Lao cai train station to sapa

Vientiane (VNA) - Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has instructed relevant agencies to expedite the drafting of a strategy on rare earth and other minerals, to ensure proper management of mining operations in the country, reported Vientiane Times. economy . As rare earth is in high demand globally, it is necessary for the government to ensure that Laos fully benefits from the mining of rare earth deposits, he said. In recent months, National Assembly members have expressed concern about mining operations in Laos , saying that the mismanaged export of precious metals and other minerals has resulted in serious financial losses. Laos's rare earth reserves are estimated to be big. The country has to date signed rare earth exploration contracts with 18 companies in 18 projects./. VNA … [Read more...] about Lao Gov’t tightens management of rare earth mining

There are currently around 300 green buildings certified by standards such as Lotus, Edge, LEED, or Green Mark, Photo: shutterstock According to Douglas Lee Snyder, executive director of the Vietnam Green Building Council, from a legal perspective, realising both financial and non-financial incentives in Vietnam is a challenge. “Maybe we need to make inter-ministerial cooperation efforts to achieve the goals set by the government of Vietnam. For example, while public green buildings often lead the market in other countries, in Vietnam, cost norms per square metre regulated by the Ministry of Finance alone are not enough for one construction, but it needs collaboration from other related ministries,” Snyder told VIR. Meanwhile, Angus Liew, chairman of Gamuda Land Vietnam, said that the barriers involve technology, equipment, and even perceptions. “In addition, Vietnam’s government has become well aware of the repercussions and understands the importance of transforming its … [Read more...] about Task obvious for Vietnam’s green building development

The EU official began implementing the transition period of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism ( CBAM ) from October 1. As a result, iron and steel, cement, and fertiliser manufacturers in Vietnam are required to report total verified greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions embedded in goods exported to the EU. At an event on green steel production at the end of September, Nghiem Xuan Da, chairman of the Vietnam Steel Association, said that the country is taking the first steps to build a carbon-neutral roadmap for the steel industry. "Towards 2025, the steel industry aims to reduce GHG emissions by 10-30 per cent by optimising processes, energy, raw materials, and technology. In 2025-2030, the industry will use low-carbon materials and increase the amount of hydrogen gas in steel factories by 30 per cent," Da explained. Despite the ambition to reduce GHG emissions, the CBAM will pose a major challenge for Vietnamese steel exporters, according to Da. In the first six months of 2023, … [Read more...] about CBAM heralds new journey for sustainable energy use

The cover of the book (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - The Vietnam News Agency Publishing House has compiled and published a photo book entitled " General Vo Nguyen Giap ”, on the occasion of his 10th death anniversary this year (October 4, 2013-2023). It is also in anticipation of the 80th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People's Army, the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu historic victory and the 113th birth anniversary of the late general next year. Printed in both Vietnamese and English, the book compiles hundreds of photos featuring the General which were selected from various sources, providing readers with vivid images and detailed annotations on his life and career. It also highlights the historical changes, the battles and the victories of the Vietnamese army and people in the 20th century via three parts: Hometown, Family and Childhood; Military Genius; and General of the Times. General Giap, whose real name is Vo Giap, was born in Loc Thuy commune … [Read more...] about Vietnam News Agency publishing house launches photo book on Gen. Vo Nguyen Giap

Students participated into the “Study in Europe 2023” in HCM City. — Photo courtesy of Eurocham “Study in Europe 2023” - the largest European education event in Việt Nam took place in HCM City on October 1 and will be organised in Hà Nội on October 7. Organised by the EU Delegation and Embassies of EU Member States in Việt Nam, the fair saw the participation of 16 EU member states including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, and Sweden. At each country's booth, representatives from embassies and educational institutions provided detailed information and consultation on educational programmes and scholarship opportunities. In addition, the shared booth run by the EU Delegation and the EU Alumni Network in Việt Nam offered the latest updates on the Erasmus+ international academic exchange initiative, as well as the Erasmus Mundus scholarship funded and managed by the EU, covering … [Read more...] about Study in Europe 2023 fair opens

Accelerated government spending is expected to boost demand in the remaining months of the year. ADB’s Principal Country Economist Nguyen Ba Hung shared his thoughts on Vietnam’s economic performance and its prospects for 2023 with The Hanoi Times. ADB’s Principal Country Economist Nguyen Ba Hung. What is the primary obstacle confronting Vietnam's economy for the remainder of the year? In the first half of 2023, Vietnam experienced a slowdown in GDP growth, with growth projected at only 3.7% compared to the positive momentum seen last year, when GDP grew 6.5% in the first half and 9.5% in the second half, resulting in an annual growth rate of 8% for the whole of 2022. One factor contributing to GDP growth in recent years has been public investment's sustained and steady growth. However, significant internal challenges have emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic. Vietnam's economy heavily relies on exports and foreign direct investment (FDI) … [Read more...] about Public investment as catalyst for Vietnam’s economic recovery in 2023: ADB