Latest figures from the central bank show that in late February the on-balance sheet non-performing ratio of the banking system stood at 2.91 per cent, an increase compared to 2.46 per cent in late 2016, 1.49 per cent in late 2021 and most recently, 2 per cent in late 2022. However, according to a State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) assessment, several sorts of debts have the potential to be turned into bad debts in the future, such as investment into corporate bonds for debt restructuring, hard-to-collect receivables, among others. “If such debts were considered, the non-performing loans (NPLs) ratio of the system might reach 5 per cent of total outstanding balances,” said SBV Governor Nguyen Thi Hong. One positive point is that credit institutions have been taking practical measures to ensure operational safety through boosting their loan loss reserve (LLR) funds for their bad debts . Accordingly, credit institutions have maintained a fairly high LLR ratio approximating … [Read more...] about How bad debts influence lending rates
How neuroscience can aid public sector communications
ROBOTACON WRO 2023 organised nationwide
ROBOTACON WRO 2023 is being organised nationwide for the first time Under the theme connecting the world, the ROBOTACON WRO 2023 competition is co-organised by the Embassy of Denmark, Viet Tinh Anh JSC, and LEGO Education. This year, the teams participating in the contest will be divided into groups with tasks under various topics based on current interests from around the world, such as marine life conservation, underwater infrastructure, port automation, and others. According to the Danish ambassador Nicolai Prytz, he is very proud that the Embassy of Denmark is one of the co-organisers of ROBOTACON WRO 2023, the largest and most prestigious competition dedicated to science, technology, and education in Vietnam for students aged 6-19 years. “I believe that this will be a fantastic playground for young Vietnamese people to learn the necessary skills for the 21 st century, such as critical thinking, teamwork, problem-solving, and technology. The competition also … [Read more...] about ROBOTACON WRO 2023 organised nationwide
Party Secretariat issues directive on organising Front ’s congresses
The Vietnam Fatherland Front ’s 9th National Congress. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - Permanent member of the Party Central Committee's Secretariat Truong Thi Mai has signed a document on directing the organisation of Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF)’s 10th National Congress in the 2024 – 2019 tenure, and the congresses of the VFF’s chambers at all levels. The document said in recent times, the VFF has continued to assert its position and role in protecting the legitimate rights and interests of the people. It focuses on promoting people's rights and mobilising their participation in patriotic movement s, engaging in social supervision and criticism, combating corruption and negative phenomena, and participating in building a clean and strong Party and political system. These efforts have contributed to strengthening the people's trust in the Party and harnessing the power of the great national solidarity bloc in the cause of national construction and defence. The upcoming … [Read more...] about Party Secretariat issues directive on organising Front ’s congresses
Critics say pandemic treaty text is ‘step backwards’
As negotiations towards a new pandemic treaty pick up pace, observers warn of watered-down efforts to ensure equitable access to the medical products needed to battle future COVID-like threats. Shaken by the pandemic, the World Health Organization's 194 member states are negotiating an international accord aimed at ensuring countries are better equipped to deal with the next catastrophe, or even prevent it altogether. The process is still in the early stages, with the aim of reaching an agreement by May 2024. But critics warn that revisions being made to the preliminary negotiating text are weakening the language -- notably in a key area aimed at preventing the rampant inequity seen in access to vaccines and other medical products during the COVID pandemic. "I think it is a real step backwards," Suerie Moon, co-director of the Global Health Centre at the Geneva Graduate Institute, told AFP . If poorer nations do not see solid language ensuring they will be better protected … [Read more...] about Critics say pandemic treaty text is ‘step backwards’
Sustainability – a vital trend in modern agriculture: PAN’s CEO
Nguyen Thi Tra My, CEO of The PAN Group. — Photo courtesy of the group Nguyen Thi Tra My, CEO of the PAN Group, said that the group targeted reducing emissions, especially greenhouse gas emissions as one of the key tasks in its sustainable development goals. Greenhouse gas emissions in Viet Nam have increased significantly in recent years due to economic development and population growth. Following the global trend, the Vietnamese Government has been taking measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. The Government's effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions requires the participation of businesses and also puts them in a challenge called “sustainability”. Nguyen Thi Tra My shared about this challenge. In 2022, after COP 26, the Vietnamese Government issued Decree 06/2022/ND-CP and Decision 01/2022/TTg, requiring enterprises to carry out greenhouse gas Inventory and Inventory Verification; together with the greenhouse gas emission reduction plan … [Read more...] about Sustainability – a vital trend in modern agriculture: PAN’s CEO
BVBank builds stronger identity with new name
BVBank The move, outlined in Decision No.1001/QD-NHNN issued by the SBV on May 26, states that the new English abbreviation for the bank will be BVBank, replacing its previous designation. The adoption of the new abbreviation is in line with the bank's objective of having a concise, easily recognisable, and memorable name. This change aims to enhance the convenience of communication between BVBank and its customers, aligning with its customer-centric approach encapsulated in its slogan Starting with YOU. By securing the approval of the SBV, BVBank has taken a significant step towards becoming more customer-oriented, as it seeks to provide improved products, services, and overall benefits to its clientele. Furthermore, the new name also boosts the bank's international identity, positioning it for greater recognition and presence in global markets. The update reflects its commitment to establishing a strong and cohesive brand image on the international stage. Looking … [Read more...] about BVBank builds stronger identity with new name
HCMC set for 5.87% economic growth in Q2
Its chairman, Phan Van Mai, said at a National Assembly session Monday: "This shows the great effort made by the city. It brings great joy." The services sector is set to lead growth with 7.6%, while industry and construction are expected to grow at 4.77%. Mai said retail and services grew at a considerable pace in May, and both the city and businesses have been offering discounts to promote tourism. Retail and services revenues were up 10% year-on-year. The Index of Industrial Production is estimated to have risen by 5.5% year-on-year in May. Public spending increased by 24% year-on-year in the first five months to VND10.2 trillion (US$434 million). … [Read more...] about HCMC set for 5.87% economic growth in Q2
Vice President receives Cambodian front delegation
Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan (R) and Nhem Valy, Permanent Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the National Council of the Solidarity for the Development of Cambodian Motherland. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan hosted a reception for a delegation of the National Council of the Solidarity Front for the Development of Cambodian Motherland in Hanoi on May 30. Xuan congratulated Cambodia on its successful chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly ( AIPA ) in 2022, and its successful organisation of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 32) in May. The Vice President expressed her hope that the neighbouring country will successfully organise its general election in July and the 12th ASEAN Para Games in June, thus contributing to raising its role and position in the region and the world, and building the ASEAN Community of peace, stability, solidarity and prosperity. The host … [Read more...] about Vice President receives Cambodian front delegation
Ericsson retains top ranking in Global 5G network infrastructure market 2023 report
Ericsson has also gained important recognition for developing energy-efficient 5G RAN solutions that cater to customers’ needs. — Photo courtesy of the firm Ericsson has retained its top ranking in the Frost Radar™ 5G Network Infrastructure Market 2023 report for the third consecutive year. Maintaining the top ranking in the Frost Radar™ report over the past years has shown Ericsson’s consistent ability to scale its innovations and growth in the field, according to the yearly report from business consulting firm Frost & Sullivan. It also reaffirms Ericsson’s leadership in the 5G network infrastructure market, which spans radio access networks (RAN), transport networks, and core networks. Ericsson has also gained important recognition for developing energy-efficient 5G RAN solutions that cater to customers’ needs. Fredrik Jejdling, Executive Vice President and Head of Networks at Ericsson, said: “It is rewarding to see our sustained efforts to increase the energy efficiency … [Read more...] about Ericsson retains top ranking in Global 5G network infrastructure market 2023 report