State budget

The headquarters of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in Berlin. (Photo: VNA) Berlin (VNA) – Le Duc Hanh, Director General of the Department of International Law and Treaties at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , on September 20 stressed that the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea ( UNCLOS 1982) creates a legal framework to regulate all activities at sea, including marine environmental protection. Presenting Vietnam’s views on the request for advisory opinion of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea ( ITLOS ) on states' obligations to respond to climate change, Hanh noted that the tribunal has the authority to give advice regarding greenhouse gas emissions that cause marine pollution. Countries have the obligation to take necessary measures towards their state agencies, groups, and businesses in order to minimise and control greenhouse gas emissions, she continued. The official pointed out that resources-limited … [Read more...] about Vietnam emphasises importance of UNCLOS in marine environmental protection

The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council has approved a plan to revitalize the Municipal Theatre, also known as the Saigon Opera House, as the theater has fallen into a state of degradation. The renovation of the opera house, which is considered as one of the city’s iconic symbols, is estimated to cost VND337 billion (US$13.9 million). The repair is aimed at preserving the architectural values of the establishment to make it a further attractive destination for international tourists visiting the city and a venue for important festivals and events. Chau Huy Toan, who has worked at the opera house for 33 years, said he has witnessed the building undergo two renovations. The Saigon Opera House is situated at 7 Cong Truong Lam Son, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The theater, developed over 123 years ago, is a popular destination for tourists to the city. In 1998, the city launched a large renovation of the theater and equipped it with modern sound … [Read more...] about Ho Chi Minh City to renovate downtown opera house

Two more State-run commercial banks - Vietinbank and BIDV - lowered their deposit rates on September 19 to match the lowest level during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both cut their rates by 0.2 or 0.3 percentage point on deposits with a term of three months or longer. The rate for deposits with a 12-month term was also lowered by 0.3 percentage point to 5.5% per annum. For one-month and two-month deposits, the rate remains at 3%. These rates are similar to those of Vietcombank and Agribank, which were revised downwards on September 14./. VNA … [Read more...] about “Big Four” banks lower deposit interest rates to COVID-19 levels

The travel news site Reisereporter has just published an article that highlights some of the famous tourist destinations and landscapes in Vietnam, including Hanoi. In the article titled “Vietnam: You shouldn’t miss these sights”, www.reisereporter.de suggests tourists to visit some hidden "treasures" and undiscovered natural wonders in this wonderful country in the Southeast Asia region, in addition to popular tourist attractions. A Vietnamese girl in her charming ao dai (long dress) and non la (conical hat) walks through the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Photo: Yeu Ha Noi According to Daniel Schramm, staff writer for www.reisereporter.de , Vietnam is a fascinating destination with a wide variety of sights and experiences. From historic cities like Hanoi and Hue to stunning natural landscapes like Halong Bay and Sapa to culinary adventures in street kitchens and markets, the country offers something for every taste. Vietnam's … [Read more...] about German press: Vietnam is a fascinating travel destination

In this pool photograph distributed by Russian state owned Sputnik agency on September 20, 2023, Russia's President Vladimir Putin (R) shakes hands with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in Saint Petersburg. Photo handout via AFP Speaking at a meeting with Putin in Saint Petersburg, at which the Russian leader accepted an invitation to visit China next month, Wang Yi said the "world is rapidly moving toward multipolarity." "Economic globalization is progressing against headwinds, unilateral actions are unsustainable, and hegemonism is not popular," Wang said, according to an English readout by Beijing's Xinhua news agency. "Both sides need to strengthen their multilateral strategic cooperation, protect their legitimate rights and interests, and make new efforts to promote the international order toward fairness and justice," he added. Putin, in response, told Wang "our positions coincide regarding the emergence of a multipolar world," according to a readout from the … [Read more...] about Beijing, Moscow must deepen cooperation: China foreign minister

Business mogul Nguyen Phuong Hang at her trial on September 21, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Tung Hang, the general director of the Dai Nam Joint Stock Company, stands trial at the Ho Chi Minh City’s People’s Court on Thursday, after she was arrested by Ho Chi Minh City police in March last year for "abusing democratic freedoms to infringe upon the interests of the State, and the lawful rights and interests of organizations and/or citizens." She was accused of using different social media accounts to livestream and make allegedly false claims about various celebrities, as well as spread information related to celebrities' private lives. In her videos, she said singer Dam Vinh Hung had not been transparent in distributing money he collected from others, and singer Vy Oanh had earned a huge amount of money after having a child with a rich man. "My reputation, which I have built over the past 20 years, was damaged," Hung said at the trial of Hang at the HCMC People’s Court, … [Read more...] about Singers want apology not money from tycoon in alleged defamation case

Pham Thi Minh Phi, who won the Miss Philanthropy title in the Miss Vietnam Business 2022 contest held in Da Nang, was arrested by Lam Dong police on Wednesday to be investigated for obtaining property by fraud. In October 2022, a man in Da Lat of Lam Dong called Phi, requesting her cooperation to raise capital together and do business. Phi, the general director of the Moc Hoa trade and service company, said she was negotiating to buy two land plots, spanning 1.7 ha in total, at VND22 billion. She said she had found a buyer, who was willing to buy the land plots at VND23.6 billion. This would mean profit of VND1.6 billion. Phi said she did not have the VND3 billion needed as a down payment to buy the land plots, so invited the man to raise the money with her. The man agreed to give Phi VND1.8 billion, without seeing the land plots first-hand or checking the legal information of the plots. On November 2, 2022, Phi signed a contract stating that she would borrow VND1.8 billion … [Read more...] about Beauty queen arrested in fake land sale scam

The EV maker plans to deliver approximately 3,000 EVs to France, Germany, and the Netherlands in the fourth quarter of 2023, as the EU contemplates imposing import tariffs on Chinese EV competitors, according to a recent Reuters report. VinFast’s CEO Le Thi Thu Thuy revealed that the company anticipates introducing its VF8 models in France, Germany, and the Netherlands in Q4 this year. "Other models like the VF6, VF7, and VF9 are slated for a 2024 launch," she added. “Thuy did not indicate the number of VF8 sport utility vehicles (SUVs), but a person familiar with the matter said it would be around 3,000 vehicles, including some for Israel,” Reuters wrote. This move marks a significant growth target, with the company aiming to quadruple its European sales volume, a considerable jump from its earlier modest target of 700 EVs. The EU's stringent scrutiny of Chinese EV makers and the anticipated imposition of import tariffs could present a lucrative opening for VinFast. If the … [Read more...] about VinFast eyes Europe expansion amid potential EU tariffs on Chinese EVs

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen . (Photo: VNA) New York (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in New York on September 20 (local time) to discuss cooperation between Vietnam and the US in economy and finance, and to share views on other issues of shared concern. The meeting took place as part of the Vietnamese leader’s trip to the US for the high-level week of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, and bilateral activities in the country. Chinh affirmed that Vietnam considers the US a leading important partner, and stands ready to work together with the country to promote the bilateral relationship intensively, extensively, stably, and practically. Vietnam also regards cooperation in economy, finance, trade and investment as a priority of the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, and highly valued substantive contributions by Yellen and the US Department of the … [Read more...] about PM meets US Treasury Secretary, leaders of economic groups

At the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly . (Photo: VNA) New York (VNA) – US President Joe Biden highlighted the relations between Vietnam and the US in his speech at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 19. “For decades, it would have been unthinkable for an American President to stand in Hanoi alongside a Vietnamese leader and announce a mutual commitment to the highest level of countries partnership,” he said at the high-level debate themed “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all,” referring to his Vietnam visit earlier this month. US President Joe Biden . (Photo: VNA) “With a concerted leadership and careful effort, adversaries can become partners, overwhelming challenges can be resolved, and deep wounds can heal,” the leader continued. … [Read more...] about President Joe Biden highlights Vietnam-US relations at UN General Assembly