In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency, the official said that now in the fourth year of the pandemic, Vietnam and the world are in a much better place than they were even 12 months ago. “The tools and vaccines we have are proven to protect lives and significantly reduce risk of severe illness and death and also, in most places, to enable health systems to function more normally again,” she said. She added it is hoped that 2023 will be the year in which COVID-19 can be said to be over as a public health emergency of international concern. Assessing Vietnam's response to the COVID-19 pandemic for each stage of the pandemic, Angela said that from the start, Vietnam had well-calibrated and strong public health and social measures in place. These included a strong capacity for early detection and response, robust surveillance measures, strong border measures, and social restrictions, community adherence to personal protective behaviors; and healthcare capacity. “All … [Read more...] about Vietnam in sustainable management phase of COVID-19 pandemic: WHO representative
Bad debts recovered
Corporate bond issuance surges in March after prolonged inactivity
Vinhomes Ocean Park 2 in Hung Yen province. Hung Yen Urban Investment and Development Co issued two lots of bonds worth total 7.2 trillion VND on March 16 with collateral of property rights arising from business cooperation contracts at Vinhomes Ocean Park 3 project. (Photo courtesy of Vinhomes) Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - The corporate bond market is showing signs of recovery after a prolonged period of inactivity with a notable increase in both the number of issuers and value of issuance. Data on the Hanoi Stock Exchange showed as of March 24, eight companies issued bonds worth more than 23.8 trillion VND (over 1 billion USD), of which real estate firms dominated the market with total issued value of 19 trillion VND, accounting for 80% of total value. This number was a significant increase compared to the value of 500 billion VND in February and 110 billion VND in January. On March 16, two realty firms – Hung Yen Urban Investment and Development Co Ltd and Southern Star Urban … [Read more...] about Corporate bond issuance surges in March after prolonged inactivity
Efforts made to preserve ethnic brocade weaving
At the age of 87, K’Poh still sits at her loom every day. She said she learned the craft from her mother when she was very young. At first, it took her 2 weeks to weave one glove. The craft requires perseverance and hard work, and she has worked to pass on the profession to her own daughter. Her daughter is now well-versed in the trade, and has worked with her mother since 2019 to teach others in the commune. At first, there were only 20 women learning how to weave, but now the craft is recovering more strongly as people teach each other. They often weave at home, during their leisure time, and gather together to learn more. Da Long commune is the most remote area in Lam Dong province, with difficulties in travel and trade, so the weaving craft is passed along by people to meet their own needs in clothing and other items. The roads are better these days, which helps with integration but has resulted in the weaving profession gradually falling into oblivion. Restoration of … [Read more...] about Efforts made to preserve ethnic brocade weaving