Vietnam’s long-awaited Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8), confirmed in mid-May, is a milestone in the country’s journey towards energy transition. The main objective of the legislation is to achieve energy security for Vietnam, progressing on its climate change commitments towards the middle of this century, and more specifically to export 5,000-10,000MW of power by 2030. Towards these goals, the PDP8 proposes a new energy mix with a substantial reliance on renewables and the development of smart transmission grids to support the renewables industry, including connecting the power grids with neighbouring countries. “We appreciate the government for the approval of the PDP8, as it provides a clear path to the completion of the grid interconnection, which is critical for us and Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) to complete agreement on the tariff and schedule of the power purchase agreement (PPA). We target completion of the PPA in Q4 of 2023 in order to break ground in 2024,” said Ian … [Read more...] about Power overhaul plan picks up steam
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Vietnam urges industry to save energy during heatwave
Vietnam is turning off street lights and manufacturers are switching operations to off-peak hours to keep the national power system running amid record temperatures in some areas that have caused a surge in demand. As weather officials warn the heatwave could run into June, several cities have cut back on public lighting and government offices have been urged to cut power use by a tenth after state utility EVN said the national grid faced strain in coming weeks. Temperatures this week are expected to hover between 26 and 38 degrees Celsius (78.8 and 100.4 degrees F), weather officials say. To tackle the problem, Hanoi has shortened the duration of public lighting by an hour each day, while halving illumination on some major roads and in public parks. "If people all save energy, all will have enough electricity to use, but if not, there will be a partial electrical overload that will put the power grid at risk," said Luong Minh Quan, an electrician with EVN in Hanoi. Last … [Read more...] about Vietnam urges industry to save energy during heatwave
Saigon Hi-Tech Park partners with US firm to improve IC design capability
At the signing ceremony (Photo: VNA) HCM City, (VNA) – The Saigon Hi-Tech Park (SHTP) in Ho Chi Minh City and Cadence Design Systems , a multinational computational software company of the US, on May 30 signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in developing electronic design manpower and promoting the semiconductor industry in Vietnam. Under this partnership, Cadence, a world leading company in electronic design, can provide integrated circuit (IC) design software tools and related training programmes for universities in HCM City via its academic network. Nguyen Anh Thi, head of the SHTP management board, said the cooperation with Cadence will give local students a chance to access the latest technologies and methodologies in IC and system design, and acquire practical experience that will help them succeed in the high-tech industry. It will also help strengthen the capability of the SHTP Chip Design Centre, thus contributing to the local semiconductor … [Read more...] about Saigon Hi-Tech Park partners with US firm to improve IC design capability
Vietnam seeks to expand overseas markets for lychees, longans
Illustrative image (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – The Ministry of Industry and Trade held a meeting with Vietnam Trade Offices abroad on May 31 to discuss ways to boost the exports of lychees and longans as many northern localities are harvesting the fruits. total lychee production is estimated at a record of over 180,000 tonnes this year. The harvesting period is scheduled from May 25 to July 30. Vietnam Trade Offices abroad were assigned to closely follow the market situation, trade policies and export requirements for key commodities, thus providing timely advices for the ministry’s leaders to support localities, associations, and businesses. VNA … [Read more...] about Vietnam seeks to expand overseas markets for lychees, longans
Russian film companies to join Telefilm Vietnam 2023
They will present more than 80 projects for international content buyers, movies, series, and animations at the Russian Content Worldwide booth, organized by Roskino, a national operator for the promotion of films. Among those is “The Challenge” - the first feature film shot in space. Ekaterina Naumova, Roskino Acting General Director said that last year, the Russian film industry had a comprehensive presence at Telefilm Vietnam for the first time in an online format. Customers showed great interest in Russian animation projects, documentaries, action films and comedies, and bought format rights of Russian serials, he noted. This year, in order to more effectively capitalize on film market opportunities and build partnerships with local TV channels, VOD platforms and distributors, Roskino will organize a large-scale offline presence of Russian content producers. This format will allow them to meet potential partners and increase interaction with foreign peers, she said, adding that … [Read more...] about Russian film companies to join Telefilm Vietnam 2023
Vietnam projected to become 20th largest global economy
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Vietnam's GDP based on purchasing power parity (PPP) stood in 25 th position globally in 2022, ranking just below countries such as Australia, and Poland. Specifically, Australia's reached approximately $1.63 trillion, securing 20 th position worldwide, while Poland's stood at around $1.64 trillion, placing it 19 th . The IMF also estimates that by 2023, Vietnam is expected to secure fourth position in Southeast Asia with a forecast GDP PPP of approximately $1.45 trillion. Looking further ahead, by 2026, Vietnam is estimated to have surpassed Thailand, propelling it to the second spot in the region with a figure of around $1.87 trillion. By 2028, Vietnam's economy is anticipated to have reached approximately $2.21 trillion, placing it among the top 20 economies globally. The top 20 economies in 2028, according to the IMF, are predicted to include China, the United States, India, Japan, Germany, Indonesia, Russia, … [Read more...] about Vietnam projected to become 20th largest global economy
ASEAN, RoK boost business ties in food, beverage
Ambassadors from ASEAN member states take a tour around the ASEAN Trade Fair as part of Seoul Food 2023, one of the largest food exhibitions in Asia, at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on May 30.(Photo courtesy of ASEAN-Korea Centre) Seoul – The ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC) on May 30 opened an ASEAN Trade Fair in the framework of the Seoul Food 2023 (SF2003) to showcase food and beverage products from ASEAN countries and create opportunities for ASEAN companies to connect and establish business partnerships with partners from the Republic of Korea (RoK). In his remarks at the opening ceremony, AKC Secretary General Kim Hae-yong said that since 2009, the centre has organised many trade fairs and seminars to assist ASEAN's small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in finding their way into the Korean market, contributing to promoting vibrant trade activities between the two regions. A seminar on capacity building and enhancing value of ASEAN-Korea food was also held within the … [Read more...] about ASEAN, RoK boost business ties in food, beverage
Apple retailers set for price competition shake-up
Apple on May 17 announced the expansion of the Apple Store online into Vietnam. Customers throughout the country can now shop direct with Apple and receive a service delivered by dedicated team members ready to share their expertise in Vietnamese. Meanwhile, in mid-May, eDiGi, Vietnam’s foremost premium Apple retailer, announced the closure of its store after five years. The store entered the market when official Apple products were struggling to compete against smuggled counterparts. Backed by one of Vietnam’s top retail companies, IPP Group, eDiGi aimed to carve a niche for itself in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The accolades poured in as eDiGi secured the coveted Apple Premium Reseller and Apple Service Provider certifications, becoming the country’s pioneering haven for Apple aficionados seeking unrivalled services. However, eDiGi found itself grappling with a market where affordable prices outweighed immersive shopping experiences, and it struggled to … [Read more...] about Apple retailers set for price competition shake-up
Responsible businesses for Vietnam’s thriving next generation: forum
VCCI Vice Chairman Nguyen Quang Vinh speaks at the forum. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - A Child Rights and Business Forum was organised in Hanoi on May 30 by UNICEF Vietnam and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( VCCI ), emphasising the need for responsible business practices that respect child rights and prevent adverse human rights impacts. “Children are both the present and the future, and business practices cannot be sustainable if they do not account for their impact on children”, said Rana Flowers, Representative of UNICEF in Vietnam. “It requires children to be a key consideration in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) assessments – where impacts and risks are assessed objectively, and key practices identified that can minimise those risks and create a positive impact for children. It will improve competitiveness and sustainability, it will win the support of stakeholders, especially investors, who are socially conscious and looking at ESG risks … [Read more...] about Responsible businesses for Vietnam’s thriving next generation: forum
Current trends guarantee big growth in Vietnam – US trade, investment: USABC leader
Vietnam was the 8th largest trade partner and the largest ASEAN exporter of the US in 2022. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – The current trends in economic and trade cooperation between Vietnam and the US guarantee big growth in two-way trade and investment in next 10 years and warrant upgrading the partnership to a strategic level, said Ted Osius , President and CEO of the US - ASEAN Business Council ( USABC ). In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency ahead of the 10th anniversary of the two countries’ comprehensive partnership (July 2013 - 2023), the former US Ambassador to Vietnam said trade and investment play a big role in this relationship. The US is Vietnam’s second largest trading partner and biggest export destination. In 2022, bilateral trade reached a record high of 138.9 billion USD. Vietnam was the 8th largest trade partner and the largest ASEAN exporter of the US. The US was the biggest export market of Vietnam last year. Vietnam’s annual export to … [Read more...] about Current trends guarantee big growth in Vietnam – US trade, investment: USABC leader