<B>Background information for the approval of BTA,/B>


Vietnam-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA)

The Bilateral Trade Agreement signed on July 13, 2000, is the outcome of the persistent efforts by both sides over the 4 years of negotiations. It is an important step for Vietnam to integrate into the world economy on the WTO rules and principles.

1/ In comparison with other trade agreements, the Vietnam-US BTA is very unique and comprehensive with over 100 pages consisted of four parts: market access, trade in services, intellectual property rights, and investment.

FM Spokeswoman on reparations to victims in Thanh Phong


On June 25,2001, Foreign Minister Spokeswoman Phan Thuy Thanh answered question from Reuters: Could you comment on a news story in which Attorney John DeCamp demanded that Kerrey establish a foundation in reparations to victims' families in Thanh Phong.

Answer:

We understand that the sufferings borne by our compatriots in Thanh Phong village Ben Tre province are incomparable. We understand the significance of attorney John DeCamp's deeds and respect the will and aspiration of the victims' families in Thanh Phong.

Vietnam is making preparations for ratification of VN-US BTA


Ha Noi, June 21 (VNA) -- Viet Nam has been making necessary preparations for ratification and enforcement of the Viet Nam-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement, said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Phan Thuy Thanh.

Answering foreign correspondents' questions about Viet Nam's preparations for ratification of the BTA, Ms.Thanh stressed:

Vietnam will soon consider ratifying BTA



Ha Noi, June 13 (VNA) -- Viet Nam always wants the Viet Nam-US bilateral trade agreement (BTA) to be ratified soon and to come into effect as it will benefit both nations, said the Foreign Ministry's spokeswoman Phan Thuy Thanh today, June 13.

Ms Thanh further said that the signing of the BTA was the result of joint efforts by both Viet Nam and the U.S., meeting both countries' interests.

Boeing company helps Vietnam improve flight safety



Ha Noi, June 14 (VNA)-- The Boeing Company of the United States has pledged financial support to the Civil Aviation Administration of Viet Nam, CAAV, for personal training and information system upgrades.

The pledge was made in the minutes of the meeting signed by the two sides in Ha Noi on June 14.

In addition to direct cooperation, Boeing has granted indirect aid to the CAAV and the Viet Nam Airlines through U.S governmental agencies such as the Trade and Development Agency(TDA) and the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA).

Vietnam welcomes President Bush's request for BTA ratification


Ha Noi, June 11 (VNA) -- Viet Nam welcomed President George Bush's request for the U.S. Congress's ratification of the Viet Nam-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), said Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Phan Thuy Thanh.

Asked about Viet Nam's reaction to U.S. President G. Bush's June 8 request that the U.S. Congress ratify the Viet Nam-U.S. BTA, Ms.Thanh stressed:

Vietnam, Japan pledge to strengthen bilateral ties



Prime Minister Phan Van Khai on June 6 expressed his expectation that Vietnam and Japan would soon sign an Agreement on Investment Encouragement and Protection.
Mr Khai was talking with his Japanese counterpart, Junichiro Koizumi, in Tokyo, Japan, prior to the 'Future of Asia' Conference scheduled for June 7-8.

Mr Khai will deliver a speech on Vietnam's economic development and future contribution to the region at the conference.

US Foundation pledges AID for Da Nang social development



Ha Noi, June 7 (VNA) -- U.S. foundation East Meets West(EMW) will donate nearly USD 3.72 million to 14 projects and programmes in central Da Nang city.

An agreement to this effect was signed between EMW and the Da Nang Department for External Relation Affairs last week.

These projects and programmes cover areas such as public health, education, agricultural development, hunger eradication aand poverty alleviation.

FM's Spokesperson on ratification of the Vietnam-US BTA

On May 31, 2001 MOFA'S Spokesperson answers question from Reuters, San Jose Mercury News, DPA: What is Vietnam's reaction to news reports that early next week US Trade Representative Robert Zoelick will send the US-Vietnam trade agreement to Congress for ratification?

San Jose Mercury News: Is it possible for the National Assembly to ratify the US-Vietnam Trade Agreement before the Assembly's next session at the end of the year? Is it possible that the National Assembly might vote on the agreement during the current session?

Answer:

Nat. Assembly passes the Land law amendments



Ha Noi, May 31 (VNA) -- Viet Nam's National Assembly has passed amendments to some articles of the Land Law promulgated in 1993, following heated debates held at the Ba Dinh Conference Hall in Ha Noi on Wednesday, May 30.

Taking the floor, Land Administration Office Director Bui Xuan Son affirmed that most of the articles of the 1993 Land Law are accurate, but mistakes have been made in the enforcement of the Law, leading to violations of the Law as well as land disputes and complaints across the country.

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