Vietnam and Germany strengthen cooperation

Vietnam is eager to learn from Germany’s experience in national governance, including budgetary and financial governance, a National Assembly official said.

Nguyen Duc Kien, National Assembly Vice Chairman, met with Vice Chairman of the German Parliament’s Budgetary Committee Herbert Frankenhauser and his entourage in Hanoi on April 1.

Kien suggested that Vietnam and Germany should pay more attention to boosting cooperation in education, science and technology along with intensifying economic, trade and investment ties.

He spoke highly of Germany’s role and position in Europe and the world, expressing thanks for its provision of assistance to Vietnam in various fields, notably in the fight against poverty and during the course of implementing millennium development goals.

The German official confirmed that his country attached importance to promoting its ties with Vietnam.

Recognising developments in the two countries’ relations, the official expressed hope that bilateral cooperation, including that between the law-making bodies, would grow more strongly in the future.

He said he was happy to notice robust economic growth of Vietnam in general and Hanoi, in particular, and pledged to continue supporting Vietnam in developing education, training, science and technology, and in reforming its financial system.

The German official agreed with Mr Kien that both countries should increase their exchange visits and the sharing of experience.

He said following the visit he will talk with the German Parliament’s Tourism Committee about Vietnam’s tourism potential and seek ways to boost bilateral cooperation in the field.

Vietnam, Belarus trade unions enhance cooperation

Vice Chairman of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) Hoang Ngoc Thanh on April 1 greeted Belarus Chairman of Minsk City Association of Trade Unions, Nicolay Belanovsky, who is visiting Vietnam from March 29 to April 3.

At the meeting, both sides exchanged information on their socio-economic situations and trade union activities, while discussing detailed issues of mutual concern, including the signing of collective labour contracts, housing for workers and trade unions in foreign-invested enterprises.

Vice Chairman Hoang Ngoc Thanh expressed his pleasure over the two countries’ relations as well as the improvements and developments of the two trade unions.

He reviewed bilateral agreements including a cooperative agreement between Belarus Trade Union University and Hanoi Trade Union University.

He said he hoped that Belarus trade unions in general and Minsk City Association of Trade Unions in particular will enhance cooperation with various Vietnamese localities and boost relations between the two trade unions.

Chairman Nicolay Belanovsky said the two countries’ trade unions shared many things in organisation as well as course of actions to support each other to develop.

During the visit, the Minsk City trade unions delegation will also held a working session with Hanoi Labour Federation.

NA candidates undergo vote of confidence

Localities nationwide by March 31 had accomplished the vote of confidence for candidates to the upcoming 13th National Assembly.

Head of the Vietnam Fatherland Front’s Democracy and Law Department Nguyen Ngoc Dinh reported on April 1 that 179 out of 183 candidates introduced by central agencies won 100 percent of the votes of confidence, while four gained 87 percent to 98 percent of the votes.

Eighty-two people nominated themselves for the 13th National Assembly, including 30 in Hanoi, 22 in Ho Chi Minh City and the remaining 30 from 20 other cities and provinces.

As many as 1,088 people are due to run for the 13th National Assembly, including 183 candidates introduced by central agencies and 905 candidates nominated by provinces and cities.

Of the candidates, 201 were non-Party members, 388 females, and 173 ethnic minority people.

The third round of consultation conferences will take place in mid-April to adopt the official list of candidates.