Commission on sustainable development

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang (second from right), Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, speaks at the dialogue. (Photo: VNA) New York (VNA) - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been and will continue to be one of the most important and trusted partners of the Government and people of Vietnam on the country’s development and integration pathway, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang has affirmed. Addressing an interactive dialogue between the UNDP Executive Board and UN member states held in New York on June 6 on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the Vietnam - UN relations , the Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN pointed out impacts of such global issues as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, geo-political tensions, and food and energy crises. As a speaker at the meeting to share the country’s success story, he said that in this context, the Vietnamese Government has implemented a number of measures to protect people’s health, … [Read more...] about UNDP one of Vietnam’s most important partners on development path: ambassador

Deputy Director of the department Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu said the application of the ASEAN Tourism Standards will help guarantee higher product and service quality as well as safety so that travelers can have better experience. It will create a quality tourism environment and promote Ho Chi Minh City as a trustworthy tourist destination. The ASEAN Tourism Standards include criteria for energy use management and reduction, sustainable use of natural resources, and efficient waste treatment. By complying with these standards, Ho Chi Minh City can maintain the harmonious balance between tourism development and environmental protection, climate change response, she went on. Experts said the city, one of the most dynamic trade, service, and tourism hubs in Vietnam, has attracted millions of visitors from around the world and established itself as a diverse and charming destination. However, to adapt to common trends in the region and the world, the local tourism sector should standardize … [Read more...] about Ho Chi Minh City moves to apply ASEAN Tourism Standards

Globally, energy accounts for more than two-thirds of total greenhouse gas emissions. This makes the transformation of the energy sector centrally important in reducing emissions, and tackling the global climate crisis. Last year, investment in renewable energy reached approximately $500 billion, while the share of wind and solar energy reached a record 12 per cent of global electricity generation. Ramla Khalidi - Resident representative United Nations Development Programme in Vietnam I take this opportunity to congratulate the Vietnamese government for the recent adoption of the long-awaited Power Development Plan VIII, which aims to achieve 10 GW offshore wind capacity by 2030, and reach a renewable energy target of 39.2 per cent by 2030. The energy transition offers opportunities to accelerate the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, including the creation of decent jobs, the development of new technology and renewable energy industry sectors, … [Read more...] about Energy transition will not come without challenges

Statistics from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment showed that Vietnam annually disposes between 0.28 and 0.73 million tons of plastic waste to the sea, of which only 27% are recycled and reused. In its resolution dated October 22, 2018, on a sustainable development strategy of Vietnam's marine economy to 2030, the 13th Party Central Committee set a goal for coastal localities to collect and treat 100% of their hazardous waste and daily-life solid waste up to environmental standards. In August 2020, the Quang Ngai People’s Committee issued a plan on marine plastic waste management for 2021-2025, aiming to halve the amount of the waste and push the number of tourism-service businesses saying no to single-use plastic products and non-biodegradable plastic bags to 70%. To this end, a host of measures has so far been carried out, focusing on the development of related human resources, finance, and technology, with polluters subject to hefty fines. Quang Ngai has … [Read more...] about South-central provinces press ahead with plastic waste fight

Hanoi's agricultural areas are shrinking as five suburban districts are being added to the city. Hanoi's authorities need to incentivize businesses to get involved in boosting sustainable agriculture, experts gave their opinions at a conference in Hanoi on June 6. Rice field at harvest time in Hanoi's Thach That district. Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times Agriculture is a high-risk sector, and it is difficult to gain growth without business cooperation, said former Deputy Minister of Interior Nguyen Tien Dinh. "The city must provide incentives to encourage investors to pour money into the sector," he said, commenting on the new resolution drafted by the city's People's Council to promote Hanoi's agricultural economy. "Hanoi should establish integrated agricultural zones that encompass production, breeding, and technological research, supported by a comprehensive and flexible policy framework that focuses on fundamental aspects and promotes integration," … [Read more...] about Businesses, cooperatives should lead agricultural sector growth: Specialists

Stemming from Resolution No.90/CP in August 1997 on the direction and policy of promoting private engagement in educational, medical, and cultural activities, Vietnam has a proud history of crafting policy on the nation’s health. They include legislation on development of non-public service providers, as well as encouraging private investment in education, vocational training, sports, the environment, and lots more. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van De - chairman of the Vietnam Private Hospital Association Over the past decade or two, these policies have been updated and amended in order to strengthen Vietnam’s framework in this area. These policies have created favourable conditions for localities to organise, apply, implement, and have clear and transparent mechanisms and policies, especially administrative reform in attracting investment for health projects. More importantly, we have attracted many resources, specifically from businesses and capable investors both at home … [Read more...] about Modern policy for private hospitals

Customers still heavily lean towards traditional processes when it comes to researching property, Le Toan PropertyGuru, the owner of batdongsan.com.vn, has been in difficulties in Vietnam with a sharp decrease in turnover. In its first quarter result released on May 23, Vietnam marketplace revenue decreased 34 per cent on-year to $2.4 million, as government actions to tighten credit continued to impact the overall number of listings in the market. “The number of listings was down 32 per cent to 1.1 million in the first quarter compared to the prior quarter. The average revenue per listing was in-line with the first quarter of 2022,” the company said. PropertyGuru operates in the three markets of Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Only the Vietnam market saw a loss in the first quarter. Hari V. Krishnan, PropertyGuru CEO and managing director, said that the company’s overall first-quarter results were a successful start to 2023 as its performance in Singapore and Malaysia … [Read more...] about Some way to go for proptech to hit home

Risk management is one of the most important aspects of Home Credit's operations. Automatic decisions are made based on highly sophisticated scorecards and credit assessment processes, constantly increasing the usage and effectiveness of big data. Annica Witschard, CEO of Home Credit Vietnam, makes a presentation to investors. Photo by Home Credit "Advanced predictive models are applied widely in Home Credit to mitigate risks, including advanced machine learning approach and gradient boosting techniques leading to scorecards, advanced anti-fraud operations based on biometrics, sophisticated early warning system and active fraud score model, and highly ethical and effective collection practices," Fabien Sanchez, the company's chief risk officer, said. Besides, a robust collection strategy is employed methodically, ethically and professionally by Home Credit’s employees. Its advanced collections strategies are supported by high technology such as well-trained … [Read more...] about How risk management contributes to Home Credit’s strong performance

Tourists visiting Co To island of northeastern Quang Ninh province have been urged not to bring plastic bags as it aims to build a sustainable, green tourism environment. Tourists are offered paper bags as part of a project to reduce plastic waste. (Photo: kinhtemoitruong.vn) In order to protect the island, from September 1, 2022, the People's Committee of Co To island district piloted regulations that tourists should not bring plastic bottles, plastic bags, and materials with risks of environmental pollution. However, plastic bags have been still found on the island, said Nguyen Hai Linh, Head of the Division of Culture, Information and Tourism of Co To district. To ensure an environment connected to green and sustainable tourism development, the district People's Committee asked travel companies, shipping companies, owners of accommodation establishments and tourism service providers to advise all tourists not to bring plastic bags to the island. … [Read more...] about Tourists advised not to take plastic bags to Co To island

To optimise the power sources, transmission, distribution, efficiency, and pricing with sectoral planning, a reasonable import of power and fuel can support socioeconomic development with a self-reliant green transition coupled with international integration. Vaibhav Saxena - Lawyer, Vilaf Further integration of the local industry will also realise the aim of Industry 4.0 through modernising and digitalising the power systems and network by using more smart technologies. Special emphasis is given to promoting renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydro. Solar projects with planning inclusions are to be implemented in accordance with the Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8). Planned solar projects with no investors are to be halted until 2030, unless such projects are deployed off-grid. International commitments, green/climate funds, bonds, and credit sources are given importance to ensure a sustainable and green energy transition for Vietnam; while … [Read more...] about A well-planned greener transition through PDP8