“I first began reading The Saigon Times during my earlier posting at the Consulate-General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City, from 1994 to 1998. Those were exciting times, with Vietnam opening up under the Doi Moi reforms and many Japanese companies were establishing their presence in southern Vietnam. As an officer responsible for economic affairs at the Consulate-General in those days, I found the up-to-date information The Saigon Times provided on Vietnam’s economy truly invaluable — and I am sure the Japanese business community here shared that sentiment.
HCMC - Vietnam's State President Vo Van Thuong met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry in a series of meetings in San Francisco on November 16 (local time).
In his meeting with Prime Minister Ibrahim, President Thuong discussed the strengthening of bilateral ties, with a particular emphasis on trade and investment. He expressed gratitude for Malaysia's warm reception during his July visit and called for collaborative efforts to achieve an US$18 billion bilateral trade target.
President Thuong also proposed Malaysian support for Vietnamese businesses in producing and exporting Halal products to Malaysia, as well as assistance in calling on the European Union to lift restrictions on Vietnam's seafood industry.
Prime Minister Ibrahim shared the sentiment, emphasizing Malaysia's commitment to multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam, particularly in economic, trade, and investment areas. They also discussed plans to enhance workforce training and maintain close cooperation in regional and international forums.
In a separate meeting with U.S. Climate Envoy John Kerry, President Thuong acknowledged the positive outcomes of the active implementation of high-level agreements following President Joe Biden's visit to Vietnam, emphasizing the deepening of the Vietnam-U.S. relationship.
Vietnam’s President Vo Van Thuong (R) discusses increased cooperation, particularly in climate change and energy transition, with U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry at the APEC30 - PHOTO: VNA
President Thuong highlighted Vietnam's commitment to green growth and a net-zero emissions target by 2050, as outlined in the National Power Development Plan for 2021-2030. Kerry appreciated Vietnam's efforts and pledged continued U.S. support in enhancing climate resilience, pollution control, and sustainable resource management.
The U.S. climate envoy emphasized support for Vietnam's endeavors to achieve net-zero emissions and assured cooperation in the lead-up to the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28).
President Thuong led the Vietnamese delegation responding to President Joe Biden's invitation to the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC30) Summit.
The APEC30 Summit, which took place in San Francisco from November 11 to 17 with a theme of "Creating a resilient and sustainable future for all," focused on connectivity, economic prosperity, and innovation.
It marked the 30th anniversary of APEC meetings in the U.S. and the 25th anniversary of Vietnam's APEC membership.
“I first began reading The Saigon Times during my earlier posting at the Consulate-General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City, from 1994 to 1998. Those were exciting times, with Vietnam opening up under the Doi Moi reforms and many Japanese companies were establishing their presence in southern Vietnam. As an officer responsible for economic affairs at the Consulate-General in those days, I found the up-to-date information The Saigon Times provided on Vietnam’s economy truly invaluable — and I am sure the Japanese business community here shared that sentiment.
