Bangkok (VNA) - The Thai Government has given the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) the go-ahead to extend the deadline for 14 renewable power plants to start commercial operations. The Energy Policy Administrative Committee (EPAC) approved the ERC’s proposal after many operators called for the government to ease the commercial operations date (COD) conditions. The 14 projects include waste-to-energy, biogas and biomass resources, with a combined power generation of 300 MW. These operators have been stymied by local protesters opposing development of power projects in their communities. Some projects have yet to begin construction because of trouble raising money or impractical technologies. ERC Deputy General Secretary Khomgrich Tantravanich said the National Energy Policy Council (NEPC) will approve the deadline extension on December 16. According to the ERC, many operators have asked for permission to relocate their sites after being resisted by local protesters, but … [Read more...] about Thailand postpones commercial operations of 14 renewable power plants
Badminton tournament under 14
Japanese film festival opens in Hanoi
Musical film Dance With Me is a highlight at the Japanese Film Festival in Hanoi from December 6 to 22. (Photo: japanfoundation) Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - The Japanese Film Festival opened on December 6 in Hanoi at National Cinema Centre featuring the nine recent movies. The films including comedy, drama, horror, musical, action and animation have been screened from December 6 to 22. Comedy My Dad is A Heel Wrestler will be screened at the festival opening ceremony. It is about story of a wrestler who was famous and popular but was forced to retire after a major knee injury. Musical film Dance With Me will be a highlight of the festival. Directed by Shinobu Yaguchi this year, it screened at international festivals in Toronto and New York. It will be shown on December 10, 14 and 22. Three animations are Children of the Sea; Lu Over the Wall and Mary and The Witch’s Flower. Children of the Sea is the latest one … [Read more...] about Japanese film festival opens in Hanoi
State budget surplus recorded in Q1: Finance Ministry
At a press conference on April 5, the MoF reported that total state budget revenue reached VND 381 trillion (over USD 16.4 billion) during the last three months, equivalent to 27 percent of the targeted figure for this year – higher than the 23 percent of annual targeted revenue achieved during the same period last year. That sum included VND 315.4 trillion gained from domestic sources, up 13.8 percent year-on-year, the ministry said, adding that 49 of the 63 provinces and centrally-run cities had revenues from domestic sources equivalent to over 24 percent of their estimates for this year. Fifty-four localities reported year-on-year increases in their Q1 revenues. Photo: baohoabinh.com.vn. Meanwhile, the state budget spending during the period surpassed VND 315 trillion, equivalent to 19.3 percent of this year’s spending estimate. The MoF said spending tasks have been performed in line with the set plans, ensuring social security. As the spending demand … [Read more...] about State budget surplus recorded in Q1: Finance Ministry
Vietnamese Ministry of Justice delegation on working visit to Laos
Minister Le Thanh Long (L) was welcomed by General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos Bounnhang Vorachith (Photo: VNA) Vientiane (VNA) – A delegation of the Vietnamese Ministry of Justice led by Minister Le Thanh Long was received by General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos Bounnhang Vorachith and National Assembly Chairwoman Pany Yathotou on December 6. At the meeting with the top Lao leader, Long said that over the past five years, authorized agencies of Vietnam and Laos have worked hard together to implement an agreement signed between the two governments on the settlement of issues related to free migration and undocumented marriage in border areas. By November 14, 2019 when the deal expired, 1,452 out of 1,711 applications for Vietnamese nationality were approved, and the rest are being considered, he noted. Long said that the Vietnamese Ministry of Justice has always actively … [Read more...] about Vietnamese Ministry of Justice delegation on working visit to Laos
Dong Nai leads new-style rural building program
The southern province of Dong Nai is among the localities leading the national program on new-style rural area building with 52 out of 136 selected communes satisfying all the 19 criteria so far, said Vo Van Chanh, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee. (Photo for illustration) Thanks to the program, the living standards of rural people have much improved. Notably, the 2014 per capita income reached 37.6 million VND (1,790 USD) and 38.6 million VND (1,830 USD) in Xuan Loc district and Long Khanh town, respectively, making them recognized as district-level new style rural areas, Chanh said. Last year, as many as 785 communes were estimated to become new-style rural areas. In addition, 1,285 communes were expected to meet 15-18 out of the 19 criteria for new rural development, and 2,836 others to satisfy 10-14 criteria, according to the program’s steering committee. More than 157.8 trillion VND (8.5 billion USD) sourced from the State budget, credits, … [Read more...] about Dong Nai leads new-style rural building program