Vietnam News Today (Jul. 17): Hot Weather Returns Before Heavy Rain Falls Next Week

Ilustrative image. Photo: VNA

Another 705 Covid-19 cases recorded on July 16

Vietnam’s total number of Covid-19 cases rose to 10,759,850 as another 705 infections were reported on July 18.

According to the Ministry of Health, 7,3599 patients were declared recovered from the disease on the same day, raising the total number of recoveries to 9,806,238.

Meanwhile, one fatality was recorded on the day, raising the death toll from the disease at 43,091, accounting for 0.4% of the total infections.

Also on the day, 734,042 doses of Covid-19 vaccines were administered.

Vietnam-UK trade expected to reach US$10 billion

Trade revenue between Vietnam and the UK is expected to reach US$10 billion in the next one or two years thanks to strong support from the Vietnam-UK Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA).

According to the Department of the Europe-America Market under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, last year, import-export turnover between the two countries reached US$6.6 billion, a 17.2% year-on-year increase and four times higher than the period before establishing the strategic partnership. In 2009, turnover was US$2.65 billion.

Export and import revenues were US$5.76 billion and US$849 million, 16.4% and 23.6% increases, respectively. Trade between Vietnam and the UK has surged mainly thanks to the UKVFTA, which took effect in May 2021.

The UK economy is expected to recover after the Covid-19 pandemic and the British Government lifts travel restrictions from March 18, 2022. Increasing demand for consumer goods in the UK has created more opportunities for Vietnamese exporters. In particular, the UK is the third largest trading partner of Vietnam in Europe, following Germany and the Netherlands.

Photo: VCCI

Total UK direct investment capital into Vietnam by 2021 was US$4.15 billion, double the amount before establishing the strategic partnership (in 2009, total investment capital of the UK in Vietnam only reached US$2 billion), according to VOV.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Quoc Khanh, said UKVFTA has become a great lever for Vietnam-UK trade and investment co-operation. In addition, co-operation in the field of energy, especially renewable energy, between Vietnam and the UK has potential to yield results.

At the COP26 Conference held in November 2021, Vietnam made a statement on the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. This statement clearly demonstrated Vietnam's determination to move from traditional fossil fuels to greener and cleaner energy sources, thereby contributing to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions globally.

Khanh said the ministry and Vietnamese agencies have been actively reviewing and adjusting the National Electricity Development Plan for the period of 2021-30, with a vision to 2045 (Power Plan VIII) with a focus on prioritising the development of clean, environmentally friendly power sources such as onshore and offshore wind power.

To achieve the above goals, Vietnam is studying and proposing to legislate the development of renewable energy, creating a favourable legal corridor to attract investment from the private sector. Vietnam needs the support of international partners and donors in technology as well as preferential capital. This is an opportunity for Vietnam and the UK to strengthen co-operation, he added.

Hot weather returns before heavy rain falls next week

A hot low pressure area in the West is developing and moving across the northern and central regions, sending temperatures rising quickly.

Photo: VNN

Daytime temperatures in many localities such as Ninh Binh and Ha Nam rose to 34-36°C, according to weather experts.

The hot low pressure area is forecast to intensify on July 17 – 19, and hot weather is likely to occur in a large area in the North with the highest temperatures commonly ranging from 35-37°C.

In the capital of Hanoi, the sun rose early on July 16, pushing the temperatures up to 28-30°C in the morning and 34-36°C in the afternoon, reported VOV.

The temperatures are likely to rise further on July 17-18 when the hot low pressure area expands to the east.

The UV index in Hanoi is likely to reach as high as 7.5-8, which is harmful to people’s health if they are exposed to direct sunlight for a long time.

The heat is forecast to ease from July 19 when the North welcomes the cooling rain, according to weather experts.

Vietnam and Laos promote trade union cooperation

A delegation from the Lao Federation of Trade Unions (LFTU) Central Committee, led by Member of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Partyand Chairwoman of the LFTU Central Committee Aly Vong Nor Bun Tham, paid a working visit to the northern province of Ha Nam on July 16.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Secretary of the Ha Nam Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Truong Quoc Huy shared that Ha Nam currently has about 170,000 workers who are members of trade unions, and that the province has paid special attention to effectively implementing salary and housing policies for workers and employees, reported NDO.

An overview of the meeting. Photo: NDO

He also emphasised that over the years, trade unions in enterprises in Ha Nam Province have performed well and have always fought to protect the legitimate rights of workers.

In the context of complicated domestic and international epidemics, Ha Nam Province still ensured stable life and jobs for workers, he added.

Chairman of the Ha Nam Provincial People’s Committee also expressed his hope that the two sides will have exchanges of experience after the meeting to continue maintaining a good relationship and building a strong trade union block, which is a reliable support for workers, as well as continue to foster the special solidarity and friendship between Vietnam and Laos.

On behalf of the Lao delegation, Chairwoman Aly Vong Nor Bun Tham said that this visit aimed to strengthen the special cooperation between the two countries and trade unions.

She said she believed that trade unions of the two countries will promote the protection of workers’ rights and interests, especially in the context that workers are currently facing many difficulties.

Football: Vietnam to compete for bronze medal with Myanmar in AFF Women's Championship

Vietnam lost 0-4 over the hosts the Philippines in the second semi-final of the AFF Women's Championship on July 15, becoming the former queen of Southeast Asia.

Head coach Mai Duc Chung used the strongest squad for the match, but the first half was a difficult time while Vietnam went under pressure of the hosts Philippines who had advantage of physicality.

The Vietnamese team conceded the first goal in the 32nd minute. From the corner kick on the left wing, Hari Long of the Philippines had a header in a tight corner, breaking the Vietnamese the net.

Captain Huynh Nhu of Vietnam (L) and a Filipino player. Photo: VFF

Huynh Nhu and her teammates almost suffered the second goal only 2 minutes later, but fortunately for Vietnam when the ball went wide of the goal, cited VNA.

In the last minutes of the first half, Vietnam continuously attacked in order to find an equaliser, but they failed.

In the 51st minute, Hoang Thi Loan let the ball touch her hand in the box. Then on the 11-meter mark, Annis made good use of the penalty to increase the score to 2-0 for the Philippines

Vietnam conceded the 3rd goal in a corner kick situation in the 63rd minute, which was scored by Bolden of the Philippines. Not stopping there, Bolden finished with a headẻ to the empty net of Vietnam in the 75th minute.

The final score 0-4 ended a series of 10 consecutive victories of the Vietnamese team against its Philippine opponent.

Vietnam will compete for bronze with Myanmar, while the Philippines and Thailand will meet in the final.

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