On August 8 1967, the Association of Southeast Asia Nations was established, giving birth to a comprehensive regional cooperation organization, an united and dynamic political-economic entity.

ASEAN has become an indispensable partner of the countries and major centers in the world, is the most important factor for maintaining a peaceful environment, security and cooperation for development in the region.

As a member of ASEAN, Vietnam has always shown the responsibility, has actively participated and contributed to the policy formulation as well as the implementation of the cooperation agreements of the Association.

ASEAN has transformed from a loosely connected organization, which included only six countries, to become the 10-countries ASEAN in Southeast Asia, a cohesive community with institution and Charter. That is a huge tranform in both the organization and the nature.

ASEAN's external relations have been developing totally different than in the past because of the more participation and engage of the countries, especially big countries.

ASEAN has promoted the leading role, building cooperation structures in the region and contributed importantly to maintain peace, stability and cooperation in the region.

Especially the end of 2015, with the efforts of the member countries, ASEAN has officially formed the Community. This is really a milestone in the history of the ASEAN’s development.

Since joining ASEAN in date July 281995, Vietnam has had important marks and contributions.

Firstly, Vietnam has actively participated and contributed to the process of developing and implementing important policies to guide ASEAN cooperation as well as the cooperation between ASEAN and outside.

Recently, Vietnam has actively contributed in the formation of the ASEAN Community through the efforts implemented in practice as well as the contributions to build steps of ASEAN development in the next 10 years (2020 vision).

Secondly, Vietnam has actively contributed in maintaining intra-regional solidarity, promoted regional self-reliance and the central role of ASEAN in the evolving regional structure formation. At the ASEAN’s conferences and forums, Vietnam has always demonstrated its role in this regard.

Thirdly, Vietnam has made important contributions in maintaining an peaceful environment and security in the region, including ensuring peace, security and safety of navigation in the East Sea (or the South China Sea). This is also an outstanding contribution of Vietnam that is highly appreciated by other countries.

Since the formation of the ASEAN Community by the end of 2015, ASEAN has implemented the plans of the ASEAN Community in 2025. This process has also recorded Vietnam with marks of positive contributions.

2016 is the first year in implementing the ASEAN Vision 2025 and the community plans on the three pillars of politics-security, economic and socio-cultural.

Besides, the ASEAN countries are actively completing the Master Plan for the connection from now on to 2025 and the Action Plan for ASEAN Integration Initiative on narrowing the development gap for the period the next period. This process is expected to be fully completed before the ASEAN Summit in Laos in September, therefore the ASEAN leaders can review and adoption at the Summit.

This will also be the ASEAN countries’ plans that will be implemented in the near future.

Overall, with the policy that highly respects the role of ASEAN and the active and positive spirit, Vietnam has being contributed actively to the above process. /.

Charlie Hebdo's satirical cartoon

 A Muslim extremist sent words of threat to slaughter Charlie Hebdo, a French satirical magazine, after the magazine published a caricature of Islam.

Recently, Charlie Hebdo published a brochure with a cover cartoon of a Muslim man and a Muslim woman. In the cartoon, the woman is wearing a headscarf and the man has long beards, Islamic style.

However, both of them are naked and smiling and dancing freely, along with the caption “Musulmans de-cents-CEZ-vous” which means “The reforms of Muslim. Muslim has opened”. The cartoon has even posted as the avatar of Charlie Hebdo’s Facebook page.

Right after the brochure was published, the magazine’s staffs have received a lot of hand-writing letters, threatening that: “You will die.” Immediately, Charlie Habdo had to call Paris police for protection, and added that they have been threatening since the beginning of the summer.

At the moment, the cartoon has sparked a critical wave in France. It also turns France into targets of Muslim extremist forces’ attacks.

As we known, this French satirical magazine has been in trouble a lot of times because of publishing provocative cartoons related to sensitive matters. For example, drawing caricatures of drought Syrian children being washed ashore in the refugee journey, or satire about migration crisis in Europe...

However the international does not seem to feel funny to see these caricatures. Otherwise, they has sparked outrage to the public and been targets of terrorists’ attacks.

Remember that, January 7 2015, the headquarters of Charlie Hebdo magazine in Paris was attacked by armed terrorists, 12 people were killed, 11 people were wounded including 4 people were in bad injure. The terrorists announced that the attack was in revenge for the magazine’s publishing of caricatures insulting the Prophet Mohammed.

After the attack, the magazine’s staffs had been working under the protection of the police. And now, after the latest cartoon was published, the staffs have received consecutively 60 threatening letters, prompting a massacre again in France in future.

The US Department of State on August 10 released the 2015 International Religious Freedom Report, which judges other countries’ internal affairs.

Although noting Vietnam’s positive action to safeguard freedom of religion and belief, the report indicates views that lack goodwill about Vietnam.

In its report, the US State Department acknowledges the Vietnamese government’s efforts in protecting freedom of religion and belief, including its collection of public opinions about a draft law on belief and religion.

The report quotes religious leaders in Vietnam as saying that religious freedom is expanding with an increasing number of organizations recognized by the government.

But, as usual, the State Department continues to slander Vietnam for violent acts, detention, prosecution, travel restrictions, refusal to license some religious groups, and obstruction of religious groups’ activities in education and healthcare.

The Department says Vietnam allows limited freedom of religion and that authorities continue to obstruct activities of unlicensed religious groups.

Vivid evidence of religious freedom in Vietnam

Vibrant religious practice and the rule of law in protecting human rights in Vietnam mean the strongest denial of the US Department of State’s biased assessment.

In term of policy making, Vietnam has compiled a draft Law on Belief and Religion to replace the Ordinance on Belief and Religion, and added new content that match the reality of religious practice in Vietnam.

The draft law stipulates “everybody” instead of “citizens” is entitled to the imprescriptible right to freedom of religion or belief. The coercion of following or abandoning a religion, or abuse of religious freedom to harm the State, citizens, and rights of religious organizations is prohibited. The draft law is viewed as more open than the previous legal documents.

The Law on Belief and Religion will create better legal corridor for religious, belief activities in Vietnam. Public opinions on the draft law are being collected before the draft is submitted to the National Assembly’s approval.

Freedom of religion and belief has long been ensured, and the right to freely practice religion is protected. Christmas, Buddha’s birthday and other religious festivals take place annually, attracting the participation of hundreds of thousands of followers.

Some major religious events have become a common festival of all people, reflecting the harmony of religion and life and a united Vietnamese nation. Thanks to its rich religious life, Vietnam has become a host venue of important events for religious followers all over world like the International Day of Vesak celebration, also known as Buddha Day, and the plenary assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences.

Correct assessment of religious situation to develop Vietnam-US relations

Vietnam is home to many ethnic groups and religions and is a rare country that has seen a harmony between religions. The State has recognized 39 religious organizations with about 24.3 million followers, accounting for 27% of Vietnam’s population.

There are 53,000 religious dignitaries and 27.900 worshiping facilities. Religious organizations play an important role in realizing the Party’s guidelines and the State’s policies.

Religious followers have taken part in building administrations at various levels. Many dignitaries have been elected to the National Assembly, People’s Councils, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and related organizations. This reflects the consistent and correct policy of the Vietnamese Party and State, which has received strong response from the people.

Vietnam, a sovereign state, has the right to punish inpiduals and organizations which take advantage of religious freedom to sabotage the State, the national construction and defense, and national unity.

This conforms to international and Vietnamese laws. It’s necessary for the US State Department to assess correctly Vietnam’s religious situation and government efforts to protect freedom of religion or belief, so as to consolidate and develop the Vietnam-US ties.

The Government’s Committee for Religious Affairs hosted a reception in Hanoi on August 19th for Muslim dignitaries from Ho Chi Minh city and the southern provinces of Tay Ninh and Ninh Thuan.

 

Deputy Head of the Government’s Committee for Religious Affairs Duong Ngoc Tan greeted the Muslim dignitaries on their visit to the capital city and affirmed that the Party and State have always paid due attention to ensuring Muslim followers in the country lead a stable life and participate in humanitarian activities in line with law.

According to Tan, the representative board of the Islamic community in Ho Chi Minh city, and the southern province of Tay Ninh and Ninh Thuan has demonstrated its role in bridging their Muslim dignitaries and followers with local administrations and mass organisations and at the same time communicating Party and State guidelines and policies in the community.

He expressed his hope that the board will do more to direct dignitaries and followers to realise Party and State policies, guidelines and law, contributing to preserving the national unity bloc and promoting socio-economic development in their localities.

Representatives of the Islamic community said Muslim followers are good citizens, always abiding by law and contributing to the unity of religions and the national great unity.

Ninh Thuan, Tay Ninh and Ho Chi Minh city are home to large numbers of Muslims in Vietnam. There are more than 72,000 Islamic followers in the country at present, mostly the Cham ethnic people, according to the Government’s Committee for Religious Affairs./.

The 71st anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19, 2016) and National Day (September 2, 2016) falls on the time when the whole Party, people and army are focusing all efforts on strengthening the cause of national construction and safeguarding, aiming at successfully implementing the Resolution of the 12th National Party Congress, and resolutely fighting corruption, weakness, and stagnation to build a dynamic and open society, meeting the requirements of development, helping the country usher in an era of national prosperity and international integration.

The success of the August Revolution is forever the pride of the entire nation. It serves as a lesson marking the right revolutionary path of our Party and Uncle Ho, which is unique and creative. The revolution was organized with the seizing of the opportunity under the leadership of persistently-loyal and brave cadres of the Party. The most noticeable success of the revolution is that it triggered the power and evoked the aspiration of the entire people, who wished to rid the country of slavery and bring the country independence and freedom. The aspiration of the whole nation was turned into the unrivalled power of a nation, which was undergoing misery and slavery, now standing up in fighting.

In the anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day each year, the whole people of Vietnam have chance to relive the vibrant atmosphere of the revolution those days. In that spirit, more than ever, the whole Party, people and army now hold great hope to build a prosperous nation.

Various strategic solutions and decisions related to the development and destiny of the nation have been made after the success of the 12th National Party Congress and the General Election of deputies to the 14th National Assembly and People's councils at all levels for the 2016-2021 tenure. The great lesson of the August Revolution is that all Party’s decisions and policies must take root from reality and people’s aspiration. The policies of the Party and State have now been introduced to life in association with comprehensive solutions to and decisive combat against corruption, aiming at building healthy Party organizations and nurturing upright Party members...

Despite complicated and sophisticated changes in practices of corruption, negative manifestations, interest groups, etc., which are hindering the development of the country, the unparalleled power of the Party and the nation creating the unified aspiration of the whole people will help overcome any hurdles. The great lesson of the August Revolution has been applied to the implementation of the renewal process in the national reconstruction, the combat against corruption and wastefulness, the reforms of administrative procedures, the building of the national defense and security posture and the practice of the foreign policy in order to ensure social security, environmental protection, health care, education...

Relying on the people and capitalizing on the power of the masses are the motto for actions and the guiding principle that the Party has been consistently pursuing, making up the immense power of the nation in building up a new society, combating corruption and negative manifestations, overcoming all difficulties and challenges to firmly embark the country on a new revolutionary period, reaching for the goal of “rich people, powerful nation and a democratic, equitable and civilized society.”

Though casting a fairly positive light on Vietnam’s irrefutable achievements in ensuring religious and belief freedom, the annual report on global religious freedom issued by the US Department of State on August 10th still contains contents exposing a narrow mindset, biased outlook and a lack of goodwill.

In the report, the US Department of State acknowledged the Vietnamese government’s efforts in ensuring the rights to religious and belief freedom, including the release of the draft Law on Religion and Belief for public feedback.

It also took note of opinions by almost all heads of Vietnamese religious organisations, which said religious freedom is being expanded across the country and the government has increasingly given recognition to religious organisations.

However, it continued to accuse Vietnam of violently treating several religious groups, detaining and prosecuting them, restricting their travel, denying the license of their operations as well as hindering their activities in education and health care.

According to the report, Vietnam’s regulations on religious management allow for limiting religious freedom and for the country’s authorities to continue obstructing the activities of unregistered religious groups.

The points mentioned in the report are not new, and are still a subjective and one-sided feedback. In fact, the vivid religious life and law abiding spirit in ensuring human rights on view in Vietnam are the strongest disclaimers against such allegations.

Firstly, belief and religious freedom in Vietnam has been confirmed in the draft Law on Belief and Religion, which is to replace the Ordinance on Belief and Religion, with additional contents to suit the current reality.

The draft law recognises and specifies that the right to belief and religion is for all “people”, not only “citizens”, while clearly affirming the right to follow or not follow a religion of other individuals.

No one is entitled to violate that right, stresses the document which prohibits the forcing of following or quitting of religions, or the taking advantage of belief and religious freedom to harm the State, citizens or religious organisations’ rights.

Compared to the older legal documents, the bill has shown an open spirit by the State in treating religions. It is vivid and convincing evidence that rejects incorrect arguments that would slander the State of Vietnam by suggesting it is issuing the law to “tighten” the right to belief and religious freedom.

Secondly, the freedom to practice religious rites and join religious activities for followers has been exceptionally respected and observed. In reality, annual religious festivals, including Christmas and the Buddha’s birthday ceremony, have been held solemnly with the participation of hundreds of thousands of followers.

Belief and religious activities are not only considered a spiritual need of followers, which is protected by the law, but are also seen as cultural activities belonging to the whole people. A number of major festivals have become shared events of the community, showing a harmony between life and religions and serve to strengthen Vietnam’s solidarity bloc.

Over the past number of years, international cooperation by religious organisations has been stepped up, with visits conducted by both Vietnamese and foreign religious delegations.

Religious organisations in Vietnam have also received support to organise numerous important activities such as the Vesak celebrations and the Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences.

Vietnam is a multi-racial and multi-religious nation. Rare are countries that have such harmony between major religions like Vietnam.

The Vietnamese State has to date recognised 39 organisations of 14 religions, with 24.3 million followers, or 27 percent of the population, and 27,900 places of worship.

Religious organisations are an important channel that helps put the Party’s guideline and policies and the State’s laws into reality.

A lot of prestigious religious dignitaries have been voted to the National Assembly, People’s Councils at all levels, the Vietnam Fatherland Front and its member organisations, which shows the sound and consistent policies on religion and belief of the Party and State.

The Vietnamese State only punishes organisations and individuals that violate the law, or who take advantage of the freedom of religion and belief to ruin the Party and State, or to undermine the nation’s construction and safeguarding, or the great national unity.

As such, the US Department of State needs to have a more objective insight into Vietnam’s eventful religious and belief practices, in order to make a correct assessment in conformity with the two countries’ increasingly growing relations./.

The Government’s Religious Affairs Committee visited the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) at Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi on August 15 on the occasion of Vu Lan (Ullambana) – a major Buddhist festival.

Deputy head of the committee’s standing board Bui Thanh Ha wished the VBS dignitaries health and progress in their religious life.

Appreciating the VBS’s contributions, he said he hopes the Sangha will continue standing side by side with the nation during the development process.

On behalf of the VBS, Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu, Vice Standing Chairman of the VBS’s Executive Council, said Vu Lan festival, which falls on the 15^th day of the seventh lunar month (August 17 this year), is an occasion to pay tribute to parents, teachers, the nation and the Three Refuges (the Buddha, the Dhama and the Sangha).

It also marks the end of the three-month summer retreat, which lasts from the 15^th of the fourth lunar month to the 15^th of the seventh lunar month. On that day, monks and nuns who reside in one place and devote themselves to their practice during the retreat will become one year older in the Order, he noted.

He said the VBS will continue making good practices of the Buddhism to help bring about peace and happiness for all people.

Vietnam is now home to more than 48,000 Buddhist monks and nuns who are practicing the religion in over 17,000 Buddhist worshipping sites.

Solutions for the future

To implement the FTAs, to meet the requirement of integration, in the future, efforts should focus on some urgent work as follows:

Regarding economic institutions

International economic integration requires acceptance to “play” by “the rules of the game.” Institutional innovation is a breakthrough, linking domestic institutional reform with harmonious, and smooth institutional integration. Reality shows that the business environment has not much improved and therefore external liberalization has not really come with the liberalization of internal resources. Without appropriate legal system, and business environment, advantages of the FTAs will not be harnessed. Besides, there must be a specialized apparatus with clear mandates to monitor, supervise, and evaluate the effectiveness of laws and institutions.

Reform of the institutional business environment must take appropriate steps, and be placed in systematic relation: prior work must pave the way for follow-up work, and not to create legal conflicts and policy inconsistencies. With a low starting point, and limited resources, the economy of Viet Nam “has its own characteristics,” how can Viet Nam reach international standards and best practices that advanced countries take several hundred years to gain.

Administrative institutions should have provisions requiring agencies and administrative officials to bear ultimate responsibility for administrative violations within their jurisdiction. Therefore, administrative procedures must be institutionalized and require strict enforcement. A team of capable systematically trained civil servants with professional ethics is needed.

The Commercial Law, mechanisms and management policies need to be supplemented and improved in order to facilitate trade. The Law on Export and Import should be amended for consistency with provisions of the Constitution and existing laws; compatible with commitments and treaties to which Viet Nam has signed or is negotiating, the approved Strategy on tax system reform in the period of 2011-2020. In addition, obstacles, gaps, and overlaps must be removed to ensure consistency, completeness, synchronization and feasibility.

On reform and business support

A survey in 2011 showed that 95% of the 2,500 businesses in 10 provinces and cities were super small. This ratio remained the same in 2014, the majority of them used outdated technology of the previous 2-3 generations. Of these, 75% of machines, production lines were of the 1960 to 1970; 75% of the equipment were fully depreciated; and 50% were refurbished. Only about 30% of small and medium enterprises have had access to bank loans, hence businesses of this sector have not had sufficient financial capacity to invest in machinery, and technology. Expectation for foreign investors’ transfer and roll out of technology is not a reality. Only 5% of FDI enterprises have applied high-tech, 80% have had relatively low medium technology. Contracts of technology, and know-how transfer are limited.

Centers and associations must have responsibility to support small and medium-sized enterprises, and newly established enterprises in the training of human resources, management skills, administration, market access, provision of information on market as well as the investment environment, and administrative procedures. In particular, these centers must support businesses access to capital through close collaboration with local Credit Guarantee Fund for small and medium-sized enterprises and other financial funds for enterprises in this sector. It is urgent to quickly adopt environmental management systems, such as ISO 14000, HACCP, good management practices (GMP), and good agricultural practices (GAP).

There should be a law to support small and medium-sized enterprises, connecting small and medium-sized enterprises with global value chains. Address issues of exchange rates, lending rates, and create favorable conditions for enterprises to have access to bank loans. These are not only to lower interest rates but more importantly is to improve lending procedures, enabling enterprises to get loans by the collateral and giving them guidance to be creative and focus on potential projects and sectors.

The possibility of being sued or retaliated will increase in the future, so preparation and transparency of the books, accounting, tracking information and coordinating information disclosure, good understanding of the rules, lobbying and diplomacy should be done by enterprises. Overseas Vietnamese can play a role in helping Vietnamese commodities to set foot on the small and retail markets.

Renovating the provision of market information and trade promotion

It is necessary to bring about powerful changes to provide timely information on political situation, market, policies and management measures for export and import, and barriers. Accordingly, trade promotion activities, assistance of enterprises in finding business partners, new markets, new products, penetrating into distribution channels, participation in fairs and exhibitions can be done immediately. Make full use of export portal of Viet Nam (www.vnex.com.vn) to promote the brands of the businesses to foreign partners in a fastest manner with lowest cost.

Preparation of human resources

Within ASEAN, Viet Nam ranks low in the Table on assessment of human resource development. To facilitate the participation of Viet Nam enterprises in the global supply chain, there is a need for a modern education system that turns out capable and skillful human resources.

With the completion of 14 FTAs in the coming time, Viet Nam will have free trade relations with 55 partners, including 15 members of the G20. This is the foundation for Viet Nam’s international integration at higher level, extending space for development cooperation in future. There will be no market economy without people who fully understand and operate well the rules of the market economy. This is the lesson of the “Asian dragons” that Viet Nam needs to learn. Thus, the preparation of human resources for the present and the future is very important.