National Assembly speakers visits Hungary and Czech Republic
National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan concluded her visits to Hungary and the Czech Republic, which aimed to further deepen Vietnam’s relations with its traditional partners.
At the meetings with Hungarian leaders, the top Vietnamese lawmaker was informed that that Vietnam was selected as a beneficiary of a framework agreement for EUR440 million credit.
In the Czech Republic, during the meetings between Ngan and the European country’s leaders, both sides affirmed that the visit had contributed to facilitating relations between the two countries’ legislative bodies as well as the traditional friendly ties and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and the Czech Republic.
Party chief visits Central Highlands provinces
General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong paid working visits to the Central Highlands provinces of Gia Lai and Kon Tum, where he urged them to develop high-quality agriculture towards large-scale production.
In Gia Lai, the Party chief emphasised the importance of coordination among the State, scientists, enterprises and farmers to develop the local economy as well as asked the province to focus on building new-style rural areas, protecting the forest and ecological environment.
In Kon Tum, the general secretary suggested the province to conduct research into and expand the production of crops suitable for local soil and climate conditions, contributing to creating jobs and improving the incomes of farmers.
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General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in Kon Tum province
PM urges Kien Giang to bolster Phu Quoc development
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has asked the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang to develop Phu Quoc Island under its jurisdiction into a leading model among three special administrative economic zones of the country.
He said Phu Quoc Island should be developed into a precious, unique and world-class tourism and resort centre, hence attracting more investors and intellectuals, serving as a momentum for the province’s economic development in the time ahead.
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Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and the Kien Giang leadership
ADB urges Vietnam to reform agriculture to boost growth
The Asian Development Bank says in a report that a transformation of Vietnam’s agricultural sector is vital for enhancing growth and enabling Vietnam to graduate to upper-middle-income status.
The ADB also forecasts Vietnam’s economy to expand by 6.5% in 2017 and 6.7% in 2018 as a result of rising activity in the manufacturing, construction, wholesale and retail trade, banking and tourism sectors.
World Bank maintains Vietnam’s growth forecast at 6.3% for 2017
The World Bank keeps its growth forecast for Vietnam at 6.3% for 2017, despite the economy showing signs of losing steam in the first quarter of the year, expanding by only 5.1%.
World Bank Country Director for Vietnam Ousmane Dione said the institution’s forecast for Vietnam was not revised as the drivers of growth such as the manufacturing sector remained stable.
However, the bank warned that delayed implementation of structural and fiscal reforms could increase the country’s macroeconomic vulnerabilities and lower its growth potential.
Conference discusses measures to accumulate land for large-scale agriculture
At a conference held in Vinh Phuc province, Deputy PM Trinh Dinh Dung asked participants to focus on clarifying the urgent needs and the current reality of land accumulation and concentration for large-scale and modern agricultural development, and pointing out difficulties, limitations, causes and lessons learned from the institutionalisation of the Party’s guidelines and policies on agricultural and rural development, including the issue of land accumulation and concentration.
He said land accumulation is necessary but must ensure the interests of the State and subjects participating in agricultural development.
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Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung
Ceremony commemorates soldiers of ancient Hoang Sa Navy
The Feast and Commemoration Festival for Hoang Sa (Paracel) naval soldiers was held on April 12 in An Vinh commune, Ly Son district, the central province of Quang Ngai.
The annual event aims to pay tribute to naval soldiers under the Nguyen Dynasty who travelled to Hoang Sa islands to measure sea routes and erect steles on islands to safeguard national sovereignty over seas and islands as well as utilise natural resources and products to make offerings to the imperial court.
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Bamboo and rattan weaving honoured at Hanoi’s Old Quarter
A wide variety of bamboo and rattan weaving products from Phu Vinh village, Chuong My district, Hanoi, are being displayed at a programme which began on April 14 at Kim Ngan Temple in Hang Bac Street, Hoan Kiem District.
Kim Ngan Temple was transformed into an installation art space, with various products made from bamboo and rattan, including lanterns, paintings, vases, baskets, tables, chairs and decorative boats. They were weaved by talented bamboo and rattan weavers in Phu Vinh trade village.
In addition, visitors to the exhibition can find information introducing the handicraft of bamboo and rattan weaving in Phu Vinh village, from its origin, tools, techniques and outstanding artisans.
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Artisan Nguyen Van Trung introduces stages of bamboo and rattan weaving.
Vietnam qualifies for 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup finals
Vietnam ousted Myanmar 2-0 in its last qualifying match for Group D in Hanoi on April 11 to ensure the group’s solitary ticket to the final round of the 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, scheduled to be held in Jordan from April 7 to 22.
The final tournament will bring together eight teams, including hosts and Group A winners Jordan, 2014 champions Japan, 2014 runners-up Australia, 2014 third-placed team China, Group A runners-up Philippines, Group B winners Republic of Korea, Group C winner Thailand and Group D winner Vietnam.
