France increases efforts to promote teaching of French in Vietnam

Wed, 05/23/2001 - 00:19



Ha Noi, May 21 (VNA) -- The French Government will grant French Francs 13 million to support the teaching of French as a second language in Vietnamese secondary schools for the next three years.

To this effect, French Ambassador to Viet Nam, Serge Degallaix, and Vietnamese Education and Training Minister Nguyen Minh Hien signed an agreement in Ha Noi May 21.

Bumper harvest but price drop

Wed, 05/23/2001 - 00:16



Ha Noi, May 22 (VNA) -- Favourable weather has so far indicated the likelihood of a bumper winter-spring harvest and a record fish catch, but a sharp drop in prices has dampered farmers' hope for an increase in income.

This year, almost 3 million ha of winter-spring rice will be harvested across the country, an increase of more than 10,000 ha over the corresponding period last year. Yields are higher than the previous crops. Increases in yields and output are also expected for maize and other food crops.

Government maps out path toward free trade

Wed, 05/23/2001 - 00:14



Ha Noi, May 22 (VNA) -- The Ministry of Trade (MoT) has issued for the first time a long-term decision setting out its trade policies for 2001-05, making it easier for both enterprises and State agencies to formulate their inmport and export strategies.

Trade Minister Vu Khoan has said that the decision is a positive step that will help domestic firms prepare for the process of regional and international integration.

He said the decision will also reduce excessive bureaucracy and increase transparency in allocating quotas.

Vietnam calls for early ratification of trade agreement (BTA)



Ha Noi, May 23 (VNA) -- Viet Nam has reiterated its stance that undue delay in ratification of the bilateral trade agreement (BTA) with the U.S. would harm the interests of entrepreneurs and hinder the normal development of relations between the two countries.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung told delegates at the opening ceremony of the ongoing ninth session of the National Assembly on May 23 that the BTA would be of mutual benefit.

Gov't supports software human resources development

Mon, 05/21/2001 - 00:51



Ha Noi, May 21 (VNA) -- The Government has agreed in principle to the use of India's loan of 230 million rupees (about USD 5 million) to build two human resources training centres for the software industry in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City.

A decision to this effect has been signed by Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Manh Cam.

The two centres will be built by the Ha Noi University of Technologies and the Ho Chi Minh City Science, Technology and Environment Service under the management of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment.

Vietnam reafirms sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa

Thu, 05/17/2001 - 16:37


VIET NAM REAFFIRMS SOVEREIGNTY OVER HOANG SA AND TRUONG SA


Ha Noi, May 17 (VNA) -- Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Phan Thuy Thanh on Thursday, May 17, described as violating Viet Nam's sovereignty any move made by other countries towards its archipelagos of Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly).

Vietnam, Mexico sign agreement scientific and tech. cooperation

Wed, 05/16/2001 - 19:55



Ha Noi, May 16 (VNA) -- Viet Nam and Mexico have signed a framework agreement on bilateral scientific and technological cooperation for the next five years.

Under the agreement, the first ever so far between the two countries, both countries will exchange delegations of scientists; organize conferences, seminars, and training courses; and coordinate in conducting research works. The two will also cooperate in medical and biological research, environmental protection, natural resource management, agricultural biotechnology, and afforestation.

ASEAN Deputy Foreign Ministers meet in Hanoi

Wed, 05/16/2001 - 19:47



Ha Noi, May 16 (VNA) -- Deputy foreign ministers from ten member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met in Ha Noi on May 15 and 16 to discuss preparations for the upcoming regional conferences.

Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Le Cong Phung chaired the meeting.

Discussions focused on the 34th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM 34), the eighth ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF 8), and the Post Ministerial Conference with ASEAN dialogue partners (PMC), scheduled to be held in Ha Noi in July.

ASEAN tourism working group meets in Hanoi

Wed, 05/16/2001 - 19:45



Ha Noi, May 16 (VNA) -- Representatives of national tourism agencies from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the ASEAN Secretariat met in Ha Noi on May 16 for the fourth meeting of the ASEAN Tourism Service Working Group.

They agreed on the scale for tourism services, focusing on hotel room arrangement, meal services in restaurants, and drinking services without entertainment.

They also made a commitment to removing restrictions in the provision of across-border services and outbound services in the immediate future.

Pressing solutions to support seven keey exports items

Wed, 05/16/2001 - 19:43


Ha Noi, May 16 (VNA) -- Seven key export items, including rice, coffee, garments-leather footwear, fine arts and handicraft articles, aquatic produce, vegetables and fruit, and meat, are expected to be given financial support from the Government.

A proposal to this effect from the Trade Ministry has been submitted to Prime Minister Phan Van Khai for approval.

According to the proposal, the Trade Ministry will increase direct subsidies through the Export Support Fund.

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