Vientiane (VNA) – The Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Laos andVietnam co-organised a seminar on economic diplomacy in Vientiane on August 17.
Speaking at the event, Nguyen Minh Hang, Assistant to theMinister, Director of the economic affairs department, said that the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry identifies economic diplomacy as one of the basic and central tasks ofa comprehensive and modern diplomacy, and a driving force for the developmentof the country.
The ministry is willing to share assessments and opinions onthe world economic situation and emerging issues, as well as experience indeveloping economic diplomacy with Laos.
At the seminar, both sides agreed on the importance and role of economicdiplomacy in contributing to national development, affirming the necessity for thetwo ministries’ cooperation and sharing of experience in this field in thecontext of an extremely complicated world situation.
Participants heard reports on each country’s economicdiplomacy and development of strategies on this aspect, and measures to boosteconomic diplomacy in the two countries’ relations.
They also exchanged views on difficulties in carrying outeconomic diplomacy, and new orientations in the mobilisation of resources,particularly from international integration.
In the afternoon, the two ministries plan to co-organiseanother seminar on the concerted and effective implementation of economicdiplomacy to serve economic recovery and development./.
The National Assembly (NA), including the NA Standing Committee's Board for Deputy Affairs, stands ready to share experience regarding supervision activities of People’s Councils, the Vietnamese top legislator told a Lao official in Hanoi on August 10.
Trade between Vietnam and Laos rose 24.2% in the first seven months of this year to nearly 949 million USD, with Vietnam's export value of nearly 586 million USD, reported the Vietnam Trade Office in Laos.
Nearly 460,000 people participated in an online quiz on the history of the special Vietnam-Laos relations after nine weeks to August 15, the organising board of the contest said at its meeting in Hanoi on August 16.
The Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the UN, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and other international organisations on August 16 hosted a get-together with their Lao counterparts in Geneva to mark the 60th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties (September 5, 1962 – 2022).
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.
An overview of the seminar (Photo: VNA) 
