Factors potentially triggering the turmoil include monetary tightening, weak economic conditions, mismanagement, loss of confidence, maturity and currency mismatches, as well as instances of outright fraud and criminal activities. Most banks are resilient and avoid such difficulties -- but not all. Consequently, financial authorities must maintain preparedness to intervene whenever necessary, all while avoiding unintended consequences that could potentially sow the seeds of future banking crises. Global banking stress The current banking turmoil is largely due to the cycle of monetary tightening. Since early 2022, central banks have been quick to increase interest rates to bring inflation under control. In the United States, the effective Fed Funds rate increased by 500 basis points in just 14 months, a speed never observed since 1988. The European Central Bank has raised its policy rates by 400 basis points since mid-2022 and indicated that more rate hikes are forthcoming. … [Read more...] about Preparedness crucial in safeguarding banking sector
Remain march 23 june
Support to continue in form of VAT cut
The National Assembly (NA) will discuss the VAT reduction from the existing 10 per cent rate to 8 per cent on June 1 before receiving an approval from NA deputies in a resolution slated for June 24, the last day of the ongoing fifth session. The VAT cut proposed by the government is set to be applied from July 1 to the end of 2023 for all types of goods and services currently subject to a 10 per cent VAT rate. The initiative is part of Resolution No.43/2022/QH15 released early last year on fiscal and monetary policies supporting the Programme on Socioeconomic Recovery and Development. Consumers of many types can benefit from VAT cuts, photo Le Toan Under Resolution 43, the 2 per cent cut was applied last year for goods and services subject to a 10 per cent rate, except for various goods and services such as telecommunications, IT, financial and banking activities, securities and insurance, trading of real estate, metal and precast metal products, mining products … [Read more...] about Support to continue in form of VAT cut
Carmakers keen on extension of SCT pay
The ministry’s proposal to extend the special consumption tax (SCT) payment period is expected to give a boost to the vehicle market, and create better conditions for cars manufacturers across the country. Currently, there are 12 vehicle manufacturing and assembling enterprises that could benefit from the extension (see box). Thanks to the support from the government policies, the domestic auto industry has recovered markedly from the pandemic and other pressures, with growth and sales in 2022 much higher than in 2019. However, output and sales of domestically manufactured cars are decreasing. In October 2022, the output was 25,571 vehicles and the corresponding SCT was $169 million. In November, the output decreased to 23,658 vehicles, and the corresponding SCT was $148 million. In December 2022, the amount of SCT incurred was $140 million; in January 2023, the amount was only $63 million. The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has yet to announce SCT collected in recent months. … [Read more...] about Carmakers keen on extension of SCT pay
Phu My Solar Plant receives earliest COD
The plant, which is the largest solar power facility in the Central region of Vietnam, began construction on May 29, 2020, with a capacity of 330 MW and a total investment exceeding VND6.5 trillion ($277 million). On December 31, 2020, the Phu My Solar Power Plant started its commercial operation with an initial grid connection of 216 MW. The plant enjoyed a favourable power purchase price of 7.09 US cents/kWh over a 20-year period. After a two-year wait, the remaining 114 MW of the plant received official recognition for commercial operation on May 30 this year, making it the first successful renewable energy transitional project to achieve COD recognition. Bamboo Capital's completion of Phase 1 and Phase 3 of the power plant showcases its comprehensive approach and adherence to legal requirements. This accomplishment reinforces investor confidence and demonstrates the company's commitment to sustainable energy. With the entire 330 MW capacity of the Phu My Plant contributing to … [Read more...] about Phu My Solar Plant receives earliest COD
Nghe An faces widespread drought as El Nino drains reservoirs
The central province of Nghe An is facing the risk of water shortages and widespread drought this summer as major reservoirs are running out of water. Low water level at Ba Coi Reservoir in Nghe An Province Nguyen Truong Thanh, head of Nghe An Irrigation Division, said that this year’s summer-autumn rice crop would face difficulties in water source for irrigation. According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, there is a probability of about 80-85 percent that the El Nino phenomenon would likely appear in the second half of summer 2023. The average temperature in Nghe An this June would be 0.5 degree Celsius higher than previous years. From July to September 2023, the common temperature would be 0.5 to 1 degree Celsius higher than the average of previous years. Water flow into Nghe An’s large reservoir of Ban Ve has been 35-38 percent lower than average. Nghe An Province has more than 1,061 reservoirs. Of them, 709 … [Read more...] about Nghe An faces widespread drought as El Nino drains reservoirs
Coal still with part to play in energy mix
The clearance of 200-300 coal wagons per day via the La Lay border gate in the central province of Quang Tri is being deemed impractical, affecting Logistics PTS Vietnam’s future aim of importing five million metric tonnes of coal annually. “Transportation and warehouse infrastructure is scarce, and so we can only remove about 100 vehicles per day,” said PTS general director Nguyen Quang Huy. According to him, if Vietnam fails to strengthen infrastructure, improve National Highway 15D, and invest in warehouses, it will miss the chance to compete with Thailand in purchasing coal from Laos. In February, Laos’ energy ministry announced findings of coal field surveys in the provinces of Sekong and Saravane, indicating that reserves may be as high as 500 million MT. Coal still with part to play in energy mix, Source: evn.com.vn Vietnam may experience a power scarcity if the availability of coal becomes constrained. According to Electricity of Vietnam (EVN), the total … [Read more...] about Coal still with part to play in energy mix