Welcome to dystopia 45 visions of what lies ahead

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue will visit Bangladesh from September 21 (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Since Vietnam and Bangladesh set up their diplomatic relations on February 2, 1973, the two sides have enjoyed close ties with strong political trust, which lays a firm foundation for them to promote partnership across all fields. Over the past 50 years, the two sides have stood by stood and support each other during national construction, defence and economic development in each country. Along with maintaining regular high-level visits and meetings, the two sides have agreed to work closely to build a long-term vision for bilateral relations, increase visits at high and all levels, strengthen meetings of existing cooperation mechanisms, and consider the resumption and upgrading of the Joint Committee on economic, culture, science and technology cooperation in the time to come. They have concurred to strengthen cooperation in defence-security, economy, trade, … [Read more...] about Vietnam, Bangladesh enjoy strong ties over 50 years

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

The decision is part of a resolutions adopted by the 10th municipal People’s Council at its 10th meeting in Ho Chi Minh City on September 19. Accordingly, the municipal People's Council approved a total investment of over 1.49 trillion VND for medical equipment in Hoc Mon Regional General Hospital, more than 1.36 trillion VND for Cu Chi Regional General Hospital, and 1.45 trillion VND for Thu Duc Regional General Hospital. It also adopted projects for the construction of new infrastructure and procurement of equipment in 17 medical facilities. With the adjustments, the total mid-term public investment plan for the 2021-2025 period is valued at over 3 trillion VND, and that for 2026-2030 is more than 4 trillion VND. The council also approved for the first time the minimum investment amount for a public-private partnership (PPP) project in the health care sector at 30 billion VND. Source: VNA … [Read more...] about Ho Chi Minh City to spend over 7 trillion VND on medical infrastructure, equipment

International volunteers from Habitat for Humanity have joined the “Vietnam Big Build 2016” project to build houses for 20 poor families in Tam Nong district, northern Phu Tho province. The project drew the participation of more than 200 volunteers from Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, United States, New Zealand and Vietnam. International volunteers build houses for the poor in Phu Tho (Photo: habitatvietnam.org) On the occasion, Habitat for Humanity also supports 45 million VND (2,000 USD) for families of the project. Habitat for Humanity is a non-government organisation which has operated in Vietnam for 15 years. The organisation supported more than 13,600 low-income households nationwide. In Phu Tho, the organisation carried out some projects to build and repair houses, construct clean water and environmental sanitation works, and provided community-based training course for families from difficult backgrounds in Yen Lap and Cam Khe districts. … [Read more...] about International volunteers build houses for the poor in Phu Tho

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

The site in Phetchabun province - some 200 kilometers (120 miles) north of Bangkok - is Thailand's first cultural site to be recognized by UNESCO since 1992. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin thanked the UN cultural body for the decision but an expert warned the complex is not ready for an influx of tourists. Archaeologists date the statues and buildings of Si Thep, built by the Dvaravati civilisation, to between 1,500 and 1,700 years ago. At its peak the town was a thriving cultural and trading metropolis that celebrated Hindu and Buddhist beliefs. The decision was announced by UNESCO at a meeting in Riyadh, and in a prepared video message, Srettha thanked delegates for the listing. Si Thep was "a treasure not only for people all over the world, but for people of all generations," he said. "I look forward to welcoming you all to the site." Phatcharavat Wongsuwan, minister of natural resources and environment, said it was a "proud moment" for his country. Speaking at … [Read more...] about Thailand’s ancient town of Si Thep added to world heritage list

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

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

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

"Our ambition is to establish a green heartland, connecting crucial urban centres and promoting a sustainable future," said Ha. Spanning over 3,800 hectares, the development will be strategically situated to the northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. Its location will offer vital connectivity to the southern metropolis along with Bien Hoa city and Binh Duong province, setting the foundation for future growth in the Nhon Trach region. Secretary Linh lauded Ecopark's innovative concepts, especially the proposed waterway system, saying, "Ecopark's ideas are precisely what we need. Their vision for an aquatic urban centre showcases the innovative thinking required for Nhon Trach's future." Linh posited that the Nhon Trach eco-urban area project could be a catalyst for expediting the urbanisation of Nhon Trach and urged the relevant departments to evaluate the project meticulously for potential integration into the master plan for the province. "Let us harness these plans to drive urban … [Read more...] about Ecopark Group unveils eco-urban area ambitions