Expand your lungs

Hanoi (VNA) – The US and the Philippines on February 2 announced their agreement to give US forces access to four additional bases in the Southeast Asian country. In a joint statement, US and Philippine defence officials clearly stated that the two sides have agreed to expand their current bilateral defence agreement to four more bases in strategic areas of the Philippines. Under the agreement, Washington will be granted access to the four bases following the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) which became effective in 2014, allowing the US to rotate troops and to build and deploy facilities at Philippine bases. Meanwhile, the Philippine Department of National Defence said that the US has spent more than 82 million USD on infrastructure projects at five underway facilities in the Philippines. The statement was released during US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin’s visit to the Philippines./. VNA … [Read more...] about US, Philippines expand bilateral defence agreement

By 2025, the Ministry of Information and Communications expected Vietnam to have 80,000 digital tech firms, meeting at least 50% of digital tech and services from state agencies. Vietnam aims for the digital technology industry to lead the implementation of Industry 4.0 in the country, with revenue growth 2.5 times higher than the overall GDP expansion rate. ICT to help Vietnam realize the digitalization process. File photo The target was revealed in the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC)’s directive for information and communication technology (ICT) development in 2023 and the 2024-2025 period. "Digital technology focused on design, creation, and manufacturing in Vietnam is the main industrial sector driving the nation's industrialization and modernization, contributing to greater digitalization capability and shaping a digital country," the MIC stated. Under the plan, the ministry expected revenue from the ICT sector would hit US$165 … [Read more...] about Digital technology to spearhead Vietnam’s drive for Industry 4.0

The country is forecast to be the second-fastest growing economy in Asia-Pacific this year. Vietnam would continue to prioritize macroeconomic stability and containing inflation in anticipation of greater challenges from both domestic and international fronts in 2023. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the meeting. Photos: VGP Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh gave the remarks during a monthly Government meeting today [February 2]. According to Chinh, Vietnam’s socioeconomic performance in January has been positive with strong results in all fields and sectors, especially in industries, agriculture, and tourism. The World Bank in its latest global economic outlook report forecast Vietnam’s GDP in 2023 at 6.3% year on year, down 0.2% from the previous assessment, but still the second highest in Asia-Pacific. In addition to economic development, the authorities have taken measures to ensure social welfare and provided financial support for 25 million eligible … [Read more...] about Vietnam prioritizes macroeconomic stability in 2023: PM

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong addresses the closing ceremony of the sixth session of the 13th Party Central Committee. (Photo: VNA) Pretoria (VNA) – General Secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP) Solly Mapaila has expressed his impression at the achievements that Vietnam has gained under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV). Talking to Vietnam News Agency (VNA) in Pretoria, Mapaila highlighted that Vietnam won the victory in the struggle for independence, putting an end to all forms of exploitation as well as hunger and poverty, and building a country of happiness and development. Vietnam has affirmed its position in the world arena, he noted, adding that at many major international forums such as the United Nations, Vietnam has gained an important position and expanded cooperation at the government level with many countries, while showing its role and progressive standpoints in international relations. Regarding the relationship … [Read more...] about South African party leader impressed by Vietnam’s achievements

Chairing the Government’s monthly teleconference with localities on February 2, PM Pham Minh Chinh requested keeping a close watch on the domestic and foreign market situation. He asked for extensive monitoring of product price and inflation to enable a quick response to the current situation. He also requested timely forecasts and risk warnings while adopting a sound, flexible and effective monetary policy in close and synchronous combination with monetary, fiscal and other policies. The PM also requested that associated ministries ensure the liquidity and safety of credit organizations, gearing credit into production and trade, priority areas and growth pillars. Another important topic is stepping up cashless payment, while tackling difficulties for real estate market, prioritizing capital for transparent and effective enterprises, and enhancing social investment attraction and public-private partnership. Localities need to take initiative for the disbursement of public … [Read more...] about Macro-economic stability, inflation control continue to be priority: Prime Minister

The Thai government's spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri. (Photo: nationthailand) Bangkok (VNA) – The Thai government's spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said on February 1 that the Ministry of Industry has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Japan’s Ishikawa prefecture to forge links between local enterprises. Anucha stressed that Ishikawa is the 23rd out of Japan’s 47 prefectures to sign an MOU with Thailand to promote industrial cooperation under the theme of “Otagai”, which means “to help each other”. On the Thai side, the Department of Industrial Promotion will match cluster industries in Ishikawa, including machinery, textile and fibre, food and agriculture, with suppliers and partners in Thailand. Both sides also agreed to participate in the 22nd Otagai Forum in Nanao City, Ishikawa, on February 22 to promote collaboration in the carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer and food processing industries and the bio-circular and green (BCG) economy. Anucha said over … [Read more...] about Thai, Japanese businesses forge links

Malaysia’s external trade activities are expected to expand steadily beyond 2023. (Photo: businesstoday.com.my) Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Malaysia’s external trade activities are expected to expand steadily beyond 2023 amid the impact of new trade agreements, apart from elevated commodity prices and lower interest rates, according to a research released on February 2 by Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad ( MIDF ). The research house said the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership ( RCEP ) and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) were also expected to lift the external trade performances in 2024. As of 2022, RCEP members contributed 58.1% of Malaysia’s total trade while CPTPP members accounted for 27.5%, it noted. Under those two free trade agreements (FTAs), Malaysian products are able to penetrate into wider markets while imported goods become cheaper. Hence, Malaysia ’s exports and imports growth rates … [Read more...] about RCEP, CPTPP to boost Malaysia’s external trade beyond 2023

Bangkok (VNA) - The Thai government has advised people to wear masks when going out and consider working from home on February 2 and 3 to avoid PM2.5 fine dust pollution, which is currently at a dangerously high level. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts PM2.5 levels will rise across much of the country on the two days as the fine-dust pollution accumulates in stagnant air. PM2.5 has been linked with heart and lung diseases as well as cancer. According to government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri , Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is concerned about people’s health, especially those of vulnerable groups, and advises them to wear sanitary or N95 masks when leaving the house, and to avoid prolonged outdoor activities. The PM also urged government agencies and businesses to consider a work-from-home approach to reduce air pollution from traffic. Anucha said those with chronic health problems or respiratory symptoms should consult a doctor before doing outdoor … [Read more...] about Thailand warns of dangerous fine-dust pollution

Vincom Pham Ngoc Thach in Ha Noi. Vincom Retail (VRE) and Vincom (VIC) rose 3 per cent and 1.1 per cent, respectively, yesterday. — VNS Photo Mai Huong The VN-Index edged up slightly on Thursday despite two-thirds of shares dipping in the red, driven by the growth of heavyweight shares. On the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE), the VN-Index inched up 0.15 per cent to close the day at 1,077.59 points. The northern bourse’s index decreased more than 3 per cent on Wednesday. Two-thirds of shares on the HoSE lost value, mainly small- and mid-cap shares. From the perspective of industry groups, most of the groups underperformed, except for retail (up 4.2 per cent on average) and banking (0.6 per cent). Data on vietstock.vn showed 18 out of 25 stock groups recorded losses, led by seafood processing companies (down 2.3 per cent on average), agriculture, logistics, machinery, construction and household appliances with each decreasing more than 1 per cent. Blue chips were mixed. … [Read more...] about Heavyweight shares help stop market from a fall