Member of European Parliament highly values Vietnam’s stature
Jan Zahradil, a member of the European Parliament (EP), has highly valued Vietnam’s role and stature, as well as its relations with the European Union (EU) and the Czech Republic, during a recent meeting with some Vietnamese ambassadors.
Workers process tra fish for export. Fishery products are among Vietnam's key exports to the EU. (Photo: VNA)
Prague (VNA) – Jan Zahradil,a member of the European Parliament (EP), has highly valued Vietnam’s role andstature, as well as its relations with the European Union (EU) and the CzechRepublic, during a recent meeting with some Vietnamese ambassadors.
Talking to the Vietnameseambassadors to the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Belgium at the event inMikulov town of the Czech Republic on July 8 - 9, Zahradil said the EP has passed areport on the Indo-Pacific strategy in the area of trade and investment whichhighlights the situation in the Indo-Pacific region and stresses the importanceof the EU’s free trade agreements with partners in the region.
Notably, he said, the reportcalls on EU members to ratify the EU - Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement(EVIPA) so that it can take effect early and create optimal conditions forpromoting the EU’s investment in the region and Vietnam.
Zahradil, a representative ofthe Czech Republic’s Civic Democratic Party (ODS) at the EP, noted Vietnamholds a special position in this report when it is a member of both theAssociation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Comprehensive andProgressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
He also said he is impressedwith Vietnam’s economic development achievements, particularly the GDP growthof 7.72% in the second quarter and inflation kept under 3%.
Addressing the meeting,Vietnamese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Thai Xuan Dung said Vietnam and theEU have paid attention to intensively and extensively developing theircomprehensive partnership and cooperation.
The EU is currently the fifthlargest trading partner and the second biggest importer of Vietnam. Bilateraltrade grew 14.8% to 63.6 billion USD in 2021 despite impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,he noted.
Zahradil told Vietnam NewsAgency that as Vietnamese people in the Czech Republic is one of the largestVietnamese communities in the EU, he has the responsibility for consolidatingVietnam’s relations with the Czech Republic and the EU as a whole.
Vietnam holds a specialposition in Southeast Asia when it is the only country to have a free tradeagreement (EVFTA) and an investment protection agreement (EVIPA) with the EU,an advantage for it to capitalise on development opportunities, according tohim.
He said Vietnam and the CzechRepublic boast long-standing and sound relations, adding that serving in the EUCouncil’s presidency from now to the end of 2022, his country will have morechances to further promote bilateral and EU ties with Vietnam./.
Vietnam has many more opportunities to increase export of fruits and vegetables to the European Union - the world's largest market, thanks to tariff incentives brought by the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), according to analysts.
Ambassador Pier Giorgio Aliberti, Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Vietnam, on June 9 had a working session with representatives of the People's Committee of Binh Duong to discuss investment opportunities in the southern province, especially in hi-technology and green industry development and environmental protection.
Ho Chi Minh City is calling for investment into 197 projects in ten key areas, including infrastructure development, agriculture, industry, trade and services, healthcare, tourism, education and housing, an official told the Vietnam – Europe Business Forum in the southern largest economic hub on June 30.
Some media agencies in Italy highlighted Vietnam’s economic links with Europe and achievements in ensuring human rights when covering a recent tour of some European countries by National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue.
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.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Workers process tra fish for export. Fishery products are among Vietnam's key exports to the EU. (Photo: VNA) 
