Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha (R) receives the UK's Ambassador to Vietnam, Iain Frew. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Hahosted the UK Ambassador to Vietnam, Iain Frew, in Hanoi on February 28.
The Deputy PM hailed the UK’s support for Vietnam in the processof joining the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), and stressed thatVietnam’s participation in JETP could be seen as a model of cooperation betweendeveloping and developed countries.
Noting the importance of mechanisms to realise ideas and commitments made underthe JETP, Ha said Vietnam is very much in need of the UK’s assistance in technologytransfer, technical consultation, financial mechanisms, and investor selectionfor specific projects in renewable energy (particularly offshore wind energy),forest plantation, carbon capture, green hydrogen production and research ofnew technology.
He said specific mechanisms and “formulas” are needed to attractinvestment into renewable energy while ensuring affordable costs with theengagement of governments, financial organisations and corporations withexperience and know-how.
The Deputy PM was of the view that similarly to the vaccine sharingmechanism during the COVID-19 pandemic, developing countries can only carry outjust energy transition and realise net zero emission when developed countriesactively transfer related technologies at reasonable costs.
Ambassador Frew said the UK wishes to discuss further withVietnam’s relevant agencies possibilities in assistance to Vietnam in renewableenergy, net zero emissions, and climate change response, thus contributing tofurther promoting bilateral cooperation on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relationship.
*Earlier the same day, Deputy PM Ha held a reception for the Presidentfor Regions and Corporate Affairs of Bechtel Corporation, Stuart E. Jones.
Ha stressed the need for global cooperation on energy and shared with the guestVietnam’s orientation in developing offshore wind power centres and building smartgrids for renewable energy. He said Vietnam has the potential to become a production,storage and transport hub for renewable energy, green hydrogen and greenammonia, provided that there are feasible technological solutions.
In addition, Vietnam also has a need for investment in modernland and railway transport networks, underground transport works, multi-purposeinfrastructure and energy transition, he said, asking Bechtel to share itsexperience in creating opportunities and seeking capital sources and investorsin those fields.
E Jones said the corporation is willing to transfer technologiesin green hydrogen and carbon capture, as well as to promote inter-regionalcooperation in energy transition and transmission of renewable energy in thetime ahead./.
There remains potential for Vietnam and the UK to tap the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) and expand bilateral trade ties, said Ngo Chung Khanh, Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT)’s Multilateral Trade Policy Department.
Minister of State Greg Hands of the UK Department for International Trade arrived in Hanoi on February 1 for high-level trade talks on how the UK joining of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) will boost the economic firepower of the world’s most dynamic trade bloc, according to the British Embassy.
Vietnamese Ambassador to the UK Nguyen Hoang Long made a working visit to the University of Cambridge on February 13 aiming to promote Vietnam's cooperation with the world’s leading university, especially in the fields of scientific and technological research, and green and sustainable growth.
The Vietnamese Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs and the British Embassy in Vietnam held a seminar in Hanoi on February 21 to promote bilateral cooperation in vocational education.
A ceremony was held at the headquarters of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office of the UK on February 22 to announce the Vietnam-UK Friendship Year 2023: the 50th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties.
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.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha (R) receives the UK's Ambassador to Vietnam, Iain Frew. (Photo: VNA) 
