VIET NAM PROMOTES STRONGER, MORE SUBSTANTIVE AND EFFECTIVE RELATIONS WITH ROK AND MONGOLIA

National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man and his spouse, together with a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, have successfully concluded their official visits to the Republic of Korea (RoK) and Mongolia. During their meetings, NA President Tran Thanh Man and the leaders of the two countries spoke highly of the development of Viet Nam’s relations with the RoK and Mongolia, while agreeing to strengthen coordination between the legislative bodies to vigorously promote cooperation across all fields between Viet Nam and the RoK and Mongolia.

New milestone in Viet Nam-RoK cooperation

During his visit to the RoK, National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man held talks with Speaker of the National Assembly of the RoK Cho Jeong Sik. Speaker Cho Jeong Sik expressed his appreciation for NA President Tran Thanh Man being the first guest invited after the National Assembly of the RoK completed the formation of its new leadership, stressing that the visit was of particularly important significance in consolidating political trust, promoting the implementation of high-level agreements, particularly the outcomes of General Secretary To Lam’s visit to the RoK in August 2025 and President Lee Jae Myung’s visit to Viet Nam in April 2026, and further deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the RoK and Viet Nam.

Thanking Speaker Cho Jeong Sik, National Assembly deputies and the Korean people for their warm, thoughtful and respectful reception of the delegation, NA President Tran Thanh Man spoke highly of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea’s pivotal role and expressed his impression of Speaker Cho Jeong Sik’s principles for running the legislature, including prioritising tangible results that people can feel, expanding public participation, and strengthening legislation in future industries, digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI). NA President Tran Thanh Man affirmed that Viet Nam has always regarded the RoK as one of its leading important strategic partners and wishes to see bilateral relations continue to develop strongly, substantively, effectively and sustainably across all fields.

At the talks, the two National Assembly leaders had extensive discussions on the situation in each country and orientations and measures to promote bilateral relations. They agreed to maintain regular high-level strategic exchanges; implement a strategic vision for economic connectivity between the two countries amid the new circumstances, bringing tangible benefits to both sides, thereby striving to raise bilateral trade turnover to 100 billion USD in 2026 and towards 150 billion USD by 2030 in a balanced and sustainable manner. The two sides agreed to continue prioritising non-refundable official development assistance (ODA) and concessional ODA for projects in Viet Nam; promote scientific and technological cooperation as a driving force for the development of bilateral relations; and actively review and improve policies to create favourable conditions for businesses from both countries to make stable, long-term investments in each other’s markets.

The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in human resources training, culture, tourism and people-to-people exchanges, enhancing mutual understanding and bonds between the peoples of the two countries; and continue to pay attention to and improve policies to protect the legitimate rights and interests of the Vietnamese community in the RoK and the Korean community in Viet Nam, including around 100,000 Vietnamese-Korean multicultural families, so that they can live, study and work with confidence in each country over the long term.

Regarding parliamentary cooperation, the two sides spoke highly of the results of cooperation between the two National Assemblies in recent years, stressing that parliamentary diplomacy plays an important role in overseeing and promoting the implementation of commitments and agreements, thereby helping deepen bilateral relations and make them more effective and substantive. They agreed to maintain regular exchanges of high-level and other delegations; strengthen the sharing of experience in lawmaking and institution-building to support sustainable development; actively promote exchanges between specialised committees through both in-person and online formats in the coming period; and effectively implement the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the two National Assemblies signed in November 2025. The two sides agreed to promote the role of the legislative bodies in coordinating oversight of the implementation of international treaties and government cooperation agreements; improve policies and legislation to create a favourable legal environment for businesses and people of the two countries; and continue to coordinate and support each other at regional and global inter-parliamentary forums.

Discussing regional and international issues of shared concern, the two National Assembly leaders agreed to strengthen coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums. NA President Tran Thanh Man asked the RoK to actively share its experience and support Viet Nam in successfully hosting the 2027 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting; strengthen coordination at the United Nations; and effectively implement ASEAN-RoK and Mekong-RoK cooperation mechanisms.

At his meeting with Korean Prime Minister Han Seong Sook, NA President Tran Thanh Man asked the Government and National Assembly of the RoK to share development experience and create opportunities for Viet Nam to participate in newly announced Korean mega-projects in semiconductors and AI; actively exchange experience in managing and developing international financial centres in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang; support Viet Nam in training high-tech experts; and expand the reception of highly skilled and seasonal workers.

Prime Minister Han Seong Sook spoke highly of the close cooperation between the two National Assemblies in recent years and expressed confidence that parliamentary cooperation would continue to be promoted. She expressed her wish that Viet Nam would continue to create favourable conditions for Korean businesses to conduct business and make long-term investments in Viet Nam.

Receiving Kim Min Seok, Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea, NA President Tran Thanh Man spoke highly of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) maintaining friendly and fruitful relations and cooperation in recent years. The two sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation through all channels, including the Party, the National Assembly, the Government, people-to-people exchanges and local-level cooperation, thereby contributing to consolidating political trust, enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two countries. NA President Tran Thanh Man proposed that the DPK continue to pay attention to and support the lawful and legitimate rights and interests of the Vietnamese community in the RoK.

Receiving Chairman of the People Power Party of the Republic of Korea Jang Dong Hyeok, NA President Tran Thanh Man proposed that the two sides continue to encourage their respective Governments to strengthen economic, trade and investment cooperation in a balanced, sustainable, effective and mutually beneficial manner. Chairman Jang Dong Hyeok affirmed that the People Power Party always attaches importance to relations with the Communist Party of Viet Nam and wishes to further develop the sound relationship between the two Parties on the basis of the Cooperation Agreement signed between them in October 2014.

The Republic of Korea wishes to maintain regular exchanges and high-level contacts, strengthen the exchange and sharing of experience, and promote the effective and substantive implementation of agreements and arrangements signed between the two Governments.

As part of the visit, in Seoul, Nguyen Thi Thanh Nga, spouse of the President of the National Assembly of Viet Nam, and Cho Mi Seon, spouse of Cho Jeong Sik, Chairman of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, visited the National Assembly Museum of Korea. Nguyen Thi Thanh Nga received Samuel Chung, Chairman of the Korean Cultural Development Association, together with representatives of businesses, chairpersons of design and fashion associations, the Handicraft Association, the Knotting Association, fashion designers, businesses and other prominent figures from the Republic of Korea.

Expressing her appreciation for the Korean Cultural Development Association’s positive contributions to promoting people-to-people exchanges and strengthening cultural cooperation between Viet Nam and the Republic of Korea, the spouse of the NA President expressed her hope that the Association would continue to serve as a bridge and organise more diverse cultural promotion activities in the future, helping the peoples of the two countries gain a deeper understanding of each other’s history, traditions and people, and making practical contributions to the Viet Nam–Republic of Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

As part of the visit, in the capital Seoul, National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man received leaders of several major Korean corporations investing in Viet Nam.

At his meeting with Roh Tae-moon, CEO of Samsung Electronics, NA President Man affirmed that the Party, State, NA, and Government of Viet Nam highly appreciate the practical and widespread contributions of Samsung in Viet Nam. Emphasising that Viet Nam maintains stable policies for foreign investors, including Samsung, the top legislator expressed his hope that the group will expand its investment and contribute further to Viet Nam’s development in the coming period.

Roh Tae-moon, CEO of Samsung Electronics pointed out that the RoK is among Viet Nam's leading investment partners. He credited much of this success to the Vietnamese NA’s efforts to refine the legal framework, which has helped create a stable, welcoming environment for investment and business activities. The Samsung executive stressed that in the coming time, Samsung will continue implementing activities aligned with Viet Nam’s development directions and policies, while boosting investment in high-tech industries with high technological content and value added.

Receiving SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, NA President Man acknowledged the group’s effective and practical contributions to the economic cooperation between Viet Nam and the RoK. The NA President urged the group to boost investments in priority sectors aligned with Viet Nam’s development goals, such as semiconductor technology, artificial intelligence, innovation, renewable energy, and emission reduction solutions. He also emphasised the need for collaboration in technology transfer and training skilled human resources to help Viet Nam achieve its green development targets.

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won said that the group is researching opportunities to expand large-scale investment projects in energy infrastructure, AI data centres, and other fields that combine SK’s strengths with Viet Nam’s development priorities. He noted that Viet Nam holds high growth potential, and investing in energy and AI development provides the foundation for building a fast yet stable growth model.

At the meeting with Moon Hyuk-soo, CEO of LG Innotek, a subsidiary specialising in electronic components and semiconductors under LG Group, NA President Tran Thanh Man said that the Party, State, and NA welcome and highly appreciate LG Group’s effective production and business operations in Viet Nam. He also acknowledged and commended the group’s rapid disbursement progress as well as its positive contributions to developing supporting industries together with Vietnamese enterprises. The group’s projects have not only created stable jobs and improved workers’ quality of life but have also made important contributions to import and export turnover and the promotion of Viet Nam’s socio-economic development. NA President Tran Thanh Man expressed his wish that the group would continue to regard Viet Nam as a leading strategic production and research and development base in its global strategy for bringing key products to international markets; continue to place its trust in Viet Nam and consider the country a long-term destination for investment, production, and business; and make better use of the potential, strengths, and high degree of complementarity between the Vietnamese and Korean economies.

LG Innotek CEO Moon Hyuk Soo affirmed that the company’s investment results in Viet Nam over the past period have been significantly supported by the stable political and economic environment, as well as the attention and support of the Vietnamese Government, NA, and local authorities.

Receiving Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong Bin, NA President Tran Thanh Man spoke highly of Lotte’s effective investment and business operations in Viet Nam and asked the group to continue promoting its strengths and expanding investment in areas prioritised by Viet Nam, particularly smart urban development, infrastructure, tourism, and services. He also asked Lotte to regard Viet Nam as a leading strategic investment destination and an important base for the group in the ASEAN region.

Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong Bin affirmed that Viet Nam is of important significance to Lotte’s development strategy. Speaking highly of the potential of the Vietnamese market, particularly in trade, retail, services, and the development of modern urban areas, the Lotte chairman expressed his wish to build on successful models already implemented in Viet Nam to develop new models, contributing to market expansion and the development of commercial and urban areas.

As part of NA President Tran Thanh Man and his spouse’s official visit to the RoK, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung visited and worked at an AI data centre of SK Group. Speaking at the working session, the Deputy Prime Minister welcomed and highly appreciated SK Group’s interest, presence, and investment activities in Viet Nam. He asked the group to study a project with a long-term vision and commensurate scale, focusing not only on building computing infrastructure and a data centre but also on developing a regional-scale AI and innovation centre. The centre should integrate research and development (R&D), technology development, AI applications, high-quality human resource training, and support for Viet Nam’s innovation ecosystem.

Additionally, as part of NA President Tran Thanh Man and his spouse’s official visit to the RoK, together with the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, Vu Dai Thang, Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Secretary of the Ha Noi Party Committee, and Chairman of the Ha Noi People’s Committee, held bilateral talks with Seoul Mayor Oh Se Hoon on September 7. Speaking highly of Seoul’s outstanding achievements in modern, sustainable and innovative urban development, Vu Dai Thang affirmed that these are also strategic directions that Ha Noi is prioritising in the process of building a Ha Noi that is cultured, civilised, and modern. During the talks, with a view to promoting more substantive cooperation, the leaders of the two capitals agreed that future cooperation would focus on key areas, including smart urban development, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation; public transport and green, sustainable urban development; science and technology, innovation, investment, and business connectivity; and people-to-people exchanges, culture, education, and tourism. Seoul Mayor Oh Se Hoon affirmed the importance of and longstanding close partnership between Ha Noi and Seoul, which plays a positive role in further deepening the Viet Nam–RoK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Seoul will actively coordinate and work alongside Ha Noi to move towards a new phase of more substantive, effective, and innovative development, with a shared vision for the future.

Enhancing the role of legislative bodies in promoting connectivity between Vietnamese and Mongolian economies

During his official visit to Mongolia, NA President Tran Thanh Man held talks with Sandag Byambatsogt, Chairman of the State Great Hural of Mongolia.

At the talks, Chairman Sandag Byambatsogt warmly welcomed NA President Tran Thanh Man and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation on their official visit to Mongolia, while underscoring the importance of the occasion. This is the second visit by a Vietnamese NA President to Mongolia since the two countries established diplomatic relations, and comes 23 years after the visit by the Vietnamese NA President in 2003.

NA President Tran Thanh Man thanked Chairman Sandag Byambatsogt, the State Great Hural, and the people of Mongolia for the warm, respectful, and thoughtful reception accorded to the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation. He spoke highly of Mongolia’s strong development achievements, which continue to create a firm foundation for achieving the country’s socio-economic development goals for 2026–2030 and working towards “Vision 2050”, thereby contributing to enhancing Mongolia’s image, prestige, and international standing.

NA President Tran Thanh Man stressed that the Vietnamese Party, State, and people always remember and cherish the support provided by the Mongolian Government and people during Viet Nam’s struggle for national independence and reunification.

In an atmosphere of trust, sincerity and openness, the two leaders expressed their delight and satisfaction at the strong, substantive, and effective development of Viet Nam–Mongolia relations, particularly since the two countries officially established their comprehensive partnership in September 2024 during the state visit to Mongolia by To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and State President. The two sides agreed to maintain regular exchanges and high-level visits; to effectively implement existing cooperation mechanisms as well as commitments and agreements made by the two countries’ leaders, including the Joint Statement on establishing the Viet Nam-Mongolia Comprehensive Partnership; and to strengthen cooperation in defence, security, and judicial affairs, while coordinating closely to combat transnational crime and effectively respond to non-traditional security challenges.

The two sides agreed to enhance the role of their respective legislative bodies in supporting and promoting substantive and effective economic connectivity commensurate with each country’s potential; to actively consider further market opening for each other’s goods—including facilitating access for Viet Nam’s key agricultural and aquatic products to the Mongolian market—thereby aiming to soon reach the target of raising bilateral trade turnover to 200 million USD; and to step up investment promotion activities and push for the early signing of a new Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investment between Viet Nam and Mongolia. The two leaders agreed on the need to strengthen protection and support for the Vietnamese community in Mongolia and the Mongolian community in Viet Nam, ensuring they can live, study, and work with peace of mind. They also agreed to promote each country’s potential, strengths, and cultural and tourism highlights, and to coordinate in fostering cultural, sports, and tourism exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

Discussing directions for promoting parliamentary cooperation in the coming time, the two leaders agreed to continue strengthening high-level exchanges and visits between the two national assemblies; coordinate the synchronous and effective implementation of the cooperation agreement between the two national legislatures and the newly signed cooperation agreement between their respective parliamentary offices; continue close cooperation at regional and international parliamentary forums of which both are members; effectively exercise oversight functions to ensure the serious implementation of high-level agreements; and facilitate enhanced economic and trade cooperation as well as expanded investment between the two governments and business communities in sectors of mutual potential and demand. Chairman Sandag Byambatsogt affirmed that favourable conditions would be created for Vietnamese enterprises to explore the market and engage in stable, long-term investment in Mongolia.

Regarding regional and international issues of mutual concern, the two sides agreed to maintain close cooperation and mutual support at regional and international forums, as well as at multilateral parliamentary forums.

NA President Tran Thanh Man and Chairman of the State Great Hural of Mongolia Sandag Byambatsogt signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation between the National Assembly of Viet Nam and the State Great Hural of Mongolia Mongolia, and witnessed the signing of an MoU on cooperation between the two parliamentary offices.

During his official visit to Mongolia, NA President Tran Thanh Man met with Mongolian Prime Minister and Chairman of the Mongolian People’s Party Nyam-Osor Uchral in Ulaanbaatar. Prime Minister Nyam-Osor Uchral highly valued the significance and importance of the visit in fostering the Viet Nam-Mongolia Comprehensive Partnership; he sincerely congratulated Viet Nam on its socio-economic development achievements and expressed confidence that the country would realise its strategic goals of becoming a developing nation with modern industry and upper-middle income by 2030, and a developed, high-income nation by 2045. The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the extensive, comprehensive, and substantive development of Viet Nam-Mongolia relations. They agreed to continue consolidating political trust and maintaining regular high-level and other-level meetings through flexible formats; to further strengthen cooperation in diplomacy, defence, and security; and to boost substantive, mutually beneficial cooperation to create a breakthrough in economic, trade, and investment ties. Key measures include expediting the 20th session of the Viet Nam-Mongolia Intergovernmental Committee to agree on new solutions for enhancing bilateral cooperation, striving to soon reach the target of raising trade turnover to 200 million USD, and promoting cooperation in science and technology, tourism, digital transformation, renewable energy, and green energy.

During his official visit to Mongolia, NA President Tran Thanh Man met with J. Bayarmaa, Chairwoman of the Mongolia–Viet Nam Parliamentary Friendship Group.

The NA President highly appreciated the contributions of J. Bayarmaa, as well as the active participation and support of the Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group members in fostering cooperative relations between the two legislatures and promoting the friendship and cooperation between Viet Nam and Mongolia. Building on the achievements and shared understanding between the leaders and legislatures of both nations, the NA President urged J. Bayarmaa and the Friendship Group to continue serving as a bridge of friendship while promoting substantive cooperation between the two parliaments. He called for increased delegation exchanges at all levels—including interactions between parliamentary groups, specialized committees, young parliamentarians, and female lawmakers—emphasising that visits must be practical, effective, and result-oriented, leading to tangible changes on the ground. The NA President noted that the two Friendship Groups should continue to focus on and advise their respective parliaments on promoting cooperation in high-potential sectors and strengthening collaboration between judicial and law enforcement agencies. He expressed his hope that the two groups would actively act as bridges to facilitate business connections and economic exchanges, continue promoting people-to-people ties as well as cooperation in culture, sports, and tourism, and enhance the promotion of each country's image, potential, and strengths. He also encouraged support for cooperation between localities, friendship organisations, and legislative research institutes of both countries.

J. Bayarmaa, Chairwoman of the Mongolia-Viet Nam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group, expressed her delight in welcoming National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man on his official visit to Mongolia; confident that the visit will help open up new avenues for cooperation, enrich the substance of the Viet Nam-Mongolia Comprehensive Partnership, and carry forward the fine tradition of friendship cultivated between the two nations over the past seven decades.

During his official visit to Mongolia, National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man and his spouse visited Inter-level School No. 14 named after President Ho Chi Minh. NA President Tran Thanh Man, his spouse and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation laid flowers at the monument to President Ho Chi Minh and toured the space commemorating the Vietnamese leader on the school grounds.

Welcoming National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man, his spouse and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation to the school, Mongolian students dressed in traditional Mongolian and Vietnamese costumes performed cultural and artistic pieces reflecting the distinctive traditional identities of the two countries.

Speaking at the school, NA President Tran Thanh Man warmly congratulated and commended its teachers and students on their outstanding achievements in the noble cause of education, contributing significantly to deepening mutual understanding and trust between the peoples of the two countries. Recalling Mongolian sayings that “learning never depends on age” and “only a student truly understands a teacher’s devotion”, the NA President expressed his hope that teachers would continue learning, cultivating their ethics and improving their professional expertise, while remaining dynamic and creative in renewing approaches to teaching and learning so as to inspire patriotism among students — the future generation of Mongolia.

In recognition of the school’s achievements in teaching and learning, and to encourage its teachers and students, National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man presented 10,000 USD to the school to help purchase additional teaching equipment in preparation for the 2026–2027 academic year.

During his official visit to Mongolia, National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man, his spouse and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation also met officials and staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and members of the Vietnamese community in Mongolia.

Reporting to NA President Tran Thanh Man, his spouse and the delegation, Vietnamese Ambassador to Mongolia Nguyen Tuan Thanh said the Vietnamese community in Mongolia maintains firm confidence in the Party and State, complies well with local laws, upholds solidarity and close community bonds, and remains attached to the homeland. The Embassy regularly maintains contact with the community, keeps abreast of its situation and provides support in such areas as residency, improving legal status, consular affairs, citizen protection and liaison with relevant local authorities. It also actively keeps the community informed about major events in Viet Nam and the guidelines and policies of the Party and State.

Speaking at the meeting, on behalf of the Party and State leaders, National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man extended his warm regards, best wishes and wishes of good health to Embassy officials and staff and the entire Vietnamese community in Mongolia. Acknowledging the difficulties faced by Vietnamese people living in Mongolia, particularly the country’s harsh climate, the National Assembly President expressed his hope that the community would continue to uphold solidarity and mutual support, strive to stabilise their lives, work, pursue their studies and integrate well into the host society.

Emphasising that the Party and State consistently pay close attention to improving policies concerning overseas Vietnamese, the National Assembly President said the community’s recommendations and difficulties would be studied and considered by relevant domestic agencies in coordination with the Embassy, with a view to finding appropriate solutions to promote bilateral cooperation and provide better support for Vietnamese people in Mongolia.

National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man urged the Embassy to provide the Vietnamese community in Mongolia with regular and timely information on developments in the homeland, the Party’s guidelines and policies, and the State’s policies and laws. He also called for continued efforts to preserve and promote Vietnamese cultural identity, particularly the Vietnamese language among younger generations born and raised in Mongolia, while strengthening solidarity and mutual assistance and strictly complying with the host country’s laws and regulations.

National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man expressed confidence that the Vietnamese community in Mongolia would continue to uphold its tradition of solidarity, strive to improve and stabilise its members’ lives, make positive contributions to the host country and remain connected to the homeland, thereby helping further strengthen the traditional friendship between Viet Nam and Mongolia.

During the official visit to Mongolia, Nguyen Thi Thanh Nga, spouse of National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man, met Gantsetseg Tsendsuren, spouse of the Chairman of the State Great Hural (Parliament) of Mongolia Gantsetseg Tsendsuren, in Ulaanbaatar. The two spouses exchanged views on education and culture in their respective countries.

Spouses Nguyen Thi Thanh Nga and Gantsetseg Tsendsuren visited the Bogd Khan Palace Museum complex and the Winter Palace. The complex brings together elements of Mongolia’s state history, Buddhism, fine arts and royal life in the early 20th century, while reflecting the interplay of traditional Mongolian, Tibetan and Chinese architecture with European influences.

Also during National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man’s official visit to Mongolia, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung held a working session with Mongolian First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Development Jadamba Enkhbayar. The two sides agreed to continue promoting substantive cooperation in economy, trade, investment and transport, with a view to taking bilateral trade to a new level; convene the 20th meeting of the Viet Nam–Mongolia Intergovernmental Committee at an early date; soon complete negotiations and internal procedures towards signing a new Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investment; effectively implement signed agreements; and create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Mongolia and the Mongolian community in Viet Nam to live and work in their respective host countries.

With its substantive activities and outcomes, the official visits to the RoK and Mongolia by National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man and his spouse concluded successfully, helping elevate Viet Nam’s cooperation with the RoK and Mongolia to a new level of greater substance, effectiveness and long-term sustainability. The visits also helped strengthen and expand parliamentary cooperation commensurate with the Viet Nam–RoK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Viet Nam–Mongolia Comprehensive Partnership, bringing practical benefits to the people and businesses of each country.