New style rural areas

At the working session (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – The National Assembly adopted a resolution on State budget allocation in 2020 in the morning of November 14, with 90.48 percent of approval votes. Under the resolution, central budget collection is set at more than 851.76 trillion VND (36.7 billion USD), and accumulative local budget collection at over 660.53 trillion VND. Meanwhile, central budget spending is set at over 1,069 trillion VND, including more than 367.7 trillion VND reserved for supplementing the State budget balance and local budgets. The NA has tasked the Government with assigning tasks in State budget collection, spending and allocation to ministries, central agencies and centrally-run cities and provinces in line with legal regulations. The Government is also in charge of allocating the remaining capital of the national target programmes on new-style rural area building and on completely treating facilities causing serious environmental pollution. The … [Read more...] about National Assembly adopts resolution on 2020 State budget allocation

Minister of Public Security Tô Lâm answers queries from National Assembly deputies as the parliament discusses the draft amended law on exit and entry of foreigners in Hà Nội on Thursday. — VNA/VNS Photo HÀ NỘI — Lawmakers today asked for more careful consideration of the draft amended law on exit and entry of foreigners, which would exempt visas for those who stay a duration of less than 30 days in a coastal economic zone. The draft law stated that the visa waiver would be possible as long as the economic zone has a clearly delineated boundary, an international airport, and that the policy is proven to be needed for the socio-economic development of the area. The policy is meant to institutionalise the 30-day visa exemption that is already being trialled at the island district off the coast of the southern province of Kiên Giang and provide a legal basis to apply the model to other coastal economic zones with similar conditions. The … [Read more...] about NA concerned over security risks as Gov’t mulls visa exemption for foreigners

The delegation in Hoa Binh (Source: Nhan dan)   Hoa Binh (VNA) – Permanent National Assembly Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong together with female ambassadors and chiefs of diplomatic representative missions and international organisations in Vietnam took on a working trip to the northern mountainous province of Hoa Binh on March 8.  During a working session with the provincial authorities, Phong congratulated the provincial Party committee and authorities on their achievements in diverse areas, particularly in the preservation and upholding of culture of the Muong ethnic group. She said the Vietnamese legislature recently held the 26th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum, opening a series of diplomatic activities in Vietnam this year. Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Bui Van Tinh congratulated the Permanent NA Vice Chairwoman Phong, female NA deputies and chiefs of diplomatic representative missions and international organisations on … [Read more...] about Female ambassadors pay working trip to Hoa Binh

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) at a session with leaders of the G7 nations and guest countries (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – The website of the Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada on June 9 published an article of the Vietnam News Agency titled “Vietnam’s G7 Participation Opportunity to Build on Economic, Geostrategic Relationship with Canada.”   The article was published on the occasion of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s attendance at the Group of Seven (G7) Outreach Summit and visit to Canada from June 8 – 10 at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The article said PM Phuc’s attendance at the G7 in Quebec from June 8-10 at the invitation of PM Justin Trudeau is of special significance as the two countries hold various activities to celebrate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Vietnam and Canada elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership during Trudeau’s official visit … [Read more...] about VNA’s article on Vietnam’s G7 Summit participation published in Canada

Social, health, and environmental issues are a constant struggle in Vietnam, where a rapidly expanding economy has led to a boom in consumerism.  The following are some opinions from expats living in Vietnam who responded to a request from Tuoi Tre News for comments on the trend. The difference between owning lots of things and liking beautiful things Though fashion design is an industry often maligned for rampant consumerism, I often find myself making changes with the hope of positively impacting consumers and redirecting my brand towards a more positive direction. Our business in Hanoi does not produce fast fashion.  Instead it focuses on quality, natural fibers, handcrafted garments that are made to last, and ensuring everyone involved in the production process is paid fairly and respected for the skills they bring to the table. Of course I love beautiful things, but I don't have to own a lot of them to make me happy. Hence, it is important to distinguish between gaining … [Read more...] about Expats in Vietnam chime in on smart consumption