Day: February 24, 2022

World leaders and scholars will gather at an international conference in Hanoi on February 25 to share country experiences for driving policy, finance, and institutional change to deliver a green, clean and inclusive economic rebound from COVID-19 for Vietnam, according to a UNDP official.

Following is an interview UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam Caitlin Wiesen granted to the Vietnam News Agency on the event titled “Green and Inclusive Economic Rebound: Lessons from International Experience”.

1/ The International Conference “Green and Inclusive Economic Rebound: Lessons from International Experience” will take place on 25 February, could you please share the purpose of the Conference?

Vietnam stands at a critical juncture as it seeks to rebound from COVID-19 in ways that generate growth, are job-rich, sustainable, and inclusive.

Vietnam faces three immediate strategic challenges:

(i) Addressing the environmental impact of growth (climate-, disaster-, environmental and health-risks and natural-resource and biodiversity-degradation) by moving towards a resilient and productive economic model focused on nature regeneration and efficient use of resources in a carbon neutral Circular Economy.

(ii) Making growth and sustainability inclusive, including aligning legal frameworks and ensuring policy enforcement to protect the rights of vulnerable groups and ensuring equitable access to basic services and economic opportunities to leave no one behind, to minimize inequality, reduce multidimensional poverty and vulnerability, and to build a fair society for all.

(iii) Prioritizing more sustainable and responsible investments and promoting export competitiveness, including creating low carbon production systems and market niches, by championing innovation and industry 4.0 relevant skills, including for the majority SMEs, as the keys to restarting productivity and income growth, and accessing suitable sources of long- term finance.

In seeking the transformations required to address the three challenges highlighted above, the government recognizes the need for innovation in governance across the whole of government and the whole of society. This includes governance that is anticipatory, adaptive, and agile or Triple A governance. In addressing the efforts needed across a range of sectors and themes, the Conference will bring together global and country development practitioners to share their practical experiences in addressing policy and institutional change in a challenging global context.

As the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources, UNDP is delighted to partner with the Government of Vietnam to host this International Conference, bringing in world leaders and scholars to share country experiences for driving policy, finance, and institutional change to deliver a green, clean, and inclusive economic rebound from COVID-19.

2/ What will be the focus of the Conference?

The Conference provides a platform for policy makers and other stakeholders to share visions, knowledge and best practices relating to green economic stimulus, COVID-19 economic recovery, climate action, circular economy, anticipatory and inclusive governance and green finance and investment.

The Conference will address current fundamental development issues facing Vietnam, including:

– Ensuring green recovery and resilience;

– Strengthening the role of government in accelerating the transition to renewable energy and the circular economy, in line with Viet Nam’s ambitious COP26 commitments;

– Stimulating innovation and preparing the workforce for the jobs of the future; and

– Promoting a sustainable rebound through trade, investment, and innovation.

The one-day conference will have three sessions with keynote addresses and panel discussions. Session 1 will focus on “Green Recovery and Resilience”, what other countries have done to address this set of difficult decisions in the transition to low carbon green and circular economy; and what opportunities are available to prompt countries to transition to clean energy.

Session 2 on “Trade, Investment and Innovation for a Sustainable Rebound” will discuss how Vietnam should adjust its approach to trade agreements and FDI to promote a sustainable and inclusive growth pattern that encourages domestic innovation and productivity.

Session 3 will focus on Strengthening the Role of Government in Accelerating a Green and Inclusive Rebound. Discussion will seek answers to the questions: What can Vietnam learn from the experiences of other countries regarding the synergy between competitive markets and innovative government policies? What policies and governance structures have countries put in place to promote sustainability and inclusion? And How can a mission-oriented approach help Vietnam cope with issues like the Mekong River Delta and endemic poverty in upland and remote regions?

3/ You mentioned that Conference will bring in world leaders and scholars, could you please name some of them?

The International Conference will bring in eminent international and national thought leaders and policymakers. UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner will be delivering a keynote address to the Conference, alongside the Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Binh Minh, Professor Joseph E. Stiglitz the Nobel Memorial Prize economist, UNCTAD Deputy Secretary-General Isabelle Durant, Green Climate Fund’s Executive Director Dr. Yannick Glemarec, University College London’s Professor Mariana Mazzucato, leaders of Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and Ministry of Industry and Trade, and speakers from key development partners and countries including Botswana, India, Indonesia, Korea, Singapore and South Africa, among others.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

ASEAN and Chile have held the third ASEAN-Chile Development Partnership Committee (AC-DPC) Meeting via videoconference.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the development partnership by implementing the Practical Cooperation Areas (PCA) for ASEAN-Chile Development Partnership 2021-2025 which was adopted last year. The PCA serves as a guiding document for engagement and cooperation between ASEAN and Chile.

The February 21 meeting reviewed the implementation of the PCA and noted that in its first year of implementation, 10 out of 26 (or 38 percent) action lines are being addressed or have been addressed. Both sides agreed to explore innovative ways to implement activities.

Both sides exchanged views on the recent developments in ASEAN and Chile, and discussed several priority areas of cooperation such as trade and investment, minerals cooperation, sustainable and renewable energy, including energy efficiency, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), private sector engagement, sustainable forest management and investment in the forestry sector, sustainable salmon sourcing and fish meal circular economy and cooperation in capacity building in the area of digital agreement development.

The meeting was co-chaired by Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Economic Community and Gustavo Ayares Ossandon, Ambassador of Chile to ASEAN. In attendance were the members of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN, officials from the Chilean Embassy in Indonesia and the ASEAN Secretariat.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

The Republic of Korea (RoK) has offered a preferential tax rate of 5 percent for 55,112 tonnes of rice imported from Vietnam, according to the Asia-Africa Market Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

The RoK’s Agro-Fisheries and Food Trade Corp (aT) has issued an international tender to purchase 27,791 tonnes of rice sourced from Vietnam. The rice includes non-glutinous brown long grain and long grain rice.

The deadline for registration to participate in the tender is February 25. Businesses can submit documents directly to the aT or through its electronic bidding system at www.atbid.co.kr. They should deliver five bags of rice samples with 2kg each to the corporation.

The RoK has applied a preferential tax rate of 5 percent for 408,700 tonnes of imported rice since 2020, the department said, adding that the tax rate applied for others is 513 percent.

Particularly, the RoK committed to allocating 388,700 tonnes in line with the country-specific quota for five nations, namely the US, China, Thailand, Australia, and Vietnam. An international tender will be sought for the rest.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

The two-way trade turnover between Vietnam and Singapore is estimated at 1.3 billion USD in the first two months of 2022, up 6.3 percent year-on-year.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, over the past time, the structure of Vietnam’s exports to the Singaporean market is relatively stable with numerous items earning high turnover such as computers, electronic products and components, means of transport and spare parts, phones and accessories, and glass and glass products.

In addition, agricultural and aquatic products are potential commodities that Vietnam has strengths to promote its export to Singapore.

Vietnam is currently Singapore’s fourth biggest exporter of aquatic products, accounting for 12 percent of the country’s total import of this group of commodity.

Meanwhile, Vietnam mainly imports machinery, equipment, tools, spare parts, computers, electronic products, chemicals, and cosmetics from Singapore. In January-February, the import value is estimated at 643 million USD, down 2.3 percent year-on-year.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Vessels Hatakaze and Inazuma of the training squadron of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force arrived at Tien Sa Port on February 24 morning, beginning a visit to the central city of Da Nang.

The ships with nearly 480 officers and sailors onboard were welcomed by representatives of the municipal Department of External Affairs, the Naval Region 3 Command, the Military Region 5 Command, the border guard and military commands of Da Nang, and the External Relations Department of the Ministry of National Defence.

The welcome ceremony was also attended by Japanese Consul General in Da Nang Yakabe Yoshinori, Deputy Consul General Shimonishi Kyoshi, and Deputy Defence Attaché Lieutenant Colonel Hamamoto Michinori from the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam. Colonel II Masaaki, commander of training vessel unit No. 1, said the visit aims to promote exchanges and mutual understanding between the Vietnam People’s Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force, as well as defence cooperation between the two countries.

During the three-day trip, the head of the Japanese delegation will pay courtesy calls to leaders of Da Nang city and the Naval Region 3 Command via videoconference.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

In line with Cambodia’s 2022 chairmanship theme, “ASEAN A.C.T.: Addressing Challenges Together”, ASEAN has declared 2022 as the Year of ASEAN Youth.

Under the online campaign platform #ASEANyouth2022, ASEAN invites young people and partners across the region to amplify messages on their leadership in community development throughout the year.

At the handover ceremony of the ASEAN Chairmanship to Cambodia last year, Prime Minister Hun Sen said, “Cambodia will strengthen the development of human resources to respond to the needs on the ground for community building, promote the participation of women and youth in building and maintaining peace, and develop an inclusive social protection system. Another key priority is strengthening people-to-people bonds to enhance the spirit of One ASEAN Identity.”

The Year of ASEAN Youth will remain consistent with the post-2020 vision of ASEAN youth development, focusing on fostering 21st century skills and digital skills, and the institutionalisation of youth engagement mechanisms, guided by the soon-to-be-published ASEAN Work Plan on Youth 2021-2025.

At least four flagship activities under the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Youth (SOMY) will contribute to the Year of ASEAN Youth 2022, namely the 1st ASEAN Youth Dialogue funded by the Republic of Korea; the 6th ASEAN Youth Video Contest in collaboration with ASEAN Foundation and US PROSPECT; ASEAN Youth Photo Competition; and ASEAN Youth Debate 2022.

Through these events and other youth-led and partner-led initiatives, ASEAN seeks to provide more platforms for young people with various backgrounds and interests to unleash their potentials and play an active role in addressing current challenges.

Towards the end of the year and through a series of consultations with various stakeholders, ASEAN expects to adopt a Leaders’ statement on the Year of ASEAN Youth at the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits in Cambodia.

ASEAN established SOMY in 2002 as a sectoral body consisting of national agencies responsible for youth development. The ASEAN Work Plan on Youth 2021-2025 encompasses five priority areas, which align with the domains of ASEAN youth development index: education, health and well-being, employment and opportunity, participation and engagement, and ASEAN awareness, values and identity.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

The US will increase exchanges and cooperation with Vietnam regarding climate change response in a bid to realise major goals set by the two countries’ leaders at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), said US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry.

Kerry, who is on a Vietnam visit from February 22-25, made the statement at a meeting with Minister of Public Security General To Lam in Hanoi on February 24.

The US official noted the US-Vietnam relationship is on a good track of development across sectors and emphasised that climate change response plays an important role in ensuring environmental and national security.

Vietnam appreciated the determination and role of Joe Biden’s administration and of Kerry himself, and hoped that the US would continue to take the lead in combating climate change and promoting related international cooperation activities, affirmed Lam.

For the implementation of important global goals in the field, the minister asked the US side to clarify commitments that can support Vietnam and to promote the Vietnam-US cooperation in environmental protection and biodiversity conservation serving the development of a green, circular, sustainable and low-carbon economy.

Lam suggested the US assist Vietnam regarding projects and equipment to improve the nation’s capacity of detecting and handling environmental crimes.

The Ministry of Public Security also looks for the US’s support in building a vocational training center for the environmental police forces of Vietnam and ASEAN countries, he added.

On the same day, Kerry also met with Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha, who informed him of Vietnam’s efforts against climate change.

According to the minister, Vietnam has reviewed and completed the national electricity development planning for 2021-2030 with a vision to 2045 in line with the 2050 goal of net zero emissions; developed plans to implement the global declaration on the transition of coal-fired power to clean energy and to reduce methane by 30 percent; and actively facilitated and cleared hurdles for investors in Vietnam’s climate change and renewable energy projects.

Ha hoped Vietnam and the US continue to strengthen collaboration in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change, especially implementing commitments to methane emission reduction.

He recommended the US aid Vietnam in connecting with financial and credit institutions capable of providing financial, professional and technological support for Vietnam to improve capacity in fulfilling its commitments to emission reduction and climate change adaptation.

For his part, Kerry stated climate has become a national interest and security priority of the US.

With countries around the world making joint efforts to address the challenges of climate change, especially after COP26, the US wishes to cooperate with Vietnam in the fields of renewable energy and green economy, he stressed.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Vietnam’s e-commerce has been growing in a robust pace in the wake of COVID-19, fuelling a boom in transport and express delivery services.

It was estimated that Vietnam’s digital economy has been developing at an annual average rate of 38 percent since 2015, higher than the average of 33 percent in Southeast Asia.

The COVID-19 pandemic has given a remarkable push for the revolution of e-commerce in Vietnam, with four leading online marketplaces reportedly expanding around 8 – 50 percent last year, according to a report by the Vietnam E-commerce Association (VECOM).

There was a significant surge in the number of orders on e-commerce sites from June to September last year, when social distancing rules were strictly in place to curb the spread of COVID-19, compared to the same period of 2020. The value of each order was 8 – 10 percent higher than the projected figure at the beginning of the year.

Various express delivery and transport services providers have been founded to meet the increasing demand. As of the end of September 2021, the number of postal service providers in Vietnam had reached 650, up 67 from the end of the previous year, data from the Department of Posts under the Ministry of Information and Communications showed.

The growing competition in the industry has forced many firms to apply the latest technologies and introduce various innovative solutions to gain a bigger market share. One of the industry’s biggest companies – JandT Express – has launched its international shipping services JandT International to reach more customers at home and overseas.

Brand Director Phan Binh said JandT Express has expanded its international freight routes to more than 200 countries and territories. In early January, the company expanded its network to the Middle East, starting in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Vietnamese delivery services companies have been constantly diversifying and upgrading their services to satisfy customers’ specialised needs and provide enriched experience in an effort to heighten their position in the market.

Advanced technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), Digital Twins, and smart and automated warehouse, are lending a helping hand to allow these companies to handle a huge volume of orders with improved service quality every day.

Talking to the Vietnam News Agency, Anh Duc, a resident in Ho Chi Minh City, said he prefers brands which own both offline and online sale channels. For him, those having linkages with reputable transport and delivery services providers are more likely to gain trust among customers and offer them a wide range of products and better experiences.

Source: Vietnam News Agency