Severance what lies ahead

A representative of the HCMC Greenery Parks company on Wednesday said around 100 trees up to 15 m high on numerous streets of districts 5, 7, 8 and Nha Be were uprooted amid thunderstorms on Tuesday. An uprooted tree lies across a street in HCMC's District 5 on September 19, 2023. Photo by VnExpress The felled trees damaged three motorbikes and a car in District 7, as well as several power and telecommunication lines, disrupting communication and traffic. The Binh Minh golf course in Nha Be District received especially severe damage when 11 metal poles were felled by the winds. Each of the pole costs around VND100 million ($4,115) to be installed. Several metal poles at a golf course in HCMC were felled by strong winds, September 20, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Dinh Van There were no casualties, and the owner of the course has contacted authorities to help with cleaning it up, as well as shuting down the course as the damages incurred were too great. … [Read more...] about 100 trees felled, roofs blown off in Saigon thunderstorms

In the long term, US businesses and corporations may explore the feasibility of setting up semiconductor chip manufacturing facilities in Vietnam. The semiconductor industry offers great opportunities for cooperation between Vietnam and the US, carrying substantial implications for the bilateral relations in the new development phase . Overview of the meeting. Photos: Nhat Bac/VGP This view was shared at a meeting between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and CEO of the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) John Neuffer, along with executives from US leading firms in the semiconductor industry on September 19 in Washington . Nguyen Chi Dung, Minister of Planning and Investment, said the meeting marks the next phase in the implementation of collaborative initiatives between US semiconductor organizations and businesses, joining forces with Vietnamese partners to create opportunities for market expansion and enhance Vietnam's capabilities in the … [Read more...] about Vietnam-US semiconductor cooperation significant to bilateral relations

During the meeting, Mai briefed the guests on the city’s socio-economic development over the past time and affirmed that the locality has always wished to strengthen collaboration with partners from Laos and Cambodia, including the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences and the Royal Academy of Cambodia, and share experience and bolster cooperation with the two neighboring countries’ localities to promote a stronger community in the time ahead. The city’s leader acknowledged that research achievements from academies of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia are crucial in setting out right directions for development. Therefore, Ho Chi Minh City wishes the academies of the three countries will continue to promote cooperation in the coming time. For their part, the guests said the organization of an annual science conference of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, the Lao Academy of Social and Economic Sciences, and the Royal Academy of Cambodia in Ho Chi Minh City will help … [Read more...] about Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia boost ties in scientific research

Host and guest shared the view that the formation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation and sustainable development on the occasion of the recent state visit to Vietnam by President Joe Biden will open up a new stage for the intensive and extensive cooperation between the two countries, particularly in economy, trade and investment. Pham Minh Chinh thanked the Trade Representative for her contributions to the development of the bilateral ties, and suggested the two sides actively coordinate to quickly materialize agreements reached by their high-ranking leaders, including the U.S.’s priority of accelerating the recognition of Vietnam’s market economy mechanism, and further opening door for Vietnamese goods like garments-textiles, footwear and farm produce, as well as its consideration of interests of Vietnamese businesses, and not imposing trade remedies on Vietnamese goods on the basis of ensuring balance, fairness and mutual benefits. The PM also … [Read more...] about Prime Minister suggests Vietnam, U.S. create cooperation breakthroughs

Supermodel Pham Thi Ngoc Thuy at the court on September 18, 2023. Photo by My An Thuy’s legal representative said in court Monday that she had received VND47 billion ($1.9 million) in dong and $700,000 in US dollars from An in March 2008, and the disputed properties, including several in HCMC and the coastal provinces of Phan Thiet and Ba Ria-Vung Tau, with that money. Because of that, Thuy disagreed with An’s request to claim the assets back. Thuy also said she registered various properties in the list of assets in dispute under the name of her mother, Truong Thi Be. She said she asked Be to help her sell those properties after she and An divorced in 2008, and admitted that Be transferred the money made from selling those properties to her. However, she said she could not remember the exact amount of money she made by selling those properties. She explained the reason behind selling those assets was that she had to move back and forth between Vietnam and the … [Read more...] about Supermodel wants half of $12 M assets in dispute with ex-husband

A view shows a tornado in Suqian, Jiangsu Province, China, released on September 19, 2023, in this screen grab obtained from social media video. (Video obtained by Reuters/via REUTERS) BEIJING  – Chinese weather officials stepped up warnings about heavy rain and strong winds in several regions, state media said on Wednesday, a day after a violent tornado wreaked havoc in the eastern province of Jiangsu, killing 10 people. The latest incident in weeks of destructive and deadly weather spurred authorities to call for vigilance against strong winds in coastal areas near the Yellow Sea off Jiangsu. Tuesday’s tornado was brief but fierce, with social media images showing overturned cars, downed power lines and flying debris, much of which littered the streets of Suqian, a city in the north of the province. “I was at the door and witnessed the wind, solar energy devices, and trees flying in the air,” wrote one user of popular social media platform Weibo. “For those two … [Read more...] about China braces for more harsh weather after tornado kills 10

Speaking at the 2023 Vietnam Economic Forum on September 19, Thanh said, “To achieve a green economic transition and boost renewable energy, electricity prices must fully reflect production costs.” According to Thanh, there has been an influx of new energy sources, many of which are costlier than the current average electricity price. As a rough estimate, if the cost of renewable energy stands between 5-7 US cents per kWh, with the addition of transmission costs, the retail price should rise to 10-12 US cents per kWh. Currently, the average retail price hovers around 8.1 US cents per kWh. This suggests the need for an upward revision, taking the new production costs into consideration. "Naturally, the idea of raising electricity prices will receive pushback. However, without a clear roadmap for such price hikes, transitioning to renewable energy becomes unfeasible," Thanh said, adding, "Energy pricing needs to be more reflective of economic and societal costs. Such measures could … [Read more...] about Electricity prices must reflect production costs for green transition

At a press briefing for the event on September 20, Nguyen Mai Anh, deputy director of Hanoi Centre for Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion (HPA), which is hosting the event, said, “The festival aims to promote Hanoi as a tourist destination and showcase the city's unique culture and cuisine.” The event is expected to host representatives from 14 different cities and provinces, all seeking to promote their own tourism products and services, including Ha Giang, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Hai Duong, Thai Binh, and Ninh Binh. Several activities will be held over the weekend to help both tourists and locals experience cultural activities such as how to make an Ao Dai, traditional music lessons, artistic street performances, and visits to historic villages. A seminar on events organisation and golf tourism will also be held, along with a photography exhibition displaying images of autumn in Hanoi. The highlight of the event will be an impressive performance of dragon dancing. … [Read more...] about Hanoi to host Autumn Festival in late September

The team is involved in corporate and commercial banking in Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Each country has a dedicated social finance team that partners with local businesses to develop pioneering programmes and debt solutions including term debt, bonds, initial public offerings, and securitisations, as well as partnering with development agencies and impact investors. The expanded focus on Asia will further support Citi’s recent good work across social finance in the region “Citi is uniquely positioned to enable clients and partners to scale the delivery of products and services that improve the livelihoods of underserved and low-income communities across the emerging markets,” said Jorge Rubio Nava, global head of Social Finance. “We have a large and diverse pipeline across several sectors in Asia, including economic inclusion, healthcare, infrastructure, food security, and education. We … [Read more...] about Citi promotes social finance in Asia

Myriad of incentives made in order to tempt office tenants, illustration photo/ Source: freepik.com Hoai Nam, founder of media startup 4-Star, based in Ho Chi Minh City with less than 10 employees, last month received a notice of incentives for services such as extra meeting room hours, and more printing and photocopying credits at his co-company’s working space in District 4. Each month, Nam pays VND3 million ($125) per person excluding taxes and fees for his work location in District 4. The rate was reduced by 25 per cent two years ago. “With the same space, it cost $333 per person in District 1, and I could not afford it. Everyone is cutting costs as it is such a difficult time,” Nam said. In addition to reducing rates, Nam said her landlord was improving facilities and service incentives, so that tenants could extend their contract for a longer term. For example, more greenery is being arranged between desks, and free parking is now offered. Knight Frank Vietnam in … [Read more...] about Myriad of incentives made in order to tempt office tenants