According to the Prime Minister, in order to ensure the rapid, healthy and sustainable development of the securities market, it is essential to perfect the legal system, strengthen the State management apparatus and intensify market control activities.

From the bottom of their hearts, Vietnamese people, belonging to ethnic minorities or the ethnic majority who are non-religious or religious and currently live at home or abroad, always take great pride in the origin of “children of the Fairy and the Dragon” legend.

State President Nguyen Minh Triet has paid an official visit to Cambodia from February 27 to March 1 at the invitation of Cambodian King Norodom Shihamoni. This is Mr Triet’s second overseas visit after his earlier visit to Laos in February 2007, demonstrating Vietnam’s desire to strengthen friendly cooperation between neighbouring and regional countries.

The Vietnamese people are happily and proudly entering the New Year. Achievements gained in the last more than 20 years of Doi Moi (Renewal) under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, plus the impressive socio-economic records of 2006 have further consolidated our people’s confidence in its chosen path.

The US-based Christian Freedom International (CFI) has recently named Vietnam as one of the world’s leading countries in what it called repression of religious freedom. However, its irrational judgment cannot overshadow the positive achievements of religious freedom in Vietnam.

At the 10th National Party Congress, the Party outlined the development of the marine-based economy with a focus on building and implementing a long-term strategy aimed at turning Vietnam into a strong marine-based economy in the region while ensuring national security and promoting international cooperation.

President Nguyen Minh Triet began an official visit to Laos on Feb 5 at the invitation of President Choummaly Sayasone who is General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party. This is the first overseas visit by Mr Triet in his capacity as Vietnamese State President.

In his lifetime, President Ho Chi Minh considered “Can Kiem Liem Chinh, Chi Cong Vo Tu” (Industry, Thrift, Incorruptibility and Disinterestedness) as the major moral virtues of human beings, particularly of revolutionaries. His thoughts remain invaluable in the present-day life, helping to intensify the fight against corruption.

The implementation of laws by Vietnamese enterprises should be given priority in the overall plan for administrative reform in order to devise suitable mechanism to support enterprises.

The recent fourth conference of the Party Central Committee discussed and decided on issues of great importance to national development. Senior Party officials gave opinions on the national marine strategy until 2020 with the aim of tapping full potential of sea and coastal areas while defending national sovereignty and security.