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Revenue to state budget increases over 10 percent The revenue to the state budget in the first 9 months of this year amounted to 1,084.7 trillion VND, representing 80.75 percent of the projection and an increase of 10.75 percent over the figure recorded in the same period last year, according to the Finance Ministry. Meanwhile, the expenditure from the state coffer was estimated at 116.3 trillion VND, with the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic being prioritised. By the end of September, 29.1 trillion VND from the state budget was spend on the fight and support to those adversely affected by the pandemic. Despite the serious impacts of the pandemic, the revenue still increased year on year thanks to the economic growth momentum in the last month of last year, the ministry said. For the rest of the year, the ministry will continue accelerating administrative procedure reforms on taxation, simplifying business conditions, and joining other forces in fighting …

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Draper Startup House Ventures in Singapore. It has launched its first global fund targeting early-stage companies in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Draper Startup House Ventures Draper Venture Network fund’s Singapore operation has launched a new micro fund targeting founders at the earliest stages of building tech start-ups in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. Draper Startup House Ventures’ first investment was in Ferne Health, a Singapore healthcare start-up addressing sexual health. The fund management is headquartered in the US and Singapore, but aims to invest world-wide. General partners Giulianna Crivello and Vikram Bharati, founder of Draper Startup House International, will co-manage the fund along with long-time advisor Nick Martin. It will focus on the Asia-Pacific where it has already invested in 60 countries and 30 industries. — VNS …

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A SkyX Solar project in Dong Nai. With EDF Renewables as a strategic partner, SkyX Solar plans to invest $100 million in the next two to three years to develop 200MWp of rooftop solar power systems in Viet Nam. VinaCapital Group, one of Viet Nam’s leading investment management companies with over US$3.7 billion in assets under management, announced on October 14 that EDF Renewables, an international leader in renewable energy, has made a significant investment in its subsidiary SkyX Energy, the holding company of SkyX Solar, a rooftop solar power developer. SkyX Solar, which has around 30 MWp of solar projects in operation, plans to invest more than $100 million to further develop 200MWp of rooftop solar. Don Lam, co-founder and CEO of VinaCapital, said: “A few years ago we recognised the critical role that clean energy will play in powering Viet Nam’s continued growth and development. The launch of SkyX Solar in 2019 is just one of our initiatives in the sector, and in a very …

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A view of the Six Senses Con Dao Resort. — VNS Photo Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province resumes domestic flights this weekend, with a special flight for guests to the Six Senses Con Dao Resort. During the social distancing period, Con Dao Island has sheltered well with zero cases of COVID-19 recorded and has maintained its position as the safest and most peaceful Vietnamese island. Thanks to the Government’s efforts, Six Senses Con Dao is welcoming guests on a special charter flight for a seven-night pilot stay at South East Asia’s #1 Resort. Visiting Con Dao Island, guests can experience the beauty and nature of all the facilities available at Six Senses Con Dao during these times, with support from local authorities to maintain the impressive zero COVID-19 status. From dining under the stars to the healing sounds of meditation, turtle releasing programmes and organic gardens, guests are able to roam the resort and reconnect with themselves and world around them. Situated along …

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Vietnamese technology enterprises have showcased many Make-in-Vietnam solutions and products at the 2D and 3D online booths of the ITU Digital World 2021. As part of the ITU Digital World 2021, the Digital World Exhibition 2021 is held on an online platform, where organizations and businesses demonstrate 2D and 3D online booths. These online booths are maintained for a month from October 12 to November 12, 2021. This is an opportunity for Vietnamese enterprises to promote their brands, expand markets, and approach customers and partners from ITU's 193 member countries. At this exhibition, Viettel built a virtual space with 3D Platform, 100% Make in Vietnam technology customized by Viettel engineers. Viettel's booth includes 8 Digital Ecosystems: Digital Government, Digital Health, Digital Education, Digital Enterprise, Digital Family, Digital Traffic, Digital Infrastructure & Security System; Digital Finance Logistic & E-Commerce. With a feature called "Live tour", …

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The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has imposed a VND45 million administrative fine on a rap band called "Nha Lam" for circulating a music product that offends beliefs and religions. According to Clause 4, Article 13 of Decree 38, besides the administrative fine of VND45 million (over US$2,000), this product must be removed from circulation.. "Nha Lam" rap band. Nearly two weeks ago, this troupe caused public outrage when it released the song “Thich Ca Mau Chi” with content blaspheming Buddhism, distorting the image of the Buddha. Not only Buddhist followers but also Vietnamese audiences and the media have harshly criticized this song. Facing the harsh reactions of Buddhist followers and the community, the rap band apologized twice on its Facebook page. After that, they went to Quan Su Pagoda (Hanoi) to repent. They promised to not repeat the mistake. The penitential ceremony was witnessed by Venerable Thich Duc Thien, Vice President, General Secretary …

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Access to low-cost technology was the topic of a discussion session of the ITU Ministerial Roundtable that took place on October 12-14. While 4G and 5G are gradually becoming more popular, nearly 50% of the global population has not yet had access to the Internet. It is not easy for all countries to perform digital transformation because of the difference in access to the Internet and technology. Access to low-cost technology was the topic of a discussion session of the ITU Ministerial Roundtable that took place on October 12-14, within the framework of the ITU Digital World hosted by Vietnam. ICT Ministers and many experts of ITU member countries discussed the issue of setting appropriate costs to help accelerate digital transformation and the role of governments in removing barriers to Internet access digital transformation. According to ITU’s data, more than 90% of the urban population and more than 70% of the rural population in the world have been covered …

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At the event. (Photo: VNA) Quang Binh (VNA) - A webinar to bolster cooperation between the central coastal province of Quang Binh and the Republic of Korea (RoK) was held on October 15. At the event, head of the Department of Foreign Affairs for Provinces at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Tran Thanh Huan said the ministry and the Embassy of RoK in Vietnam together with RoK partners have organised various events to bolster cooperation between the two countries at large and Quang Binh and the RoK in particular. Briefing the participants on Quang Binh’s potential and strengths across multiple fields, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Vu Dai Thang said the webinar offered a chance for Quang Binh and RoK businesses and investors to enhance connection and information sharing, thereby fostering investment in the Vietnamese province. Investors from the RoK are among prioritised partners of Quang Binh and they will receive optimal conditions to operate in the …

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Illustrative image (Photo: Xinhua/VNA) Vientiane (VNA) - The Lao Ministry of Health on October 15 said that in the past 24 hours, the country has recorded 573 new cases of COVID-19 , including 571 found in the community. According to the Ministry of Health, the COVID-19 pandemic in the country is still complicated as the number of cases has been on the rise in some provinces and cities, putting great pressure on the national health system. To date, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Laos has reached 31,188 cases, including 36 deaths. The Ministry of Health has requested health authorities in provinces and cities to urgently COVID-19 patients to treatment establishments and trace close contacts for testing and quarantine in accordance with regulations. At the same time, they were asked to continue preparing isolation centres and adequate treatment facilities to promptly treat patients. In addition, the Ministry of Health also urged local people to …

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With the rapid growth of the film industry with movies gaining high revenue in recent years, companies now cherish the ambitious plan to enter the world market. Thien than ho menh (Guardian Angel) is screened in many countries The Lat mat (Face Off) series directed by Ly Hai was screened in the US, Australia and Canada in 2019. And Hai Phuong (Furie) by Ngo Thanh Van has had the highest revenue, $2 million, or VND50 billion, in the international market so far. Bo gia (Dad, I’m Sorry) hit screens in Singapore and Malaysia on April 22 and in the US on May 28. According to Deadline, the work brought turnover of $820,000, or VND20 billion, just after two weeks. The figure is expected to increase rapidly as showings have been extended, and will be screened at 45 theaters in the time to come. This is an impressive achievement for a Vietnamese-made film in the world’s leading box office, especially amid Covid-19. As for other films, though they lack outstanding revenue in the …

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