Vietnam’s diplomatic activism in ASEAN reflects its status as an emerging middle power. This year marks the 27th anniversary of Vietnam’s ASEAN membership. Accession into ASEAN in 1995 provided Vietnam with a springboard to pursue international integration, attract external resources for economic development, and expand its diplomatic networks. Phan Xuan Dung, Research Officer at the Vietnam Studies Programme, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute With its growing economic and diplomatic prowess, Vietnam is now seen as an emerging middle power – a state with sufficient motivation and capacities to undertake and manage regional/international responsibilities. Middle power diplomacy typically includes leadership in niche areas, a strong preference for multilateralism, and the promotion of rules-based principles. Nowhere does Hanoi exhibit these behaviors more prominently than in ASEAN. ASEAN is a crucial conduit for Vietnam to promote the rule of law at sea and … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s middle power diplomacy in ASEAN
Summit meghnaghat power company
Power shortage worries increase hunger for coal
Cao Son Coal, the company with the largest mining output in Vietnam, on July 19 announced to improve and expand the capacity of the Cao Son coal mine in Cam Pha in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh, to meet high production requirements. Coal mining companies are increasing output to deal with power generation shortages, Le Toan The mine has total reserves of almost 52 million tonnes, with a designed capacity of about 4.5 million tonnes per year. By upgrading the reserves, Cao Son’s coal mine is expected to complete a record high mining output of 6.78 million tonnes in 2022. Phan Quoc Viet, director of Cao Son Coal, said, “We have mobilised equipment to maximise the exploitation of raw coal at the Cao Son mine. In 2021, we achieved a mining output of over 6.4 million tonnes.” Many miners feel that Cao Son Coal’s plan to increase output faces many challenges, especially considering the increasingly difficult and complex open-pit mining conditions. Similar to … [Read more...] about Power shortage worries increase hunger for coal
ABB and Audi cooperate to drive e-mobility adoption in Vietnam
As a long-standing technology partner of Audi globally, ABB E-mobility was selected to deliver its market-leading electric vehicle chargers in Vietnam for the launch of new all-electric Audi e-tron GT quattro, Audi’s first electric car to hit the Vietnamese market. Like many similar Asian countries, Vietnam is experiencing rapid urbanization. The rate of car ownership is forecasted to grow thirty-five-fold from 2010 to 2050. To help mitigate the environmental impact of this increase, it is vital that the sector evolves by embracing e-mobility solutions. ABB Wallbox charger 2022 marks many changes in the electric vehicle market in Vietnam. Reputable car manufacturers, such as Audi, have realized their plans by bringing electric car models to the country. While the Vietnamese government’s incentives for e-mobility is still in the first phase, the progress in e-mobility being driven by well established vehicle manufacturers shows the important role that electric … [Read more...] about ABB and Audi cooperate to drive e-mobility adoption in Vietnam
Indonesia moves to promote renewable energy development
Wind turbines and solar panels (Illustrative photo: Getty Images) Jakarta (VNA) – The Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DJBC) under Indonesia ’s Finance Ministry is planning to provide incentives for new and renewable energy production companies. DJBC Director Untung Basuki said authorities are reviewing types of incentives that will be given to new and renewable energy producers. The incentives will be applied to all types of energy, from geothermal power, hydro power, marine thermal power, solar power to wind power. The top target is to promote the exploitation and use of green and environmentally friendly energy sources, he noted, but the incentives will only be given to the firms that cooperate with certain ministries/agencies, including the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. By providing incentives, the government hopes that the number of companies producing clean energy will increase so that the target of reducing carbon emissions in … [Read more...] about Indonesia moves to promote renewable energy development
Vietnam, US continue cooperation in energy security
Vietnam and the U.S. have agreed to continue their cooperation in energy security, the U.S. Department of State said in a press release on Thursday. Delegations from Vietnam and the U.S. met in Washington, D.C. for the fourth annual U.S.-Vietnam Energy Security Dialogue on July 26-28. Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Dang Hoang An and the State Department’s Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR) Senior Bureau Official Harry Kamian led the delegations. The delegations discussed key areas for continued bilateral clean energy cooperation such as power market development, energy conservation and efficiency, transmission, power storage, and the steps necessary for an energy transition that will achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Vietnam and the U.S. discussed the future of advanced clean energy technologies such as offshore wind, nuclear, hydrogen, electric vehicles, and battery energy storage, as well as Vietnam’s consideration of the role of liquefied natural gas. … [Read more...] about Vietnam, US continue cooperation in energy security
Going green gives businesses a competitive advantage
Delegates discuss issues related to sustainable development at the ‘Good for Business, Good for Planet’ seminar held in HCM City on Wednesday. — VNS Photo Shifting to green growth would help businesses increase their competitiveness and catch up with trends in the domestic and foreign markets, delegates told a seminar in HCM City on Wednesday. As one of the world's most vulnerable countries to climate change, Viet Nam has made multi-dimensional efforts to drive the whole nation towards its collective goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gasses emissions targets, achieving sustainable development, and contributing to tackle the global climate change crisis, they said. Speaking at the ‘Good for Business, Good for Planet’ seminar held by Nhip Cau Dau Tu magazine, Tim Evans, CEO of HSBC Vietnam, said, “The green journey that Viet Nam has embarked on is bringing both opportunities and challenges. Those businesses who get onboard early can capture major opportunities and build a … [Read more...] about Going green gives businesses a competitive advantage
Tungsten riches not yet in grip of giants
At the end of July, Samsung Electronics announced the first shipment of 3-nanometer semiconductors, the first of its kind worldwide. The move marks an important milestone in the race to develop the most advanced and efficient chip in the market. Tungsten riches not yet in grip of giants, illustration photo/ freepik.com The advancement in the sophisticated chipmaking technology, which helped Samsung beat foundry rival TSMC of Taiwan, is expected to bring the group more customers looking for powerful chips that enable smaller, faster, and more efficient technology products. TSMC and Samsung have been engaged in intense competition to overtake each other by introducing the most cutting-edge and effective chips to the market and gaining clients for contract chip manufacturing. In the first quarter of this year, the worldwide foundry market was dominated by TSMC with 53.5 per cent of the market share, followed by Samsung with 16.3 per cent, according to industry tracker … [Read more...] about Tungsten riches not yet in grip of giants
PM urges favorable environment for businesses
A strong business community will build an independent and highly resilient economy. Localities are expected to further create a favorable environment for business operation, especially in simplifying administrative formalities and avoiding petty corruption. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the conference. Photos: Nhat Bac Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed the view during a conference between the Government’s leader and business community on August 11, which drew the participation of 1,200 delegates from a business association and local companies. According to Chinh, more than two years since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, Vietnam has now put the situation under control and maintained positive growth. Vietnam’s GDP during the six months expanded by 6.42%, higher than the 5.74% rate in the same period last year, and equivalent to the growth rate recorded in the pre-pandemic period 2016-2019 (6.38%). In addition, Chinh also pointed out high … [Read more...] about PM urges favorable environment for businesses