Regarding weaknesses and shortcomings, PM Phúc ordered “deeper analysis” in all sectors – especially the collective economy, agriculture restructuring efforts, tourism development, infrastructure, environmental protection, climate change response and other hot-button social and cultural issues that had emerged in recent times. … [Read more...] about Technology and innovation identified as strategic direction for VN’s economy
Environmental news
Regional FMs advocate theme, priorities of ASEAN Chairmanship 2020
During the event, the foreign ministers discussed on the bloc’s 2020 major orientations on Community building, external relations, and an array of regional and global issues among others. The regional foreign ministers voiced support for the theme and priorities initiated by Viet Nam for the ASEAN Chairmanship Year, according to the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry. Accordingly, ASEAN will focus on consolidating ASEAN solidarity and unity, fostering intra economic connectivity, trade and investment as well as sub-region connectivity while actively adapting to opportunities and challenges amid a fast-changing world. The foreign ministers agreed to step up cooperation in environmental protection, peace, security and gender equality. Regarding ASEAN external relations, the foreign ministers underlined the importance of further expanding and deepening cooperation with its dialogue partners, including organization of the ASEAN-US Commemorative Summit in March and the ASEAN-New Zealand … [Read more...] about Regional FMs advocate theme, priorities of ASEAN Chairmanship 2020
Three Vietnamese cities receive ASEAN Clean Tourist Awards
The awards aim to honour and promote cities and places that offer high quality tourism services in the region. The nominees are assessed on seven criteria regarding environmental management; cleanliness; waste management; awareness-building about environmental protection and cleanliness; green space; health safety, urban safety and security; and tourism infrastructure and facilities. The winning cities received a certificate of appreciation and a plaque with the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Label. The award remains valid for three years. This is the second time Hue city has been honoured with the award. Earlier, in 2018, the three cities of Hue, Hoi An (Quang Nam province) and Da Lat (Lam Dong province) received title for the 2018-2020 period. … [Read more...] about Three Vietnamese cities receive ASEAN Clean Tourist Awards
ADB helps Vietnam develop green, resilient cities
Hanoi (VNA) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the provincial People’s Committees of Ha Giang, Vinh Phuc and Thua Thien-Hue on July 6 signed project agreements totaling 223.87 million USD for the Secondary Green Cities Development Project. The project will support environmentally sustainable and inclusive development in the provincial capital cities of Ha Giang, Vinh Yen and Hue to enhance their economic competitiveness, according to a news release issued by the ADB on the same day. “The ADB will help the cities of Ha Giang, Vinh Yen and Hue integrate green features into their urban infrastructure, such an energy efficient street lighting and nature-based embankments,” said Eric Sidgwick, ADB Country Director for Vietnam. “Building on ADB’s support in preparing Green City Action Plans for the three cities, this project will demonstrate how the right mix of integrated urban planning and blended financing can improve livability, resilience and … [Read more...] about ADB helps Vietnam develop green, resilient cities
Netherlands-funded biogas project effective in rural areas
He is one of the masons receiving technology transfer, training and consultation under the SNV’s biogas project. Tam also received 1.2 million VND (50 USD) for each digester he installed for customers. “The project helps masons like me have a stable job with good income,” said Liem. “It also works to ensure Vietnamese rural people have sustainable pig farming.” According to Nguyen Thu Ha, SNV adviser on Renewable Energy, the biogas project, now in the third phase (2017 – 2020), applies the results-based Financing Facility (RBF) mechanism. In 2014, the project started to pilot incentives, set at 1.2 million VND (50 USD), for biogas entrepreneurs based on the number of bio-digesters they have sold, Ha said. The RBF incentives were designed to improve the quality of installed digesters, while ensuring end-user training and construction of digesters meet set standards in the field, and increasing the number of biogas digester users. However, … [Read more...] about Netherlands-funded biogas project effective in rural areas
