A medical worker places drops of liquid sample into a Covid-19 indicator device. Photo: VNA

Covid-19: Vietnam logs 3,949 new cases on May 12

A total 3,949 new cases of Covid-19 were recorded in the past 24 hours from 4pm May 11 to 4pm May 12, according to the Ministry of Health.

Dak Lak province reported the highest number of infections on the day with 1,251 cases, followed by Hanoi with 509 and Bac Ninh with 346.

The northern province of Quang Ninh added 2,550 cases to the national log after verifying information.

The national tally reached 10,690,471, cited VNA.

A total 7,441 Covid-19 patients were given the all clear on May 12, bringing the number of recoveries so far to 9,334,964.

There are 346 patients needing breathing support, while three deaths were recorded in the past 24 hours, taking the total fatalities to 43,063.

By May 11, the country had injected 216,326,254 doses of Covid-19 vaccines, including 2,118,136 first shots for children from 5 to 11 years old.

Vietnam's economic recovery gains momentum despite global uncertainties

Vietnam’s economic recovery is gaining momentum despite heightened global uncertainty relating to issues such as the protracted war in Ukraine, higher commodity prices, and tightening global financial conditions, according to the World Bank (WB).

The assessment was released as part of the May edition of the WB’s monthly Vietnam Macro Monitoring.

According to the report, after peaking in March the number of new confirmed Covid-19 cases declined rapidly in April, whilst mobility and economic activities continued to recover as industrial production and retail sales grew at their pre-Covid rates of 9.4% on-year and 12.1% on-year, respectively.

While export growth accelerated, import growth plateaued, duly reflecting supply chain disruptions caused by the impact of China’s continued zero-Covid policy. Amid heightened global uncertainty, FDI commitments slowed for the third consecutive month, while FDI disbursement remained strong.

Vietnamese economic recovery gains momentum despite global uncertainties. Photo: dangcongsan.vn

Furthermore, CPI inflation rose slightly from 2.4% in March to 2.6% in April, whilst core inflation climbed to 1.5%, a 17-month high and partly reflecting the recovering demand that was buoyed by consumer expenditure associated with the two national holidays.

Despite the acceleration of credit growth to reach a new high of 16.4% on-year, overnight interbank interest rates dropped to 1.37% as of the end of April, far below the 2.5% discount rate offered by the State Bank of Vietnam, indicating excessive liquidity within the domestic market, according to VOV.

The budget registered a fourth consecutive month of surplus due to strong revenue collection amid a continued strong economic performance and falling expenditures. At present, Vietnamese recovery is gaining momentum, although authorities must remain vigilant regarding inflation, heightened risks of weaker global demand, and supply disruptions which could hinder economic prospects.

Moreover, uncertainty related to the war in Ukraine and its impacts on major commodity supply and prices are expected to weaken global growth prospects, potentially affecting demand for Vietnamese exports. In line with this, supply disruptions caused by lockdowns in China could hurt Vietnamese exports over the coming months.

In the event that higher inflation persists in the medium term, the economy should be allowed to adjust to higher prices, with the authorities incentivizing investments in order to increase productivity and aggregate supply.

Experts have therefore advised local businesses to diversify trade partners as a prudent strategic consideration in order to mitigate risks to export performance.

Twenty countries recognize Vietnam’s vaccine passports

Vietnam has reached mutual recognition for Covid-19 vaccination certificates, called “vaccine passports”, with 20 countries so far, said Deputy Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Doan Khac Viet.

Addressing the ministry’s routine press conference on May 12, he said Vietnam has reached agreements with Japan, the US, the UK, Australia, India, Belarus, Cambodia, the Philippines, Malaysia, the Maldives, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Turkey, Singapore, Saint Lucia, the Republic of Korea, Iran, Palestine and the Dominican Republic, reported VNA.

Illustrative image. Photo: baochinhphu.vn

On May 11, the European Commission decided to recognize Vietnam’s e-vaccine passport. Accordingly, the Vietnamese passport will be recognized by 27 EU member countries, and its QR code will also be certified and checked in the territories of 39 partners of the EU’s e-vaccine passport system, he noted.

As a result, Vietnam’s vaccine passport can now be used in 81 countries and territories, the spokesman said, attributing this achievement to coordination among the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Information and Communications to negotiate with partner countries.

Vietnam's Engineering Unit conducts field reconnaissance in Abyei

Soldiers of Vietnam's Engineering Unit Rotation 1 participating in peacekeeping mission at the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) have recently deployed field reconnaissance to prepare for the rainy season and build barracks.

After a meeting with the UNISFA’s Engineering Section on these works, the Vietnamese engineering unit sent out two field reconnaissance teams on May 10.

Soldiers of Vietnam's Engineering Unit Rotation 1 set off to assume missions at the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei. Photo: VNA

The first 28 members of Vietnam's Engineering Unit Rotation 1 arrived at the UNISFA on May 5.

They have been assigned to take over barracks in the mission and equipment transported from Vietnam by sea, and make preparations to welcome the official unit of 156 people, to be deployed in mid-May.

This is the first time Vietnam has sent military engineers to join UN peacekeeping operations. It is the unit-level formation with the largest number of members ever participating in UN peacekeeping missions, cited VOV.

The staff members of Engineering Unit Rotation 1, which debuted on November 17, 2011, will help provide humanitarian assistance and support the UN delegations in keeping and re-establishing peace in the area.

They will also ensure transport, perform road maintenance, help reconstruct the UN base, and provide support for the local community by building community houses, schools, and other public facilities.

Tours by electric car launched for visitors to explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter

The People’s Committee of Hoan Kiem district in Hanoi launched three tours electric cars on May 12, aiming to offer an interesting and environmentally friendly way to get around Hanoi's atmospheric Old Quarter.

The first tour drives along 28 streets, famous for traditional crafts and street food, such as Dong Xuan Market, the Quan Chuong Gate, Ma May, Hang Bac and Hang Bo streets.

Tours by electric car launched for visitors to explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Photo: hanoimoi.com.vn

The second and third tours introduce visitors to streets including Dinh Tien Hoang, Le Thai To, Tong Dan, and Trang Tien, which house typical French-styled buildings and villas.

The launch of the tours, with a total length of 7km each, are among the new tourist products to advertise the land, people and culture of Hanoi to visitors, particularly during the SEA Games 31, NDO reported.

Tickets for each tour are priced at VND35,000 per person. A price discount of 20% is being offered for tourists throughout May on the occasion of SEA Games 31.

Vietnam News Today (May 12): Exciting Atmosphere as SEA Games 31’s Opening Ceremony Nears Vietnam News Today (May 12): Covid-19: Vietnam records 2,758 cases on May 11; Vietnamese and Cambodian logistics enterprises promote cooperation; Exciting atmosphere as SEA Games ...

Vietnam News Today (May 11): Vietnam Highlights Significance of Peace in Global Development Vietnam News Today (May 11): Vietnam supportive of relations between US and ASEAN partners; Vietnam highlights significance of peace in global development; Google Doodle celebrates ...

Vietnam News Today (May 10): Vietnam Steps Up Climate Change Response Efforts Vietnam News Today (May 10): Covid-19: Only close to 2,200 cases recorded in Vietnam on May 9; SEA Games 31: Numerous special events, tours in ...