Press release on changes to visa-free travel to Vietnam

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RUSSIA-VIETNAM RELATIONS

The Soviet Union and Vietnam established diplomatic relations on January 30, 1950. On December 27, 1991, Vietnam officially recognised the Russian Federation.

Implementing a multi-vector foreign policy, Vietnamese leaders invariably note that relations with Russia remain a high-priority. The legal framework of bilateral relations includes over 80 interstate treaties, intergovernmental agreements and protocols signed after 1991. In 1991, the sides signed the Treaty on Principles of Friendly Relations, in Moscow; the Declaration on Strategic Partnership was signed in March 2001. In 2012, the bilateral strategic partnership was upgraded to comprehensive partnership. The countries maintain a very intensive top- and highest-level dialogue.

Recent contacts: The President of the Russian Federation visited the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in November 2013. The Prime Minister of the Russian Federation visited the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in April 2015.

The President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam visited Russia in June−July 2017. The Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam visited Russia in May 2013 and May 2016. The general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam visited Russia in November 2014.

On February 20−22, 2017, the Speaker of the Federation Council of the Russian Federal Assembly paid an official visit to Vietnam. The heads of state and government regularly meet during multilateral events. Inter-parliamentary, interparty, interdepartmental and inter-regional ties continue to be developed. The national foreign ministries cooperate under two-year cooperation plans; the 2017−2018 plan is currently being implemented. In April 2014, the Russian Foreign Minister paid another visit to Vietnam. In November 2016, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam visited Russia.

The Russian-Vietnamese Intergovernmental Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation coordinates bilateral economic cooperation. The commission’s Russian and Vietnamese sections are headed by Deputy Prime Ministers, Igor Shuvalov and Trịnh Dình Dung, respectively. Commission members meet annually, with Ho Chi Minh City hosting its 20^th meeting in September 2017.

Trade and economic ties continue to expand. Russian-Vietnamese trade turnover has been growing for the past ten years, except 2014 and 2016. According to the Russian Federal Customs Service, the 2016 bilateral trade turnover was $3.83 billion (down 1.5 percent). Exports and imports totaled $1.37 billion (down 25.5 percent) and $2.46 billion (up 20.1 percent). Russia primarily exports machinery and equipment (48.7 percent), mineral feedstock (18.2 percent), and metals and metalware (11.9 percent) to Vietnam. Russia imports the following goods from Vietnam: machinery and equipment (57.3 percent), textiles and textile goods (20.8 percent), and food and agricultural feedstock (14.6 percent). The January−May 2017 trade turnover was $1.37 billion (up 20.1 percent), with exports and imports totaling $473.5 million (down 2.8 percent) and $896.5 million (up 32.2 percent).

On May 29, 2015, the Eurasian Economic Union’s member states and Vietnam signed a Free Trade Agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union member states and Vietnam. The document entered into force on October 5, 2016.

Established in November 2012, the Russian-Vietnamese High-Level Working Group for Priority Investment Projects is headed by the national Ministers of Industry and Trade. Its members have met twice, with Vladivostok hosting the latest meeting in September 2014. The working group’s deputy chairs meet regularly, with the latest meeting taking place in Hanoi in March 2017. Work is underway to implement 21 priority projects in energy, the civilian aircraft industry, the chemical and coal industries, and light industry.

Mutual investment continues to grow. Russia has channeled $1.03 billion into 113 projects, reports the Ministry of Planning and Investment of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. And Vietnamese companies have invested over $2.4 billion in projects on Russian territory. The most ambitious projects include the Joint Company Rusvietpetro and the Hanoi-Moscow Multifunctional Cultural and Business Centre.

The Russian-Vietnamese strategic partnership continues to hinge on the fuel and energy sector. Oil and gas prospecting and production are major areas of cooperation. The Joint Company Rusvietpetro that implements most cooperation projects in this area was established in 1981 by Zarubezhneft, which owns 49 percent of its statutory capital and the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (Petrovietnam) with a 51 percent stake. In 2010, both sides signed an intergovernmental agreement on extending the company’s operations until 2030.

Gas and oil giants Gazprom and Rosneft operate successfully on the Vietnamese continental shelf, including within the framework of the Vietgazprom joint operator. In 2015, the sides established a joint venture for processing gasoline in Vietnam.

The Joint Company Rusvietpetro has been extracting hydrocarbons in Russia’s Nenets Autonomous Area since 2008.

In 2009, Gazprom and Petrovietnam established the company Gazpromviet Ltd. that received a license to prospect for and develop oil and gas deposits in Russia’s Orenburg Region and Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area.

Specialised Russian companies are trying hard to expand their presence on the Vietnamese energy market. Since December 2013, Power Machines engineering company has been working in Vietnam, building two 600-megawatt power units for the Long Phu-1 Thermal Power Station.

Signed on March 21, 2016, the Intergovernmental Protocol on Investment Cooperation in the Area of Manufacturing Motor Vehicles entered into force on October 5, 2016. The document stipulates customs privileges for Russian automotive companies, including GAZ Group, KAMAZ and SOLLERS, provided that they establish production facilities for assembling large vehicle components in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Coal deliveries to Vietnam remain a promising point of cooperation. Moscow and Hanoi are studying the possibility of delivering Russian mining equipment to Vietnam.

Established in November 2006, the Vietnamese-Russian Joint Bank has its headquarters in Hanoi and subsidiaries all over the country. Both sides continue to study the possibility of using national currencies for trade settlements.

Established in March 1988, the Joint Russian-Vietnamese Tropical Research and Technological Centre is among current science and technological cooperation projects.

Both countries continue to cooperate closely in education and personnel training. About 6,000 citizens of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam study in Russia, including about 2,000 students in state institution. In the 2016/2017 academic year, Russian universities admitted 953 Vietnamese citizens who study tuition-free.

Cultural ties continue to expand. Both countries regularly host national Days of Culture events. In September 2015, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam hosted the Days of Russian Culture, with Russia hosting the Days of Vietnamese Culture in June 2016. Russia and Vietnam also host the Days of Moscow and Hanoi, national cinema weeks, picture and photo exhibitions, concerts and shows of national performers.

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam continues to receive Russian tourists. According to the Russian Federal Agency for Tourism (Rostourism), about 392,000 Russians visited Vietnam in 2016 (up 22 percent), with 36,000 Vietnamese tourists visiting Russia (up 22 percent). In April 2016, the tourist office “Visit Russia” opened in Hanoi. It represents Rostourism’s interests in Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries.

the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam

THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM

General information: The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is located on the Indochina Peninsula in South East Asia. It covers an area of 329,600 square kilometres and its land borders are 3,880 kilometres long. The country borders China in the north (1,300 kilometres), Laos in the west (1,650 kilometres) and Cambodia in the southwest (930 kilometres). Vietnam is washed by the South China Sea in the east and the south. Its coastal shoreline is 3,260 kilometres long. Mountains and plateaus account for most of the country’s area. The local monsoon-type climate is mostly tropical, hot and humid. The continental shelf contains substantial oil and gas deposits. Coal, tungsten, zinc, lead apatite, iron and manganese ores, titanium and tin deposits are mostly located in the north and the northwest, as well as on the plateaus of central Vietnam. The country abounds in hydropower resources. Forests and planted forests account for about 40 percent of its territory, with natural forests making up 75 percent; and all other forests have commercial significance.

Population: In May 2017, the country’s population was estimated at about 92.7 million. The urban population accounts for 34.6 percent of the total population (over 32.06 million). In the past ten years, the population has increased by 1.06 percent annually. The economically active population is 47.7 million. The dominant Kinh (Viet) ethnic group accounts for 86 percent of the population. Representatives of 54 nations and several ethnic groups, including the Chinese, the Khmer, the Thais, the Muong, the Chama, the Gia Rai, the Ede, the Hmong, etc., live in the country. The average life expectancy is 73.4 years, including 70.8 years for men and 76.1 years for women.

Administrative division: The country has 58 provinces and five municipalities directly under the central government: Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam (7.5 million people), Ho Chi Minh (10 million), Haiphong (1.9 million), Can Tho (1.2 million) and Da Nang (1.3 million).

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a parliamentary republic. The unicameral National Assembly with 500 deputies, elected for a period of five years, is the supreme legislature. The latest parliamentary elections were held on May 22, 2016. The incumbent National Assembly Chairperson is Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (since March 31, 2016). The President is the head of state, elected from among the National Assembly’s deputies. Tran Dai Quang has been serving in this capacity since April 2, 2016. The executive branch is represented by the Government headed by the Prime Minister (Nguyen Xuan Phuc since April 7, 2016).

Under the current Constitution, adopted in 1992 and amended in 2013, the Communist Party of Vietnam (4.5 million members) plays a leading role in society. The Party’s 12^th congress took place in January 2016, with its delegates re-electing Nguyen Phu Trong as General Secretary of the Party’s Central Committee. The 12^th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam has 200 members (180 full members and 20 candidate members). The Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam has 19 members.

Main religions: Buddhism with 10 million followers and Catholicism with seven million followers. Cao Dai and Hoa Hao, the two other main indigenous religions, have 2.4 million and 1.3 million followers in southern Vietnam. There are one million Protestants among ethnic minorities living on Tay Nguyen Plateau and in the country’s northwestern provinces. About 76,000 people, mostly ethnic Chams, preach Islam.

Official language: Vietnamese is the official language with a Latinized alphabet.

The red rectangular state flag with a 2:3 width to length ratio has a five-point gold star in the centre.

National emblem: The round emblem has a five-point gold star in the centre rimmed by rice ears. A half-cogwheel and the inscription “Socialist Republic of Vietnam” are below.

National anthem: The “Army March” was created in 1944 by composer and poet Wan Kao.

National holiday: Independence Day is celebrated every September 2, 1945.

Other state holidays include Tet Nguyen Dan (the Lunar New Year), Hung King Memorial Day, Vietnam Reunification Day (April 30) and the International Day of Labour (May 1).

Currency: The dong is the national currency. One dollar ≈ 22.67 dongs.

History: The history of Vietnamese statehood began 2,500 years ago. During that period, an integral culture with its centre in the Red River delta developed in the country. In the second century BC, the oldest Vietnamese states of Au Lac and Nam Viet were conquered by China’s Han dynasty. The “northern dependence” period lasted about 1,000 years and ended in the 10^th century AD. After becoming one of the most powerful states in Southeast Asia, Vietnam defended its independence while fighting China in the 11^th, 15^th and 18^th centuries. In the 13^th century, Vietnam repelled three invasions by the Mongolian Yuan dynasty that ruled China at that time. In the 15^th century, Vietnam conquered the Kingdom of https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champa" title="Champa">Champa in what is now the central section of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam after a war that lasted for many centuries. While expanding down south, the country’s forces seized eastern sections of the Khmer Empire that controlled large areas in the southern section of the Indochina Peninsula. In the 17^th century, the country disintegrated into two princedoms. In the 19^th century, Vietnam was reunited by the Nguyen dynasty who relocated the capital from Thang Long, now Hanoi, in the north to Hue in central Vietnam. In 1858−1884, France conquered Vietnam and divided the country into three sections: Tonkin (northern regions), Annam (central section) and Kohinhina (southern Vietnam). The Vietnamese Emperor retained his role as a figurehead in Annam. After the Japanese occupation (1941−1945) and after the August Revolution of September 2, 1945, Vietnam became an independent state and was named the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. In 1945−1954, the country defended its sovereignty during an anti-colonial war with France. In July 1954, the Geneva Accords were signed; those documents formalised Vietnam’s independence and territorial integrity and stipulated a peaceful reunification. The pro-American administration in South Vietnam rejected the agreement. The United States and its satellites, including Australia, Spain, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan and others, deployed forces in South Vietnam. In 1964−1968 and 1971−1972, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam was subjected to all-out air strikes and naval bombardments. An agreement on ending the war and restoring peace was signed January 27, 1973 in Paris. The United States and its allies withdrew their troop contingents from south Vietnam. On April 30, 1975, the puppet South Vietnamese regime fell due to the People’s Army of Vietnam offensive and a popular uprising. General elections to the National Assembly of the reunited Vietnam were held on April 25, 1976. On July 2, 1976, the National Assembly’s deputies proclaimed reunification and the establishment of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Domestic situation remains stable. The ruling Communist Party hopes to restructure the economy in the near term by converting to an intensive growth model, promoting administrative reform, improving workforce quality and developing education and healthcare. Other priorities include the establishment of productive relations between the state and private business, environmental protection and preventing the effects of global climate change. The interests of retaining the Communist Party’s influence on society call for resolute anti-corruption measures. The country is now witnessing a large campaign directed against embezzlement and aiming to expel Communist Party functionaries with dubious reputations.

In the past 25 years, Vietnam has ranked among other regional countries with the highest GDP growth rates. In 1991−2000, the GDP grew by an average of 7.6 percent. In 2001−2010, it grew by 7.2 percent, and 5.8 percent growth rates were posted in 2011−2015. In 2016, the country’s GDP grew by 6.2 percent. Per capita GDP now totals $2,200. Industry accounts for 32.7 percent of the national GDP, with the service sector and agriculture making up 40.9 and 16.4 percent, respectively. The country posts 4.7 percent inflation. Its international (gold and foreign currency reserves) total $41 billion, an all-time high. In 2016, the foreign trade turnover was $349.2 billion (up 7.1 percent), with exports and imports totaling $176.63 billion (up 9 percent) and 171.11 billion (up 5.2 percent), respectively.

Official unemployment rates total about 2.3 percent, with unemployment at about 10−11 percent.

Vietnam’s armed forces have a total strength of about 415,000, plus about five million reservists (first in the world). The People’s Army of Vietnam consists of conscripts aged 18−27 who serve two-year stints. Officers and some categories of technical experts serve three years. Reservists are discharged after reaching 45 years.

In foreign policy, Vietnam maintains sovereignty and territorial integrity and a favourable international environment for socioeconomic development and for strengthening its positions internationally. The pragmatic and multi-pronged foreign policy of Vietnam focuses on regionalism.

Vietnam maintains diplomatic relations with 187 states and is a member of 63 international organisations. Its strategic partners include the United Kingdom, Germany, India, Indonesia, Spain, Italy, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, France and Japan. Vietnam has established relations of general partnership with ten countries, including the United States. It also maintains relations of general strategic partnership with Russia, the People’s Republic of China and India.

Hanoi is doing its best to mobilise the intellectual, financial and other potential of the Vietnamese diaspora that has been proclaimed an inalienable part of the Vietnamese nation. About 4.5 million ethnic Vietnamese nationals live abroad, including 1.8 million in the United States, 600,000 in Cambodia, 350,000 in France, 210,000 in Australia, 200,000 in Taiwan, 150,000 in the Federal Republic of Germany and 50,000 in Russia.

The Vietnamese Government encourages workforce exports. Over 500,000 Vietnamese migrants work legally in Taiwan, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Japan and Arab countries of the Persian Gulf.

Vietnam focuses on compliance with human rights and freedoms. Vietnam has signed all the main international documents in this area and has considerably augmented the relevant sections of the national Constitution. Passed on November 27, 2017, the Criminal Code of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam carries the death penalty for 16 offences, including “high treason,” “activity aiming to overthrow the government of the people,” “espionage,” “terrorism,” “murder,” “raping a minor,” illegal manufacture, transportation and sales of narcotic drugs, as well as a number of corruption-related crimes. In most cases, the death penalty is applied to crimes linked with the transport of narcotic drugs and sales. In 2011, firing squads were replaced with lethal injections.

Education: Literacy level is almost 96 percent, with the number of students reaching about 30 million.

Reseach: The Vietnamese Academy of Sciences and Technology and the Vietnamese Academy of Social Sciences boast key positions in fundamental and applied research. The Vietnamese Academy of Social Sciences has 31 institutions and four research centres, as well as the Museum of Ethnography. This Academy employs 1,500 research associates, including about 600 PhD and DSc holders.

Vietnam has a unique culture, numerous national customs and traditions. Along with the modern theatre, various traditional scenic genres, including Teo (folk musical-drama theatre), Tuong (classical musical-drama theatre), Cai Luong (upgraded modern folk opera) and water puppetry, remain popular.

All media outlets are either state-owned or belong to public organisations or creative unions. The law bans private investment in the media sector. The Vietnam News Agency has 61 offices in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and 26 more abroad, including Russia where four agency correspondents work. Vietnam publishes about 184 newspapers including Nhan Dan (People), Tuoi Tre (Youth), Tin Tuc (News) and Tien Phong (Vanguard), etc. The country also publishes over 500 magazines. The total circulation of print media exceeds 700 million copies. Twenty-five central and local newspapers are published daily. Vietnam Television, or VTV, is the national television broadcaster. Over 70 online newspapers have obtained licenses from the Vietnamese Ministry of Information and Communications. The most popular online resources include Vietnamnet (http://www.vnn.vn/">www.vnn.vn), VNExpress (http://www.vnexpress.net/">www.vnexpress.net) and Vietnam+ (http://www.viertnamplus.vn/">www.viertnamplus.vn).

The people of Vietnam use the Facebook social network. Although the state and society remain divided in their attitude towards this resource, many public servants, typical citizens, as well as state agencies and private companies, maintain Facebook accounts. Messengers, a cheap and quick communications option, are now becoming popular in Vietnam.

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Viet Nam

Embassy of Russia in Hanoi

Address :: 191, La Thanh street, Hanoi, Vietnam, postal code 10298

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Phone :: +84 24 38-33-69-91
+84 24 38-33-69-92
Hotline :: +84 91 323-73-30
+84 24 38-33-69-91
Fax: +84 24 38-33-69-95
E-mail: rusemb.vietnam@mid.ru
Web: https://vietnam.mid.ru/; Twitter; Facebook; Youtube; Vkontakte; Telegram

Viet Nam

Consular Division of the Russian Embassy in Hanoi

Address :: 191, La Thanh street, Hanoi, Vietnam, postal code 10298

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Phone :: +84 24 38-33-69-96
Telex:: 805411441
Fax: +84 24 38-33-69-96
E-mail: kons_hanoi@inbox.ru
Web: https://vietnam.mid.ru/ru/consular-services/; Facebook

Viet Nam

Consulate General of Russia in Danang

Address :: 22, Tran Phu Street, Danang, Vietnam

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Phone :: +84 236 382-23-80
+84 236 381-85-28
Hotline :: +84 94 720-00-94
Fax: +84 236 381-85-27
E-mail: rusconsdanang@mid.ru
Web: https://rusconsdanang.mid.ru/; Twitter; Facebook; Telegram

Viet Nam

Consulate General of Russia in Ho Chi Minh City

Address :: 40, Ba Huyen Thanh Quan Str., District 3, Vo Thi Sau Ward, Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam, 70215

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Phone :: +84 28 39-30-39-36
Hotline :: +84 90 308-45-88
Telex:: (805) 811238 GCONSU HCM
Fax: +84 28 39-30-39-37
E-mail: cgrushcm@yandex.ru
Web: https://rusconshcm.mid.ru/; Twitter; Facebook; Telegram

Viet Nam

Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to the Russian Federation

Address:: 119021, г. Москва, Б. Пироговская ул., 13

Phone:: +7 499 245-10-92
+7 499 245-09-25
+7 499 246-22-12
Fax: +7 499 246-31-21
Web: https://mofa.gov.vn/vnemb.russia

Viet Nam

Consulate General of Russia in Danang

Address:: 119021, г. Москва, Б. Пироговская ул., 13 (вход со стороны ул. Россолимо

Phone:: +7 499 246-13-83
Fax: +7 499 246-31-21
Web: https://mofa.gov.vn/vnemb.russia

Viet Nam

Consulate General of Russia in Hochiminh

Address:: г. Екатеринбург, ул. Карла Либкнехта, д.22, оф.411

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Phone:: +7 343 253-02-80
+7 343 253-02-81
+7 343 253-02-83
+7 343 253-02-84
Fax: +7 343 253-02-82
E-mail: vnconsul_eka@yahoo.com
Web: https://vnconsulate-ekaterinburg.mofa.gov.vn

Viet Nam

Генеральное консульство Вьетнама во Владивостоке

Address:: г. Владивосток, ул. Пушкинская, д.107/1

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Phone:: +7 423 222-69-48
Fax: +7 423 226-14-96
E-mail: tls_vla@yahoo.com
Web: https://vnconsulate-vladivostok.mofa.gov.vn

General Information

Diplomatic and consular missions of Russia

Representative offices in Russia

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the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam

Press release on changes to visa-free travel to Vietnam

General Information

Diplomatic and consular missions of Russia

Embassy of Russia in Hanoi

Consular Division of the Russian Embassy in Hanoi

Consulate General of Russia in Danang

Consulate General of Russia in Ho Chi Minh City

Representative offices in Russia

Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to the Russian Federation

Consulate General of Russia in Danang

Consulate General of Russia in Hochiminh

Генеральное консульство Вьетнама во Владивостоке

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