NA Q&A session: deputies scrutinize national tourism competitiveness
Competitiveness of Vietnam's tourism industry and solutions to make it a key economic sector of the country was the main focus of the question-and-answer (Q&A) session with the minister of culture, sports and tourism on June 5 during the 14 National Assembly’s ongoing 7th session.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien speaks at the session (Source: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - Competitiveness of Vietnam's tourism industry and solutions tomake it a key economic sector of the country was the main focus of the question-and-answer (Q&A) session withthe minister of culture, sports and tourism on June 5 during the 14 NationalAssembly’s ongoing 7th session.
NA deputy Nguyen Quoc Hung from Hanoi asked Minister Nguyen Ngoc Thien to take breakthroughsolutions to improve the competitive rankings of Vietnam’s tourism, which isnow only 67 among the 136 economies worldwide.
On his reply, Minister Thien attributed this to limitedindicators of tourism infrastructure, priority for tourism, internationalintegration and visa competitiveness of Vietnam compared to other ASEANcountries.
Explaining the slow tourism growth of only 8.8 percent in the first five monthsof 2019, Thien said one of the main causes is that the number of Chinesevisitors to Vietnam decreased in the period, while the figure increased byabout 30 percent in the same period of the previous years.
He stressed the need to enhance tourism promotionin key markets.
Deputy Nguyen Van Quyen from Can Tho asked aboutradical and breakthrough measures to turn tourism into one of the spearhead economicsectors of Vietnam, in the context that the sector makes up only nearly 10percent of the national GDP; and those to resolve conflicts between the goal of developing tourism into a spearhead economic sector and theneed to preserve national identities.
Thien said Vietnam strives to make tourism a key economic sector and thecountry aims to receive between 17 and20 million international visitors and serve 85 million domestic tourists by2020, making up about 10 percent of the national GDP.
The minister underlined the necessity to promote sustainabletourism development without harming the ecological environment or culturalheritage, and affirmed that this is a major problem in the relationship betweenconservation and development for all countries in the world.
He pointed out a number of shortcomings in this work over the past time, suchas neglecting conservation planning and heritage preservation as well asexperts’ voice.-VNA
The National Assembly has chosen the topic for its supreme supervision in 2020 to be the implementation of the laws and policies on the prevention of and fight against the abuse of children through a voting on June 3.
Up to 383 National Assembly (NA) deputies (or 79.13 percent) agreed that the NA will supervise the implementation of policies and laws on the prevention and fight against child abuse in 2020.
Lawmakers voiced their concerns about the high real estate prices which is about 25 times of average income, and the uncontrolled rising property prices in some localities during a question-and-answer session at the National Assembly on June 4.
The question-and-answer session of the 14th National Assembly’s seventh sitting began on June 4 and was broadcast live on Vietnam Television, Radio the Voice of Vietnam and the NA’s television channel.
Minister of Construction Pham Hong Ha on June 5 continued taking the podium to answer questions raised by legislators, including those related to the construction of too many high-rise buildings in big cities, especially Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
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.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien speaks at the session (Source: VNA) 
