PM Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the forum (Photo: VNA)

PM pledges to further support enterprises at Vietnam Business Forum 2023

The Vietnamese Government commits to creating all possible conditions for businesses to growth further, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed at the Vietnam Business Forum 2023 (VBS 2023) in Hanoi on March 19.

Reviewing the country’s socio-economic recovery and development achievements in 2022, the PM said the macro economy remained stable, major economic balances were ensured, and notably the domestic investment and business environment was improved significantly.

During the post-COVID-19 period, the foreign investment disbursement went up 13.5% as compared with 2021, which reflected Vietnam’s attractiveness in the regional and global investment maps, he said.

Chinh stressed that the Vietnamese Party and State advocate green growth in order to ensure rapid, effective and sustainable economic development, contributing to implementing the 2021-2030 socio-economic development strategy.

However, green growth needs a suitable roadmap, with conditions and capacity of each region, locality and business taken into consideration, he noted, encouraging the engagement of all, particularly businesses and people, in this regard.

The Government will work to consolidate institutions, mechanisms and policies to create a favourable, equal business environment, while raising national competitiveness, he pledged.

More attention will be paid to removing difficulties facing enterprises, promoting transparency in resources access, protecting legal rights and interests of businesses, employers, employees and relevant sides, and rolling out concertedly and effectively policies supporting firms in terms of capital, technical transfer, and personnel development, the PM continued.

Vietnam will concertedly develop goods and services, financial-monetary, and stock markets, he said, assigning specific tasks to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, ministers and heads of concern agencies.

The Government will instruct ministries, agencies and localities to make the strongest determination to reap more achievements this year, recover and spur the national economy, ensure harmony in cultural and social development, maintain national sovereignty and political stability, and ensure peace and happiness for people, he pledged.

Lauding the business forum’s important contributions to national socio-economic development and business environment improvement over the past 25 years, Chinh expressed his hope that it will continue serving as a crucial, effective policy dialogue between the Government and the business community.

The annual forum, co-organised by the Vietnamese Ministry of Planning and Investment, the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation and the Vietnam Business Forum Alliance, has served as an uninterrupted and close dialogue mechanism between the Government and the domestic and foreign business communities in order to improve business conditions to promote the development of the domestic private sector and facilitate the investment environment, thus contributing to Vietnam's sustainable economic growth.

At the event, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung reported that Vietnam’s economic scale exceeded 400 billion USD for the first time last year, with a growth rate of 8.02%.

The export-import revenue hit a record of 732 billion USD, making Vietnam enter the list of the top 20 in terms of trade growth worldwide, cited VNA.

At the forum, representatives from the WB, international financial organisations and business associations from Europe, the US, the Republic of Korea, the UK and Japan expressed their admiration for socio-economic achievements Vietnam has recorded, especially those made during the pandemic combat, and praised the country’s efforts in improving the domestic investment and business environment.

Hailing Vietnam’s net zero emission commitment by 2050 and the Government’s efforts in fulfilling the target, they committed to supporting the Government in promoting green growth.

They also suggested Vietnam speeding up energy transition, maximising its potential for digital economy and innovation, perfecting institutions, making procedures transparent, and simplifying immigration procedures, among others.

Following the forum, PM Chinh attended a ceremony marking its 25th anniversary.

Vietnam, China boost cooperation in SOE reform, development

Vietnam’s Committee for Management of State Capital at Enterprises (CMSC) and the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council of China (SASAC) held a conference on reform and development of State-owned enterprises (SOEs) in Beijing on March 18.

CMSC Chairman Nguyen Hoang Anh, SASAC Chairman Zhang Yuzhuo, and Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Sao Mai attended the event.

Representatives from the SASAC and the CMSC introduced the situation of state asset management and supervision, and SOE reform and development in their respective country.

An overview of the conference (Photo: VOV)

Meanwhile, representatives from the two sides’ SOEs shared experience in production and business activities and development strategies.

A memorandum of understanding on enhancing exchanges and cooperation in State-owned assets and State-run enterprises between the two agencies was signed on the occasion of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong's official visit to China in October 2022.

Dengue fever and hand, foot and mouth disease sweep HCM City

HCM City has witnessed a sharp rise in dengue fever and hand, foot and mouth disease patients, according to the municipal Department of Health.

HCM City has recorded 5,488 dengue fever cases since early this year, up 74 percent on-year.

HCM City has witnessed a sharp rise in dengue fever and hand, foot and mouth disease patients. Photo: Nguyen Ly

HCM City has recorded as many as 287 dengue fever outbreaks in most local wards and communes. Binh Chanh District has been hardest hit with 588 cases, Thu Duc City with 568 cases, Binh Tan District with 507 cases, District 12 with 356 cases, and Binh Thanh District with 341 cases. However, so far this year, the city has witnessed no dengue fever deaths.

Meanwhile, the city has 599 reported hand, foot and mouth disease patients since the beginning of the year, up 16-fold on-year. Binh Chanh has been affected the most with 75 cases, followed by District 8, Thu Duc City, Binh Tan District, Thu Duc City and Go Vap District, according to Dtinews.

The municipal health sector has also held training courses on avian influenza A(H5N1) prevention for local medical stations. The sector will set up quick response teams to support district medical centres.

Vietnam Tourism Marketing Strategy to 2030 issued

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has issued Decision No. 440/QD-BVHTTDL on Vietnam Tourism Marketing Strategy to 2030.

The strategy aims to promote and position Vietnam as a leading attractive tourist destination in Southeast Asia, affirm the brand and competitiveness of Vietnam’s tourism, and contribute to the implementation of the Vietnam tourism development strategy by 2030.

Accordingly, Vietnam's tourism sector will strengthen and increase awareness, understanding, interest, and satisfaction for Vietnam’s tourist attractions, thereby affirming Vietnam as an attractive, quality, and sustainable destination that is the first choice in target markets and can satisfy high-spending, long-stay guests.

Foreign tourists visit Hanoi's Old Quarter. (Photo: VNA)

Digital marketing activities are expected to work more effectively with higher reach and more interactions plus an increasing number of visitors and followers to websites and pages on social networking platforms of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.

The strategy also mentions the improvement of Vietnam's ranking position on tourism marketing-related indicators under the World Economic Forum's Tourism Development Capability Index, VNA reported.

Under the strategy, by 2025, Vietnam’s tourism is expected to recover and welcome 18 million international visitors, while serving 130 million domestic visitors and maintaining the growth rate of domestic visitors at 8-9% per year.

By 2030, the country aims to welcome 35 million international visitors, with a growth rate of 13 - 15% per year, while serving 160 million domestic tourists, with a growth rate of domestic tourists at 4-5% per year.

In addition, the strategy also aims to promote the development of new forms and tourism products.

Over 1,000 people run in response to Earth Hour 2023 in Hanoi

More than 1,000 people joined a Race for Earth Hour 2023, which took place around Hoan Kiem Lake in Hà Nội on Saturday.

The race was one of a number of activities held in Vietnam to respond to this year's Earth Hour event.

Citizens nationwide are encouraged to make a simple but meaningful act of turning off lights and other unnecessary devices from 20:30 to 21:30 on March 25, cited VNS.

Over 1,000 people run in response to Earth Hour 2023 in Hanoi (Photo: tapchicongthuong.vn)

An online quiz to learn about Earth Hour is held for the first time on the website of the National Energy Efficiency Programme at tietkiemnangluong.com.vn.

Earth Hour is an initiative launched by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and is the largest social event globally. So far it has been observed in 7,000 cities and towns across 172 countries and territories globally.

Vietnam first joined the Earth Hour campaign in 2009. In 2022, the country saved 309,000 kWh of electricity, equivalent to VNĐ576.1 million (US$24,000).

The Earth Hour campaign in Vietnam is hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and receives the support of many businesses, especially Vietnam Electricity (EVN) which serves as the primary sponsor of the campaign.

The campaign is one of several actions being taken by the Vietnamese Government and people, demonstrating their strong commitment to uniting with the world in the fight against climate change.

Vietnam News Today (Mar. 17): Vietnam: New Destination for Asian Multinationals Vietnam News Today (Mar. 17): EU and US businesses keen to invest in Vietnam; Numerous activities to be held at Hung King Festival 2023; Much ...

Vietnam News Today (Mar. 18): Vietnam Boost Ties with Germany’s Lower Saxony State Vietnam News Today (Mar. 18): Vietnam pledges to closely cooperate with ASEAN, UN in supporting Myanmar; Vietnam, India enhance defence links; Vietnam’s trade with top ...

Vietnam News Today (Mar. 19): Vietnam's Trade Recovers Strongly Since Reopening Vietnam News Today (Mar. 19): Vietnamese Embassy greets Lao Party; Vietnam's trade recovers strongly since reopening; Travel firms put high hopes on Chinese travelers’ return; ...