General government consists of central provincial and local government

Da Nang Smart City App helps connect residents and local administration. (Photo: VNA) Da Nang (VNS/VNA) - With 43% of the population aged 18 and more owning electronic accounts on the public service portals , the central city of Da Nang is among the leading localities in Vietnam in digital transformation. Digital transformation is being promoted with the participation of all agencies, enterprises and residents. Digital economy accounts for 17% of the city’s Gross Regional Domestic Product in 2022. This has contributed to the city’s digital socio-economic recovery and development and created digital skills and habits for local people. Nguyen Quang Thanh, Director of the municipal Department of Information and Communications, said the e-government and smart urban area building inspire the city’s digital transformation . “Data plays a key role in creating new values,” he told Vietnam News Agency. Since 2020, the city has built a database based on various sources. … [Read more...] about Da Nang applies digital transformation to urban management

At a conference on solutions to develop and promote investment in real estate for agricultural tourism in Vietnam on May 25 in Hanoi, an action programme was discussed to create motivation for agro-tourism and rural development. Legal synchronisation can unlock agro-tourism potential Organised by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism and the Vietnam National Real Estate Association (VNREA), it was the first time that a large-scale event discussed such issues. Nguyen Van Khoi, chairman of VNREA, said that the development of agricultural tourism is gradually becoming a trend in rural areas, especially in agricultural economy countries like Vietnam. It not only benefits the industry but also contributes to increasing the value of the land, raising opportunities for economic development, and improving the lives of local people. “In order to increase the value of the land through the development of agricultural and rural tourism, a sustainable development … [Read more...] about Legal synchronisation can unlock agro-tourism potential

Asia’s increased borrowing in recent decades has augmented the region’s exposure to rising interest rates and heightened market volatility, said the International Monetary Fund (IMF). According to the IMF’s latest report on May 25, over 18 per cent of Vietnamese enterprises were found to have an interest coverage ratio (ICR) below one, indicating a high risk of default as of June 2022. Additionally, 18.32 per cent of companies had an ICR between 1-4, making them vulnerable to increased borrowing costs, while 63.36 per cent had an ICR of four, signalling a good debt repayment capacity. The report attributes the heightened risks to the rising cost of borrowing, as central banks tighten monetary policies and increase interest rates to combat inflation. Despite maintaining growth rates, companies face significant pressure due to higher borrowing costs, reducing their ability to repay debts. As of mid-2022, 17 per cent of Asia’s corporate debt was held by firms with interest … [Read more...] about IMF highlights rising debt risks for Asian companies

The most effective competitive advantage for Vietnam's economy is creating a favorable business investment environment free of legal barriers. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has signed a decree to urge ministries and provinces/cities to boost administrative reforms and improve the investment environment to support local enterprises. Electronics production at Katolec Vietnam in Quang Minh Industrial Park, Hanoi. Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times "A conducive investment environment is a fundamental platform helping businesses operate smoothly and drive growth. This, in turn, promotes job creation and contributes to overall socio-economic development," said the decree. Vietnam has been trying to cut administrative regulations and compliance costs as part of its national digital transformation effort. As of May 2023, the country's total number of administrative procedures was 6,422, 376 fewer than the same period in 2020. This is expected to improve the … [Read more...] about PM urges greater efforts to accelerate administrative reforms