Vietnam proposes hosting 14th ICAPP General Assembly in 2028

Vietnam has proposed hosting the 14th General Assembly of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) in 2028 at the 45th Meeting of the ICAPP Standing Committee held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from June 24 to 28.

The meeting brought together representatives from 22 political parties serving on the committee from 17 Asian countries. The delegation of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) was led by Ngo Le Van, member of the Standing Board of the Party Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Addressing the meeting, Van underlined the importance of dialogue, trust building and cooperation for peace, stability and development amid profound changes in the international landscape.

He affirmed that the CPV attaches great importance to Party-to-Party diplomacy and to expanding ties with political parties across the region through multilateral mechanisms, stressing commitment to active and responsible participation in and contributions to ICAPP’s common activities.

The ICAPP leadership and Standing Committee members welcomed Vietnam's proposal, calling it an important milestone that would strengthen ICAPP's role and promote cooperation among Asian political parties. The proposal is expected to be officially announced and endorsed at the 13th ICAPP General Assembly later this year.

Speaking at a special session on Asia's transformation in the digital age, the Vietnamese official stressed that AI has become a key driver of economic growth, social progress, national competitiveness and global governance.

He noted that countries capable of harnessing AI effectively would gain new opportunities for development, while those left behind could face widening development gaps. He therefore emphasised that AI should be viewed not merely as a technological issue but as a strategic priority requiring effective governance, international cooperation, and the participation of political parties, governments, businesses, academia and citizens.

He also highlighted the Politburo Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, which identifies science and technology, innovation and digital transformation as key drivers of national development in a new era, with AI playing a central role in promoting innovation and sustainable growth.

Vietnam proposed enhancing dialogue, building trust, expanding research cooperation, developing human resources, improving digital capacity, and supporting developing countries in participating more deeply in the global AI ecosystem, according to VNA.

The 45th Meeting of the ICAPP Standing Committee is held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from June 24 to 28. (Photo: The Courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

On this occasion, Van had a meeting with with General Secretary of the Mongolian People's Party (MPP) Sodbaatar Yangug.

They exchanged updates on each country’s development strategies and shared the view that the longstanding ties between the two parties provide a solid foundation for expanding bilateral relations, and that economic cooperation should serve as a key pillar.

During a meeting with ICAPP Standing Committee Chairman Chung Eui-yong, the Vietnamese official praised ICAPP’s growing stature and influence, while expressing hope for close coordination in preparations if Vietnam hosts the organisation’s 14th General Assembly in 2028.

Founded in Manila, the Philippines, in September 2000, ICAPP is the largest multilateral forum of political parties in Asia, promoting trust, understanding and cooperation in support of lasting peace and shared prosperity.

Vietnam encourages US firms to expand investment in high-tech sectors: Deputy PM

Vietnam welcomes and encourages US enterprises to expand their investment in high-tech industries and other sectors with high added value, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung said while receiving Jeff Place, Chief Supply Chain Officer of Coherent Corp., in Hanoi on June 26.

Dung praised Coherent’s contributions to Vietnam’s high-tech industries over the past two decades, particularly in the production of optical components, semiconductor materials, precision optical glass and laser solutions serving global supply chains.

He noted that Vietnam aims to achieve double-digit economic growth during the 2026–2030 period, with science and technology, innovation and digital transformation identified as key drivers of growth. To realise this goal, the country is prioritising foreign direct investment (FDI) projects with advanced technologies, strong research and development (R&D) capabilities, close linkages with domestic enterprises, and commitments to workforce development and participation in global value chains.

Regarding the semiconductor sector, Dung said Vietnam is promoting the development of a comprehensive ecosystem, gradually expanding its role in chip design, packaging, testing, materials production and equipment manufacturing, while focusing on high-quality human resources and attracting strategic investors.

At the same time, the country is working to establish semiconductor, electronics and high-tech industrial ecosystems in localities with strong infrastructure, logistics networks, skilled labour and supply-chain connectivity. It also seeks to strengthen supporting industries, enhance the supply of materials and components, and increase localisation rates within high-tech value chains, he said.

The Deputy PM added that Vietnam encourages the development of data centres and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure using advanced, energy-efficient technologies while ensuring cybersecurity and data protection, according to VNA.

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung (R) receives Jeff Place, Chief Supply Chain Officer of Coherent Corp. (Photo: VNA)

He reaffirmed that Vietnam highly values its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the US, noting that cooperation in such areas as trade and investment, science and technology, innovation, the semiconductor industry and digital transformation holds strategic significance and delivers tangible benefits to both countries.

For his part, Place said Coherent has operated in Vietnam for about 25 years and has developed manufacturing facilities that rank among the corporation’s best globally. He affirmed the corporation’s commitment to expanding investment, supporting workforce training and contributing to the development of Vietnam’s semiconductor ecosystem.

Highlighting Coherent’s ability to manage the entire supply chain, from raw materials and manufacturing equipment to complete systems and products, Place said the corporation aims to build a mutually beneficial and sustainable ecosystem in partnership with Vietnam.

He added that Coherent is cooperating with Vietnamese universities in both talent development and research into emerging technologies to promote innovation and strengthen the semiconductor industry.

Expressing his confidence in Vietnam’s investment environment, Place said the corporation is pursuing a long-term development strategy in the country and hopes to help position Vietnam as a key link in the global semiconductor supply chain.

Indian media highlights Vietnam's growing appeal to travelers

As the number of Indian visitors to Vietnam has increased continually in recent years, Indian news portal Indiatvnews has highlighted the key factors behind the country's growing popularity, citing its affordability, improved air connectivity, diverse attractions and hospitality.

According to the June 25 article, affordable hotels, direct flights, easy visas and breathtaking landscapes are making Vietnam one of the most sought-after international destinations for Indian travelers looking for value and unforgettable experiences.

The publication also highlighted that Vietnam has rapidly emerged as one of the most popular international destinations among Indian travelers. From affordable luxury and visa-friendly policies to stunning landscapes and Indian food options, the Southeast Asian nation offers a combination that appeals to both first-time and experienced travelers.

It noted improved flight connectivity, such as direct flights from cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad and Kolkata have made Vietnam more accessible than ever. Reduced travel time and competitive airfares have encouraged more Indians to consider the country for short holidays.

Besides, Vietnam's e-visa system has made travel planning easier for Indian tourists. The streamlined application process removes much of the hassle associated with international travel, cited VOV.

Da Nang city is attracting a growing number of Indian visitors. (Photo: VNA)

The article noted that whether travelers want beach holidays in Da Nang and Phu Quoc, cultural experiences in Hanoi and Hoi An, or natural beauty in Ha Long Bay and Sapa, Vietnam offers diverse experiences within a single trip.

Notably, Indian food is easy to find as the growing number of Indian tourists has led to an increase in Indian restaurants across popular Vietnamese destinations. Vegetarian travelers also find several suitable dining options.

According to Indiatvnews, picturesque locations such as Ha Long Bay, the Golden Bridge, Hoi An's lantern streets and Da Nang's beaches have become social media favorites, inspiring more Indians to add Vietnam to their travel bucket lists.

The publication concluded that Vietnam is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. Its well-developed tourism infrastructure, welcoming locals and organised attractions make it appealing for families, couples and solo travelers alike.

Vietnam reiterates support for victims of Agent Orange/dioxin

Spokeswoman of the Foreign Ministry Pham Thu Hang said that Vietnam supports victims of Agent Orange/dioxin seeking justice.

She made the above statement at a press briefing in Ha Noi on Thursday after the French Court of Cassation held a public hearing for the appeal of Tran To Nga, a French-Vietnamese victim suing 14 U.S. chemical corporations for supplying Agent Orange/dioxin during the Vietnam War.

Decades after the war, the devastating consequences continue to profoundly affect Vietnam and its people, including the longstanding and serious impacts on Agent Orange/dioxin victims, said Pham.

"We strongly support the victims of Agent Orange/dioxin in demanding that the chemical companies that manufactured and supplied Agent Orange to the U.S. military during the war in Vietnam be held accountable for remedying the consequences they have caused," Pham stressed.

This case has so far centered on whether the companies can claim jurisdictional immunity because they acted under contracts with the U.S. Administration, rather than on the merits of the case itself.

Lawyers representing Tran have argued that the defendants are private commercial entities and therefore cannot be shielded by immunity normally reserved for states or bodies exercising sovereign authority, VGP reported.

If the Court of Cassation overturns an August 2024 ruling by the Paris Court of Appeal, which upheld the companies' immunity claims, the case could be sent back to a lower court for reconsideration and, for the first time, open the way for judicial examination of the companies' alleged responsibility for the consequences of Agent Orange.

Statistics showed that around 4.8 million Vietnamese people were exposed to Agent Orange/dioxin during and after the war. Of those, about three million are considered victims, suffering from illnesses, disabilities or birth defects linked to the toxic chemical that was used widely by the U.S. military as defoliant during the war.

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