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’
Moon observation
Gia Lai’s defensive area and civil defense exercise 2023 kicked off
During the four-day event, participating forces will conduct exercises in response to incidents, carrying search and rescue, shifting the armed forces to higher combat readiness statuses, shifting the locality to the national defense status, and preparing and conducting defensive operations to firmly protect the locality. The exercise aims to enhance the leadership and direction capabilities of local party committees and authorities and the advisory capacity of the armed forces, departments, agencies, and organizations to help deal with circumstances in a timely manner, contributing to firmly maintaining political security and facilitating local socio-economic development. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Lieutenant General Thai Dai Ngoc, Commander of Military Region 5, emphasized that provincial and municipal defense exercises are an important content in defensive area building, related to locality’s political, economic, social, defense, and security aspects. From exercises’ … [Read more...] about Gia Lai’s defensive area and civil defense exercise 2023 kicked off
Vietnam vows to support Myanmar in promoting peaceful, sustainable solutions
Minister Counsellor Le Thi Minh Thoa, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam supports and appreciates the role of the ASEAN Chair in connecting with all stakeholders in finding a peaceful and sustainable solution to the Myanmar situation, as well as the bloc's efforts to promote humanitarian relief in the country and the repatriation process in Rakhine State, Minister Counsellor Le Thi Minh Thoa, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, has said. Addressing the UN Security Council’s Arria-formula meeting on the humanitarian situation in Myanmar on May 19 (local time), Thoa stressed that the process of solving the situation in Myanmar must be controlled and led by the country itself. Relevant parties in the nation must fully and effectively implement the ASEAN-agreed Five-Point Consensus, end violence, ensure humanitarian and healthcare access for all, and create a favourable environment to promote dialogue and … [Read more...] about Vietnam vows to support Myanmar in promoting peaceful, sustainable solutions
Shares to rebound this week to retest 1,080 points
Two investors on the exchange floor of DSC Securities Corporation. — Photo DSC Securities Corporation Shares are forecast to rebound this week amid rising demand to retest the supply at the area close to 1,080 points, said securities companies. On the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE), the VN-Index lost by 0.12 per cent, to close at 1,067.07 points. The weakening movement in Friday's session turned out to attract bottom-fishing demand and helped the market to significantly narrow down the drop at the end of the session. “With existing support signals, it is likely that the market will continue to be supported and rally next week to retest the supply at the area near 1,080 points," said Viet Dragon Securities Co. "Therefore, investors need to observe the supply and demand movements at the resistance zone. “For the time being, it is still possible to hold or exploit short- term opportunities in some stocks with good technical signals and attracting cash flow. However, it is … [Read more...] about Shares to rebound this week to retest 1,080 points
Defense minister meets with military N.A. deputies
The event was chaired by General Phan Van Giang, Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and Minister of National Defense (MND). At the meeting, leaders of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army briefed the defense minister and delegates on the regional and international situations and the military’s outcomes in military, defense, and military building work over the past time. Meanwhile, the MND’s functional agencies updated delegates on the results and progress of the building of MND-chaired draft law projects which will be submitted to the N.A. for consideration and approval. Concluding the meeting, Gen. Giang emphasized the importance of the fifth session of the 15th N.A. He said that this session will discuss important contents related to the military and asked military N.A. deputies to responsibly contribute quality opinions to the session’s contents. The defense minister requested each deputy to study and carefully prepare their reports which must … [Read more...] about Defense minister meets with military N.A. deputies
SonKim Land develops Luxury Boutique Office for business elites
A perspective rendering of the project. Photo by Kimson Land An address befitting a business empire Situated in the future international financial hub of Thu Thiem, the Luxury Boutique Office is a new collection of premium office spaces, reserved for leaders of renowned business empires. Operating at all hours of the day to keep up with the world’s biggest business hubs in the world, the project presents a haven for owners to connect with international partners, strategize and carry out important business decisions. The Luxury Boutique Office is geared towards accommodating family offices for the leaders of entrepreneurial empires (30 to 40 years in operation), a headquarters for the management of existing subsidiaries and potential new overseas businesses. With flexibility in conventional office developments, the Luxury Boutique Office also offers the ideal home for law firms, commercial offices, art galleries, auction houses, and more. The lobby at the Luxury … [Read more...] about SonKim Land develops Luxury Boutique Office for business elites
Fund management acquisitions unlock new edge
Fund management acquisitions unlock new edge / illustration photo/ Source: Shutterstock TPBank in late April presented its proposal to acquire a fund management company at its AGM. According to CEO Nguyen Hung, the acquisition of a subsidiary specialising in fund management is an objective necessity for the bank, ensuring a solid legal foundation and addressing market demands. Hung emphasised that the acquisition of a subsidiary specialising in fund management was not merely an option but vital. This strategic manoeuvre is poised to fuel TPBank’s pursuit of robust development, fortifying its position within the market and elevating its competitiveness. TPBank previously integrated TPBank Securities Company (TPS) into its ecosystem, assigning key positions within the company since 2019. Furthermore, TPBank has consistently injected substantial funds during recent substantial capital increases by TPS, ensuring a sustained ownership stake. The bank’s chairman Do Minh Phu said, … [Read more...] about Fund management acquisitions unlock new edge
Global minimum tax requires Vietnam to adopt new incentives
The global minimum corporate tax, expected to take effect in January next year, will affect large corporations' investment strategies and governments' investment policies, such as Vietnam's. The global minimum corporate tax could impact Vietnam's competitive advantages in attracting foreign investment. Dr. Oliver Massmann, Partner - General Director of Duane Morris Vietnam LLC, shared his views with The Hanoi Times on how Vietnam should respond to ensure its competitiveness. Dr. Oliver Massmann, Partner-General Director of Duane Morris Vietnam LLC Vietnam is urged to apply the global minimum corporate income tax soon to ensure its financial benefits and competitive advantages in attracting foreign investment. Do you agree with this view? Yes, we fully agree with the view that Vietnam must promptly adopt and apply the global minimum tax and feasible and legal mechanisms to ensure its benefits of finance and competitiveness advantages in foreign … [Read more...] about Global minimum tax requires Vietnam to adopt new incentives
High value investment takes Vietnam to the next level of qualitative growth: HSBC
With FDI accounting for more than 70% of exports, Vietnam has successfully transformed over time into an export-driven and FDI-reliant economy. Vietnam’s establishment of a manufacturing supply chain ecosystem over the past 35 years with a focus on high value FDI is absolutely right and commendable. Mr. Joon Suk Park - Head of International Subsidiary Banking, Wholesale Banking, HSBC Vietnam, shared his ideas on the issue. Joon Suk Park - Head of International Subsidiary Banking, Wholesale Banking, HSBC Vietnam. Vietnam’s government is focusing on high value investment. How can high value FDI support Vietnam’s economy? Vietnam has over the years successfully transformed into an export led, FDI important economy where the latter contributes to more than 70% of the country’s exports. The manufacturing sector surrounding electronics and textiles & garments has been the key drivers. High value investments cover a broad range of sectors including … [Read more...] about High value investment takes Vietnam to the next level of qualitative growth: HSBC
Graduates put degrees aside for migrant work overseas
When she started working, the now 32-year-old woman from Nghe An thought her salary as a teacher was "fine" even though it wasn’t high. But after she got married and gave birth, unprecedented costs appeared. Things got even harder after Thu and her husband took out a mortgage from the bank to buy a new house. Their accumulated income, which was around VND 15 million, was not even enough for their monthly living costs. At the start of this year, Thu applied for work in Japan. Her parents and parents-in-law were initially against the idea, however, when Thu persuaded them that her family’s financial situation could get even worse with a second child, they agreed. Ngoc Lien, 25, from Bac Giang Province, has just completed her documents to apply to work in Taiwan. She is expected to be a food processor for a monthly salary equivalent to VND 30 million. Lien graduated from a university in Hanoi and majored in English. Over the past three years since graduation, she hasn’t been able to … [Read more...] about Graduates put degrees aside for migrant work overseas