Week in review (April 10 - April 17): 13th National Assembly ends final session

1. 13th National Assembly ends final session

The 13th National Assembly concluded its 11th session in Hanoi on Tuesday, after 19 days. Deputies considered and passed seven bills and adopted a resolution ratifying a diplomatic note on the visa agreement between Vietnam and the US. Regarding the election of new high-ranking leaders, the NA elected the top positions including Chairperson of the National Assembly, Chairperson of the National Election Council, State President and Prime Minister. For the first time, the NA Chairperson, the President, the Prime Minister, and the Chief Justice took oaths of office.

Earlier on the same day, legislators looked into government reports on the implementation of the 2015 socio-economic development plan, and plans for 2016-2020. The legislature issued a resolution on the performance of the NA, State President, Government, Prime Minister, Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court, Prosecutor General of the Supreme People’s Procuracy, and State Auditor General during the 2011-2016 tenure.

2. Vietnam, Philippinese strengthen bilateral ties

During his first visit to Vietnam, Philippines Foreign Minister Jose Almendras met with Vietnamese top leaders on Monday in Hanoi. Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc welcomed the Philippines Foreign Minister to Vietnam and urged the two

governments to continue to create favourable conditions for trade and investment, especially in rice trade between the two countries. Minister Jose Almendras also met with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh. The

two leaders agreed to foster the strategic partnership between the two countries. The two foreign ministers urged to co-operate on the establishment of the ASEAN Community and ensure it presents a strong voice to promote peace and security in the East Sea.

3. WTO affirms to support Vietnam’s international integration

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc received WTO Director-General Roberto Azevedo in Hanoi on Friday. At the meeting, the prime minister expressed his hope that the WTO would continue supporting Vietnam during its development process. The WTO Director-General said that Vietnam still holds huge potential for further development as an active member of the WTO. The WTO is ready to augment co-operation with Vietnam, in particular capacity building and training for personnel working for international economic integration. He welcomed Vietnam’s preparations for ratifying TRIPS agreement.

4. Vietnam, EU reach agreement on timber export market

Vietnam and the European Union have agreed that the Vietnam Timber Legality Assurance System will be applied to wood and wood products exported to the EU, and also to other countries and the domestic market. The two sides reached the agreement during their sixth negotiating session on the Voluntary Partnership Agreement on Forest Law Ènorcement (VPA), Governance & Trade (FLEGT) on April 13. The two sides entered negotiations on FLEGT-VPA in October 2010. All FLEGT-licensed timber and timber products from Vietnam will be considered legal, and as such not subject to the requirements of the EU Timber Regulation.

5. Two navy missile ships launched

The Ministry of Defence-owned Ba Son Shipyard held a ceremony to launch 2 missile ships named M5 and M6. M5 and M6 are the third pair of missile ships handed over from Ba Son Shipyard to Vietnam People's Navy, according to the tech transfer contract signed with Russia. They were built in 30 months, 8 months ahead of schedule. The launch of the two modern missile ships is part of the Vietnam People’s Navy upgrading.

6. Hung Kings Temple Festival features colorful activities

The annual Hung Kings’ Temple Festival was held from April 12 to 16 in the northern province of Phu Tho. This year’s event attracted the participation of 6 procession group of different communes in Phu Tho Province. The festival included various activities such as street festivals in Viet Tri city, art performances, firework displays and Xoan singing festival. The annual Hung Kings Temple Festival commemorates the 18 Hung Kings, the founders of the country. In 2012, the worshipping ritual of Hung Kings was recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.