Vietnam news in brief - October 13

ASEAN issues Ha Long Declaration on Disaster Management

The 10 ASEAN member countries adopted the Ha Long Declaration on Early Action in Disaster Management at the 11th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management on October 12 in Ha Long City, Vietnam's Northern province of Quang Ninh. The conference held on October 8-13 was attended by over 140 international delegates, including ministers from ASEAN member states and regional partners such as Japan, South Korea and China involved in disaster management and response.

Hanoi to celebrate Gender Equality Month in November

A Month of Action for Gender Equality and Prevention of Gender-Based Violence in Hanoi will run from November 15 to December 15, 2023.

This year's campaign, which is part of the municipal government's plans, is aimed to eliminate gender-based violence, ensure gender equality for women and girls and empower them. 

Royal Australian Navy ship visits Vietnam

On October 12, the Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Toowoomba, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Darin MacDonald and a crew of 200, docked at Ho Chi Minh City Port to begin a six-day friendly visit to Vietnam.

The Royal Australian Navy ship's visit to Vietnam is part of the Indo-Pacific Endeavor (IPE) to promote regional friendship and mutual understanding, and further strengthen naval cooperation between the two countries. The visit also demonstrates the strong strategic partnership between Vietnam and Australia, marking 50 years of diplomatic relations.

Vietnam imports more than 826,000 m3 of oil in September

Vietnam imported more than 826,000 m3 of petroleum worth US$783 million in September, down 24.7% in volume and 21% in value from August, the General Department of Customs reported.

Vietnam's top three oil suppliers are South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia, accounting for more than 81% of Vietnam's total oil imports. In the first nine months of 2023, Vietnam imported 3.3 million m3 of petroleum from South Korea, 1.8 million m3 from Singapore, and followed by Malaysia with 1.4 million m3, worth $2.7 billion, $1.5 billion, and $1.1 billion, respectively.

"Vietnam Days in Russia opens

Delegates cut the ribbon at the event's opening ceremony. Photo: VOV

"Vietnam Days in Russia" will take place in Moscow from October 12 to 15.

The event is expected to attract a large number of Russian people and businesses to explore Vietnam through cultural performances, traditional Vietnamese cuisine and culture, and exhibitions of Vietnamese goods, thus strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries. As part of the event, the Vietnam-Russia Business Forum was held with the participation of about 120 representatives of Russian enterprises and organizations and 50 Vietnamese enterprises.

More support to women-owned enterprises in supply chains needed 

Delegates attend the conference on women-owned businesses. Photo: VCCI

Vietnamese women own less than a quarter of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and 51% of businesses are owned by women, which is higher than in other countries, reported at a conference on October 12.

However, women-owned businesses are concentrated at the lowest level of the supply chain in many industries and hard to meet requirements of large companies. Therefore, it's necessary to have policies enhance women's economic empowerment to improve competitiveness of businesses.

Vietnamese companies explore opportunities in Hong Kong

Hong Kong (China) businesses wish to strengthen partnerships with Vietnam and welcome Vietnamese enterprises to visit to explore opportunities, said Lam Sai-hung, Secretary for Transport and Logistics of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. He made the remarks at a meeting on October 12 between 25 Hong Kong political and business leaders and more than 80 Vietnamese companies and associations in the logistics, transportation, warehousing, industrial parks, maritime, aviation and import-export sectors. Last week, Hong Kong (China) hosted representatives from 30 Vietnamese companies looking to expand their business in the market.

FPT announces Hanoi Techday 2023

On October 12, FPT Corporation announced that the 11th FPT Techday 2023 "Engineering Happiness" will be held on October 24-25 at the National Convention Center in Hanoi. The annual international technology event is expected to attract 10,000 visitors, including 2,500 global companies.

FPT Techday 2023 will provide a rare opportunity for the Vietnamese business and technology community to engage in direct dialogue with speakers and executives from billion-dollar companies and leading industry experts from around the world.