Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's speech at the General Debate of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly was welcomed by international friends. The leaders expressed their appreciation for Vietnam's positive and responsible contributions as well as the country's role and position in the region and the world. At his meetings with leaders of the UN and his attendance at events held on the sidelines of the high-level week of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh continued to emphasise Vietnam’s important messages.

Further promote multilateralism

At his meeting with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres at the UN headquarters in New York, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that Vietnam is actively cooperating with UN’s organisations to implement collaboration activities, particularly in ensuring international security, participating in the UN’s peacekeeping missions in hot spots, and transforming to realise SDGs, just energy transition, and social equity.

For his part, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres showed his appreciation for Vietnam's cooperation and support in all prioritised activities of the UN. He shared Vietnam’s viewpoints on upholding multilateralism, bolstering sustainable growth, and reforming international financial architectures to support developing countries.

Both sides reached a high consensus on ensuring compliance to international law and the UNCLOS 1982.

While meeting with President of the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) Dennis Francis, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to and supports the United Nations (UN)’s central role in the global administration system in order to cope with current big common challenges. He stressed that Vietnam commits to actively contributing to major priorities of UNGA 78, including the consolidation of peace through enhancing trust, fostering cooperation, easing tensions between powers, strengthening solidarity, promoting multilateralism, reforming international financial institutions towards more equality, and realising the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

He held that a global, all-people and comprehensive approach is needed to tackle such challenges, and affirmed that Vietnam supports and is resolved to implement the SDGs and respond to climate change, especially the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

For his part, President of UNGA 78 Dennis Francis spoke highly of the UN-Vietnam relations as well as Vietnam’s active and dynamic role, and increasing position. He also commended Vietnam’s achievements in poverty reduction and national development, noting that its experience in this field should be shared with the world, and spoke highly of the country’s cooperation in the SDGs implementation, climate change response, and food security.

Breakthrough solutions required to cope with climate change

While attending the Climate Ambition Summit held at the UN headquarters, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed that climate change remains the biggest global challenge directly impacting and taking a heavy toll on economic development, social security, and people’s safety and health.

 A global and universal approach with breakthrough, general, comprehensive, and innovative solutions is required for coping with climate change, he opined, calling for faster, stronger, and more responsible actions to minimise the global temperature rise.

- PRIME MINISTER PHAM MINH CHINH

He proposed a new vision, a new mindset, new determination, and drastic actions be made to secure green development and net zero emissions, while just energy transition be accelerated. He also asked developed countries and international organisations to assist developing and underdeveloped ones with green technology, green finance, green management, and green human resource training.

He suggested building new-generation partnerships and stepping up the mobilisation of green climate finance via the public-private partnership format. He said developed countries and international partners should double finance for adaptation activities by 2025, and put the Loss and Damage Fund into operation at the coming 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) as committed.

Vietnam is one of the 30 countries having submitted the nationally determined contributions (NDC) plans and also one of the three first developing nations joining the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). It is also working with international partners to draft a resource mobilisation plan to be announced at COP28 with the hope of turning this partnership into a model helping promote just energy transition worldwide, he went on.

He affirmed that Vietnam is determined to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and, with the international community’s adequate assistance, to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions by 43.5% by 2030 and raise the rate of renewable energy to over 70% by 2050.

While hosting US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, the Vietnamese Government leader proposed that the US continue backing Vietnam's efforts to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and implement the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), especially in developing the renewable energy industry.

For his part, Kerry affirmed that the US appreciates its relationship with Vietnam and supports the country's leadership role in global efforts to respond to climate change. He said the US will continue strengthening cooperation with and support for developing countries, including Vietnam, to cope with climate change, with a focus on developing clean energy, smart grid systems, and sustainable infrastructure. He expressed his desire to further reinforce cooperation with the country to fulfil commitments made at the 26th United Nations Climate Conference (COP26) and future conferences of parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Sharing in global health issues

The UN High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, which is an initiative of Vietnam in coordination with some key countries, aims to devise effective solutions in preparing for, preventing, detecting, and responding to health emergencies.

At the meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called on the international community to take action with a global and all-people approach and solutions. The PM emphasised that international cooperation and solidarity are decisive in improving the capacity to prevent and respond to epidemics, especially in developing countries.

Highlighting Vietnam’s efforts in joining hands with the international community to share information and experience in a timely and effective manner to cope with epidemics, the Government leader emphasised Vietnam’s support for appealing to the international community to list global health security as a priority in the agenda so as to prevent, prepare for, and effectively respond to epidemics in a timely manner. He also underlined the spirit of giving the top priority to caring for and protecting people’s health and life to achieve sustainable development and leave no one behind.

On the occasion, PM Chinh thanked and highly valued countries and international organisations, including the World Health Organisation, for their effective cooperation and assistance for Vietnam, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The meeting approved by consensus a political declaration on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. It decided to hold another UN high-level meeting on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response in 2026 to comprehensively review the declaration implementation.

PM Pham Minh Chinh also held talks and had a working lunch with major US investors and leading US and global technology and aeronautics firms.

During the meeting with Apple leaders, PM Pham Minh Chinh proposed that the company expand cooperation and investment in Vietnam, serving as a bridge for US businesses and Apple’s partners to increase investment in Vietnam; support Vietnamese businesses to enhance their production capacity to increase their competitiveness and participate in the global supply chain; and support Vietnam to develop an ecosystem of innovation and digital transformation and promote the transfer of new technologies.

Meeting with Boeing leaders, the PM asked Boeing to expand its manufacturing and supply chain in Vietnam and soon build its maintenance facility in the country while supporting Vietnamese partners in personnel training and technology transfer so that they can participate more deeply in Boeing's supply chain.

For Google, the Vietnamese leader affirmed his support for Google to expand its investment in Vietnam and called for Google’s continued support for Vietnam’s National Innovation Centre and cooperation in digital transformation training for Vietnamese firms.

While meeting with leaders of Siemen Healthineers, PM Pham Minh Chinh spoke highly of the corporation’s plans to support Vietnam’s healthcare sector, especially digitalisation solutions in healthcare. He asked the company to soon invest in the production of hi-tech medical equipment in Vietnam and increase technology transfer to Vietnamese partners.

On the occasion, PM Pham Minh Chinh witnessed the exchange of investment agreements between firms of the two countries in the fields of industrial park development, green growth support, production and distribution of pharmaceuticals, and human resources training in semiconductors.

During his working trip in the US, PM Pham Minh Chinh had a seminar and a working dinner with leaders of multinational businesses and leading US investment funds in New York. The Vietnamese government leader asked for experience sharing, policy consultations, and participation from global firms and investment funds in the building, investment, and development of a financial centre in Vietnam.

PM Pham Minh Chinh visited the Nasdaq Stock Market and rang the bell to open a trading session, met with its leading officials along with representatives from several businesses introduced by Nasdaq. He called on US businesses to increase investment in Vietnam in priority areas such as startups, innovation, science and technology, education and training, digital transformation, green transformation, circular economy, sharing economy and energy transition.

Noting that Vietnam’s stock market is growing, the PM expressed his hope that Nasdaq will strengthen cooperation with the State Securities Commission of Vietnam and other relevant agencies on the basis of mutual benefit.

Nasdaq leaders expressed their honour to welcome PM Pham Minh Chinh to visit the exchange and ring the session-opening bell. They stated that they highly agreed with the Vietnamese leader on working together to promote innovation startups and are committed to promoting capital sources to support startup activities in Vietnam.

Also on the occasion, Nasdaq and the State Securities Commission of Vietnam signed a letter of intent to continue promoting an increasingly close, effective and sustainable relationship between the two sides.

PM Pham Minh Chinh also visited the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and rang the bell to open a trading session at NYSE.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited Silicon Valley and major US technology companies such as Nvidia — a leading semiconductor chip producer; Synopsys — an electronic design automation company; and Meta Platforms — a technology multinational running Facebook, Instagram, Threads and WhatsApp.

He asked Nvidia to further increase cooperation with and expand investment in Vietnam in the fields that match its strength and the country’s priorities, as well as provide policy advice and assist with the training of human resources and the improvement of technological and governance capacity, thus helping Vietnam engage more deeply in global supply chains. He also expressed his hope that it will open a factory in Vietnam and make the country its centre in Southeast Asia.

PM Pham Minh Chinh called on Synopsys to continue expanding its production chains and supply chains in Vietnam while implementing technological, management, and financial measures to help the country grow in a rapid and sustainable manner. In particular, he asked Synopsys to assist with the development of Vietnam’s National Innovation Centre (NIC); take part in the training of high-quality human resources, including manpower for the semiconductor industry; and continue recruiting Vietnamese people in the US.

On the occasion, in the presence of PM Chinh and officials of the two countries, Synopsys signed two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) on cooperation in developing integrated circuit manpower in Vietnam and supporting the development of the semiconductor industry in the country.

PM Pham Minh Chinh called on Meta to supply more technological solutions and transfer more technologies to Vietnam; boost financial cooperation to develop science - technology, innovation and digital transformation; and cooperate in preventing cyber-crimes and protecting cyber safety and security.

Speaking at the meeting with members of the Vietnam Innovation Network in the US, PM Pham Minh Chinh emphasised that innovation is a global trend, so it is necessary to promote domestic and international cooperation to create strength. The PM expressed his hope that members of the network will continue staying united and inspire innovation and creativity for others.

Also, at a working lunch with CEOs of leading US semiconductor corporations within the framework of the trip, PM Pham Minh Chinh suggested that US businesses continue to cooperate and invest more in Vietnam in all stages such as infrastructure, technology transfer, design, production organisation, distribution, as well as human resources training.

On this occasion, the PM witnessed the exchange of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the implementation of activities to boost the semiconductor chip designing and developing capacity in Vietnam between the National Innovation Centre (NIC) under the Ministry of Planning and Investment and Cadence Design Systems; an MoU on developing human resources for the semiconductor industry in Vietnam between the NIC and Arizona State University; and another on developing human resources for hi-tech industries between the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training and Intel.

Expanding cooperation in many fields

Also during his official visit to Brazil, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with leaders of the National Congress of Brazil, some Brazilian political parties and friendship organizations, and delivered a speech at the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Prime Minister also met with the Vietnamese community in Brazil, attending a ceremony to open a photo exhibition on President Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnamese land and people. He chaired discussions with Brazilian businesses and visited some leading Brazilian firms, including Embraer S.A., a Brazilian multinational aerospace corporation.

During a meeting with General Secretary of the Brazil – Vietnam Friendship Association Pedro de Olivera and its members in the capital Brasilia, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh thanked the Brazilian Government and people for their valuable supports for Vietnam during their past struggle for national liberation as well as the current cause of national construction and protection. The Prime Minister acknowledged the contributions of the Brazil-Vietnam Friendship Association to the continuous development of Vietnam-Brazil relations.

According to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, the potential for development cooperation between Vietnam and Brazil is still very large. The Prime Minister proposed that the Brazil-Vietnam Friendship Association continue to enhance delegation exchange; promote people-to-people exchange activities, cultural, educational and sports exchange activities, especially football and tourism; promote deeper and more effective cooperation in many fields.

At a meeting with representatives of the Vietnamese community in Brazil and some South American countries, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed, that the Vietnamese community abroad is an inseparable part and a resource of the country. Therefore, the Party and State always have responsibility and efforts to protect the legitimate and legal rights of people. The Prime Minister expressed his wish for the Vietnamese community to continue socio-economic development and spread Vietnamese spirit and culture; always look forward to the homeland, do business legally, obey the local laws, and provide a bridging relationship between the two countries.

At a discussion with Brazilian businesses, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh assessed, that the political relationship between our two countries is very good, but trade and investment relations are still not comparable, as there is still a lot of room for cooperation that has yet to be tapped. The PM urged Brazilian businesses and their Vietnamese counterparts to foster understanding and fill gaps in information. Regarding the fact that the two nations are far away, the PM said geographical distance is no longer a major obstacle nowadays, as aviation and maritime services are developing rapidly and Vietnam has many international transhipment ports. Both countries have products that can complement each other, with Vietnam exporting footwear, leather, textiles, farm produce and more to Brazil, while Brazil's main exports to Vietnam include ore and minerals, cotton, animal feed, and raw materials, as well as accessories for the textile, garment, and footwear industries.

The Prime Minister also said Vietnam is currently focusing on three strategic breakthroughs: perfecting market economic institutions with a socialist orientation; administrative reform, training high-quality human resources, meeting the labour needs of the new era; and developing infrastructure, especially transportation and telecommunications infrastructure, to help businesses reduce input costs and increase competitiveness.

Affirming that Vietnam fully supports the opening of the Brazilian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam, PM Pham Minh Chinh requested Brazilian and Vietnamese businesses to further promote the transfer of science and technology, and strengthen connections to develop together. With the current atmosphere of good bilateral political relations, the PM hoped that more and more Brazilian enterprises would invest and do business in Vietnam using the ‘win-win’ spirit, based on the principle of ‘harmonious benefits, shared risks.'

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's visit to Brazil opens up new directions in promoting cooperation, deepening the comprehensive partnership, and identifying specific projects and areas of cooperation, thereby continuing to ensure Vietnam-Brazil relations are in-depth, substantive and effective, especially economic, trade and investment cooperation. In particular, Brazil has the potential to be the gateway for Vietnam to enter Latin American markets, while Vietnam is the gateway for Brazil to enter ASEAN and Asian countries. They also expect to bridge trade cooperation between the South Common Market (MERCOSUR) and ASEAN.

Receiving President of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel, who is also First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba, PM Chinh affirmed that the Party, State, Government, National Assembly, and people of Vietnam have never forgotten Cuba’s wholehearted assistance for Vietnam’s struggle for national liberation, always treasure and stay determined to further intensify the traditional solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, and support the just revolutionary cause of the Cuban people.

President Miguel Diaz-Canel said Cuba-Vietnam relations form a noble symbol of comradeship and close-knit friendship. He thanked the Vietnamese Government and people for the precious support for Cuba to weather difficulties caused by the embargo and sanctions and pledged to direct Cuban ministries and sectors to work more closely with Vietnam to promote bilateral economic, investment, and trade ties, with a focus on agriculture to guarantee food security.

Talking to his Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin, PM Chinh pointed out four focuses that should be promoted, namely effectively carrying out the action plan for implementing the enhanced strategic partnership for 2022 - 2027; further opening their markets and providing more favourable conditions for both sides’ businesses so as to achieve the trade target of 25 billion USD in a balanced and mutually beneficial manner; enhancing cooperation in education - training, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges; and maintaining close coordination at multilateral mechanisms, especially ASEAN.

PM Thavisin agreed with his counterpart’s opinions, adding that Thailand wishes to join Vietnam in bolstering collaboration in trade, investment, tourism, infrastructure connectivity, and locality-to-locality ties. He also suggested Vietnam consider opening more direct air routes to Thailand.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also had meetings with several leaders of European countries: Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, Polish President Andrzej Duda, Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar, and Finnish President Sauli Niinisto. At the meetings, he stated that Vietnam attaches great importance to developing traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with partners in Europe and thanked the countries for supporting Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Prime Minister proposed that Vietnam and these countries increase contact and delegation exchange and continue to create breakthroughs in trade and investment to promote the practical bilateral relations, commensurate with the potential and advantages of each country.

Meeting with Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, PM Chinh said the two countries need to boost cooperation in labour and education - training, which are their traditional cooperation fields, and share experience in the sustainable management of the Mekong and Danube deltas. PM Chinh also hoped Finland to create favourable conditions for Vietnam’s export goods, such as agricultural products, footwear, and textiles. The PM also asked countries to continue to effectively implement the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EUFTA) and soon complete the ratification of the European Union-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) as well as urging the European Commission (EC) to soon remove the illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing “yellow card” for Vietnam’s fisheries sector.

European leaders all appreciated the positive developments in relations between European countries with Vietnam and the results of Vietnam’s socio-economic recovery and development. President Klaus Iohannis affirmed that Romania will work to further promote all-round ties with Vietnam, especially in economics, trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, such that bilateral relations match the development of the countries’ ties.

Polish President Andrzej Duda expressed his special attention to fostering economic ties and perceived that there remains much cooperation potential in education - training, information technology, health care, pharmaceutical, and agriculture. He also asked for the Vietnamese Government’s support for Polish businesses to invest in the Southeast Asian nation.

Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar said Slovenia always views Vietnam as one of its priority partners in Southeast Asia, and that it will bolster their multifaceted cooperation. She also asked both sides to enhance cooperation in some potential areas such as labour, science - technology, natural resource protection, pharmaceuticals, and environmental protection.

Finnish President Sauli Niinisto expressed his hope that the two countries will not only promote bilateral cooperation but also serve as bridges linking Finland with ASEAN, Vietnam with the EU, and ASEAN with the EU.

At the meetings, PM Chinh and the other leaders affirmed that their countries will continue to strengthen cooperation and mutual support at multilateral forums, including the United Nations, and step up coordination within ASEAN and EU cooperation mechanisms.

Published: September 2023
Production manager: CHU HONG THANG – PHAM TRUONG SON
Content: SON NINH – THANH THE - QUANG HUY
Design: TRUNG HUNG
Translation: NDO
Photo: NDO, VNA, VGP
Design: MANH HA

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