The United States, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United Kingdom launched an informal group aimed at boosting economic and diplomatic ties with Pacific island nations, the White House said on Friday. The Biden administration has vowed to commit more resources to the Indo-Pacific as China seeks to boost economic, military and police links with Pacific island nations hungry for foreign investment. The group, dubbed Partners in the Blue Pacific (PBP), will seek to support Pacific regionalism and strengthen economic ties between the Pacific islands and the rest of the world. "We are united in our shared determination to support a region that benefits the peoples of the Pacific. We are also united in how we realize this vision -- according to principles of Pacific regionalism, sovereignty, transparency, accountability, and most of all, led and guided by the Pacific Islands," the White House said. White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell said on Thursday he expects … [Read more...] about U.S., Japan, Australia, New Zealand and United Kingdom form Pacific group
Why expectations is important in our life
Vietnam ranks amongst most optimistic tourism communities in Asia-Pacific
Vietnam was recently named amongst the top three Asia-Pacific countries where people have regained their confidence in travel. According to the Travel Confidence Index, a report commissioned by leading online travel company Booking.com, the Vietnamese population is the second most confident in travel, with 85 percent of Vietnamese travelers sharing that they intend to travel at some point in the next 12 months. Numbers one and two on the list were India (86 percent) and China (79 percent). The online survey, which polled 11,000 travelers from 11 countries and territories across Asia and Oceania between April and May 2022, aimed to track the impact of geopolitical and societal diversities in the region, as well as the varied response to the COVID-19 pandemic, on overall confidence levels when it comes to travel. The result indicated that, among Asia-Pacific travelers, Vietnamese are very much willing to put up with and/or overlook travel deterrents, including disruptions and … [Read more...] about Vietnam ranks amongst most optimistic tourism communities in Asia-Pacific
Vietnam agriculture ministry urges aid for fishermen as rising fuel prices keep them ashore
The constant rise in fuel prices has caused up to 55 percent of 99,000 fishing boats throughout Vietnam to stay ashore to avoid losses, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, which is calling for financial supports for fishermen. Fuel has become a so huge expense that many fishermen in the country are having trouble making a living. Gasoline and oil demand for fishing activities averages out at 330 million liters per month, according to the agriculture ministry, while the price of diesel 0.05S, the main fuel for fishing vessels, has spiked by 65 percent, or VND11,441 (US$0.49) per litter, since December 2021. In total, fuel costs needed to maintain normal fishing activities have skyrocketed by about VND3.776 trillion ($162.4 million) a month. While fuel costs usually account for 45-60 percent of fishing expenses, the other costs have also increased by 10-15 percent, raising the total expenses by 35-48 percent on average. Meanwhile, the increase in … [Read more...] about Vietnam agriculture ministry urges aid for fishermen as rising fuel prices keep them ashore
Indian naval ships begin three-day visit to Ho Chi Minh City
Two Indian naval ships, INS Sahyadri and INS Kadmatt, carrying more than 500 crew members arrived at Nha Rong Wharf on Friday, marking the start of a three-day friendship visit to Ho Chi Minh City. The visit is part of bilateral defense cooperation activities to enhance ties between the two navies and also mark the 50th anniversary of the countries’ diplomatic relations this year. During their stay, the Indian delegation is set to pay courtesy calls to Ho Chi Minh City leaders, visit the high commands of Military Region 7 and Naval Region 2, pay tribute to Vietnam’s late President Ho Chi Minh, visit local historical relic sites, and take part in sport exchanges with officers and soldiers of Naval Region 2. The Indian ships will also join the Vietnam People’s Navy in a joint passage exercise (PASSEX). Indian naval ship INS Kadmatt arrives at Nha Rong Wharf, Ho Chi Minh City, June 24, 2022. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre Addressing a press meeting held on INS … [Read more...] about Indian naval ships begin three-day visit to Ho Chi Minh City
JICA urges funding for operator of Ho Chi Minh City’s first metro line
The Vietnam Office of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has asked the Vietnamese government to consider promptly giving funds to Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railways No. 1 Company Limited (HURC 1), which is at risk of halting operation. In his recent letter to Tran Van Son, Minister-Chairman of the Government Office, Shimizu Akira, Chief Representative of the JICA Vietnam Office, mentioned some issues related to the city’s Metro Line No. 1, including the urgent need of providing a budget to HURC 1 so that it can maintain operations. HURC 1, the operator of the city’s first metro project, is facing a big problem as its initial charter capital has been used up to pay for operating expenses in the past time and is now facing the risk of suspension due to lack of funds, the JICA said. Earlier in January this year, JICA sent an official letter to the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Finance requesting early allocation of funding to the company. … [Read more...] about JICA urges funding for operator of Ho Chi Minh City’s first metro line