How optimistic can you be in evaluating the trends of building smarter cities during this turbulent time in the global economy? Governments around the world are tapping into an arsenal of policy interventions and financing measures to support the transformation of sectors, especially energy and industry, improving energy efficiency, and tackling environmental pollution. Many are adopting a stick-and-carrot approach, including green taxes on harmful environmental activities, tighter regulations, and new environmental standards and certifications for energy performance, emissions, and pollution. Subsidies and tax rebates are used to boost demand for green products and services like electric vehicles (EVs), solar panels, and renewable energy. Loans and grants are also provided to promote green investments in sustainable agriculture, renewable or low-carbon energy sources, energy-efficient buildings, transport, and public infrastructure. There is a robust and wide array of green … [Read more...] about A phased approach to smart cities
Smart agriculture market size
Vietnam’s export to American market sees sharp rebound
Illustrative image (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - Post-pandemic robust rebound in the American market has ushered in multiple opportunities for Vietnam to expand its export of key products, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Vietnam in America such as Canada and Mexico have also increased imports from the Southeast Asian nation. According to the MoIT, handsets, computers, and electronic items hold the largest proportion in Vietnam’s export structure to the American market, reaching 43.3%; followed by textile, apparel, and footwear products with 25%; wood and wooden items with 8%; and agricultural and agro-aquatic product s with 4%. VNA … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s export to American market sees sharp rebound
Hanoi and Hoa Binh join hands to promote agro-produce sale
Many programs, fairs, and forums hosted by the city have helped enhance the connection between farmers and hospitality businesses. A conference on ensuring food safety and improving the quality of agro-forestry-fishery products in the 2021-2025 period was held within the framework of cooperation between Hanoi and the northern province of Hoa Binh to promote the consumption of safe agricultural products. Hoa Binh Province's specialties are on display at a trade fair in Hanoi. Photo: TTXVN Nguyen Ngoc Son, the deputy director of Hanoi's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, told The Hanoi Times that the northern province needs to better implement quality management, food security, and technological cooperation plans and programs, as well as develop the supply chain of safe agricultural products and food for the capital city. He stressed that the province should strengthen large-scale production and deploy high-tech and sustainable production … [Read more...] about Hanoi and Hoa Binh join hands to promote agro-produce sale
Legalities in way of blockchain progress
At the “International experience on blockchain technology development and recommendations for Vietnam” conference held last Friday, Michael R. DiGregorio, the Asia Foundation’s country representative in Vietnam, suggested that the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) should allow businesses to experimentally approach areas that are not clearly regulated by laws, such as blockchain. Legalities in way of blockchain progress, illustration photo The Asian Foundation is collaborating with Vietnam Blockchain Corporation and jupviec.vn to pilot the application of blockchain. After the blockchain platform is successfully integrated into jupviec.vn, the system will connect about 2,000 domestic helpers with potential customers through the website and mobile application. This creates favourable conditions for workers when looking for a job, helping to increase their ability to negotiate salaries and other benefits related to their work records and professional … [Read more...] about Legalities in way of blockchain progress
Hoa Binh province’s longan exported to E.U.
Nguyen Hong Yen, head of the plant protection division under the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said local farmers have followed technical requirements set for fresh vegetables and fruits by the E.U. since 2019. The tropical fruit has been grown in Xuan Thuy commune (formerly Son Thuy) since 1989 and its area now reaches nearly 200 hectares. According to the department, Son Thuy longan was the first product of Hoa Binh to be granted with the production unit code (PUC) in 2019, which has enabled the fruit to enter international markets, including the E.U., through official channels. Following the first one tonne of longan, the department and FUSA Organic Agriculture JSC plan to conduct more shipments, reaching the target of 50 tonnes this year. Source: VNA … [Read more...] about Hoa Binh province’s longan exported to E.U.
Singapore and Vietnam commit to further strong collaborations
In February, Vietnamese State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc paid a state visit to Singapore, with both nations vowing to continue cementing economic ties. How has this cooperation been implemented so far? Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam Jaya Ratnam Singapore and Vietnam’s strong economic, trade, and investment ties are underpinned by decades of consistent and meaningful engagement between our governments and peoples. During President Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s state visit to Singapore earlier this year, he and President Halimah Yacob reaffirmed these ties and committed to further collaboration. Our leaders also oversaw the signing of an MoU on economic and trade cooperation between our two countries. We are starting from a very strong base. Singapore has been the leading source of foreign direct investment into Vietnam for the past two years. Singapore is now Vietnam’s second largest foreign investor, with total registered capital of nearly $70 billion. This demonstrates the … [Read more...] about Singapore and Vietnam commit to further strong collaborations
Food and beverage, packaging expos open in HCM City
The Polish national pavilion at the 26th International Exhibition on Food & Beverage and Food Processing, Packaging Technology & Equipment that opened on Thursday at the Sai Gon Exhibition and Convention Centre in District 7. — VNS Photo Thu Hang The 26th International Exhibition on Food & Beverage and Food Processing, Packaging Technology & Equipment opened on Thursday at the Sai Gon Exhibition and Convention Centre in District 7. Vietfood & Beverage – Propack 2022 has attracted 350 exhibitors from 18 countries and territories, who are showcasing products, equipment and technology for the food and beverage industry and for food packaging and processing. There are national pavilions from India, Poland, South Korea, Russia, Singapore, Japan, and Indonesia. The event also features a series of seminars and business matching programmes on development prospects of the agricultural products intertrade between Viet Nam and Russia, development of Russian grain … [Read more...] about Food and beverage, packaging expos open in HCM City
Emulating the ambitions of Singapore’s high-tech vision
Emulating the ambitions of Singapore’s high-tech vision, Photo: Le Toan Last week, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged Singaporean groups to increase their investment in Vietnam, notably in the fields of technology, strategic infrastructure development, logistics, and cutting-edge startups. According to PM Chinh, the Vietnam-Singapore strategic partnership is growing strongly and quickly in all areas, particularly the economy, trade, and investment. The two-way trade increased by over 23 per cent to reach $8.3 billion in 2021, and it reached $4.75 billion in the first half of 2022. He stressed that Vietnam wishes to strengthen its bilateral strategic alliance and learn from Singapore’s experience in establishing an independent, self-sufficient economy in parallel with intense and wide international integration. The PM suggested that the two countries should launch projects and events to commemorate the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations and the 10th … [Read more...] about Emulating the ambitions of Singapore’s high-tech vision
Vietnamese specialties displayed at Hong Kong Food Expo
Vietnamese stall at Hong Kong Food Expo (Photo: VNA) Hong Kong (VNA) – The Vietnamese Consulate General and Vietnam Trade Office in Hong Kong (China) are introducing a variety of Vietnamese specialties at the Hong Kong Food Expo from August 11-15. As one of the most important events of Hong Kong's food and beverage sector, the expo was organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and drew exhibitors from Europe, the US, Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea, China and Southeast Asian countries. Vietnamese Consul General in Hong Kong Pham Binh Dam expressed his hope that from 2023, more Vietnamese agricultural companies and products will be introduced at the event. Head of the Vietnam Trade Office in Hong Kong Vu Thi Thuy hailed Hong Kong as a promising market for Vietnamese food and beverages as it imports almost consumer goods and food instead of producing them. According to the official, both sides share similarities in consumption culture while Vietnamese … [Read more...] about Vietnamese specialties displayed at Hong Kong Food Expo