July 23, held in the framework of an official visit of Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang.
Vietnam and Israel should consider science-technology and high-tech agriculture as priority areas for cooperation, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their talks on July 25.
The Vietnam-Israel Free Trade Agreement, which was signed on July 26 after seven years of negotiations, would create a conducive atmosphere for the export of Vietnamese products to Israel, according to many experts.
The signing and implementation of the Vietnam-Israel Free Trade Agreement (VIFTA) is expected to create favourable conditions for Vietnam to boost exports while accessing Israel's hi-tech goods, contributing to reducing production and business costs and improving the competitiveness of Vietnamese goods, said economists.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Phan Van Mai (R) and Israeli Minister of Economy and Industry Nir Barkat (Photo: VNA) 
