The disbursement of public investment in the first four months of this year was estimated to meet 14.66% of the set target and 15.65% of the plan assigned by the Prime Minister, according to the Ministry of Finance.

Seven ministries and central agencies and 35 localities posted estimated disbursement rates higher than the national average, the ministry said.

Localities and agencies recording high disbursement include Vietnam Television (73.48%), the Ministry of Construction (41.44%), the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (28.28%), the Ministry of Transport (25.64%), Long An (38.25%), Phu Tho (32.25%), Tien Giang (31.2%), and Lao Cai (30.56 %).

There are seven ministries and central agencies with a disbursement rate of 0%, and 25 localities posting disbursement rates below 15%.

The ministry said that although the disbursement rate of public investment in all fields is improving, there remain many obstacles hindering the disbursement progress, such as those related to key national projects. Many localities have yet to complete their detail plans on the allocation of State budget to component projects in their localities, according to the ministry.

In addition, other reasons affecting the disbursement progress such as pending problems yet to be solved relating to policies, mechanisms, site clearance, compensation and resettlement, material prices, and the supply of construction materials.

Moreover, in the first months of the year, investors of new construction projects are focusing on completing investment procedures, selecting contractors, and detailed design./.

Supermarkets in Hà Nội extend promotions and discounts for April 30 - May 1 holidays

In order to cater to the shopping demands during the April 30 and May 1 holidays, supermarkets in Hà Nội have introduced a variety of promotions and discounts. Some supermarkets have even extended their operating hours until 11pm.

Leading retail chains such as BRGMart, Aeon, and WinMart have implemented attractive discount programmes to stimulate consumer demand. Shoppers visiting these supermarkets on the morning of April 28 witnessed a livelier shopping atmosphere with bustling activity.

The BRG supermarket system, for instance, has launched a promotional programme offering discounts of up to 50 per cent on hundreds of items, valid until September 9. The discounted products include a wide range of food items, fresh produce, processed foods, beverages, beer, bottled water, and various types of milk.

Similarly, the WinMart/WinMart+/WiN retail chain is running a holiday promotion until May 8, featuring discounts of up to 50 per cent on over 600 products. These discounted items span across fresh foods, processed foods, beverages, cosmetics, personal care products, and summer fashion.

Aeon supermarkets have also extended their opening hours until 11pm during the holidays and have launched multiple promotional programmes. Aeon offers price reductions of up to 47 per cent on fast-moving consumer food products, "buy 2 get 1" deals on laundry products, and various gifts. Additionally, household and electrical products from popular brands like Elmich, Lock & Lock, and Bluestone are available at discounts of up to 50 per cent.

Supermarkets have responded to the increased demand for essential goods by working closely with suppliers to increase inventory and maintain reasonable pricing. They have also intensified quality inspections on incoming goods and increased their staff to ensure excellent service. Supermarket shelves are constantly restocked, particularly with fresh foods.

Shoppers have expressed their satisfaction with the availability of fresh products and discounted items with extended shelf lives. Minh Phương, a resident of Thạch Bàn Ward in Long Biên District, shared her positive experience, saying: "With a bill of over VNĐ2 million, I was able to purchase many essential goods at significant discounts."

The supermarkets remain committed to providing a pleasant shopping experience while meeting the diverse needs of their customers during this holiday period. 

Four-month FDI rises 4.5% to US$9.27 billion

Vietnam attracted nearly US$9.27 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) as of April 20, representing an increase of 4.5% year on year, the General Statistics Office (GSO) reported.

As many as 966 new projects valued at US$7.11 billion were granted investment certificates, up 28.8% in project numbers and up 73.2% in capital.

Among economic sectors, manufacturing and processing took the lead with registered capital of approximately US$5 billion, followed by real estates, wholesale & retail, and scientific and technological activities.

As many as 50 countries and territories injected capital into the Vietnamese market during the reviewed period.

Singapore topped the list with US$2.59 billion, followed by Hong Kong (China) with US$898.6 million, Japan with US$814.1 million, China with US$740.2 million, Turkey with US$730.1 million, and Taiwan (China) with US$512.3 million.

About US$1.23 billion was added to 345 existing projects, down by 25.6% year on year, whilst US$929.6 million was earmarked for stake purchase and capital contribution, a 70.1% fall from a year ago.

The disbursed foreign investment rose by 7.4% in the first four months to hit US$6.28 billion, the highest figure recorded over the past five years, said the GSO.

Jan-April newly-established enterprises hit record high of 51,550

As many as 51,550 enterprises were established during the first four months of this year, the highest recorded in history, the General Statistics Office (GSO) unveiled in its report released on April 29.

Of the total, April alone saw 15,300 newly established enterprises get approval from authorities.

Statistics show that the number of firms entering and rejoining the market in April fell by 13.6% year on year to 8,300.

Overall, 29,700 companies entered and re-entered the market nationally in four months, up 2.4% from a year ago.

There were 81,300 new enterprises either established or returning to operation in four months, up 3% compared to the same period from 2023.

Of them, 50,700 firms registered to operate in the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector, up 1.2% year on year. This was followed by the service sector with 38,500 firms, up 3.2%, and the industrial and construction sector with 12,500 firms, up 4%.

During the January - April period, as many as 60,900 enterprises withdrew from the market, an increase of 21.9% year on year.

Four-month public investment disbursement reaches 14.66% of target

The disbursement of public investment in the first four months of this year was estimated to meet 14.66% of the set target and 15.65% of the plan assigned by the Prime Minister, according to the Ministry of Finance.

Seven ministries and central agencies and 35 localities posted estimated disbursement rates higher than the national average, the ministry said.

Localities and agencies recording high disbursement include Vietnam Television (73.48%), the Ministry of Construction (41.44%), the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (28.28%), the Ministry of Transport (25.64%), Long An (38.25%), Phu Tho (32.25%), Tien Giang (31.2%), and Lao Cai (30.56 %).

There are seven ministries and central agencies with a disbursement rate of 0%, and 25 localities posting disbursement rates below 15%.

The ministry said that although the disbursement rate of public investment in all fields is improving, there remain many obstacles hindering the disbursement progress, such as those related to key national projects. Many localities have yet to complete their detail plans on the allocation of State budget to component projects in their localities, according to the ministry.

In addition, other reasons affecting the disbursement progress such as pending problems yet to be solved relating to policies, mechanisms, site clearance, compensation and resettlement, material prices, and the supply of construction materials.

Moreover, in the first months of the year, investors of new construction projects are focusing on completing investment procedures, selecting contractors, and detailed design./.

Thai Binh province rolls out red carpet for Dutch businesses

The northern province of Thai Binh always accompanies and creates the best conditions for enterprises, including those from the Netherlands to invest in and run long-term and effective business in the locality, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Ngo Dong Hai has affirmed.

At an investment and trade promotion conference held by the province's delegation in Leeuwawarden city, Friesland province on April 25, Hai highlighted that Thai Binh, boasting sound investment climate with various incentives, and favourable geographical localtion, has become a leading attractive destination for foreign investors in the north of Vietnam.

He expressed his hope that the conference would open up numerous cooperative opportunities between Thai Binh and the Netherlands in all areas, particularly clean water management, education, healthcare, clean energy, hi-tech agriculture, pharmaceuticals and biology, which align with the province’s demand and the European country’s strengths.

Briefing participants on the province’s strengths, potential and investment priorities, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Lai Van Hoan stressed that Thai Binh hopes to welcome Dutch enterprises to study investment opportunities, and engage in development of the Thai Binh Economic Zone in the green, clean and sustainable direction.

At the event, Thai Binh leaders and Vietnamese Ambassador to the Netherlands Ngo Huong Nam witnessed the signing of a cooperative agreement between the province and the World Trade Centre Leeuwarden.

The conference was held as part of the working trip of the Thai Binh province delegation to the country from April 23 to 26.

The same day, the delegation made a courtesy call to the King’s Commissioner of Friesland Arno Brok, during which the two sides concurred to bolster cooperation and called for businesses to work together in various sectors in the coming time.

It had working sessions with Boskalis and Royal Van Oord, the two leading Dutch corporations dredging, sand exploitation and maritime construction, and visited a wind farm of Pondera, a group specialising in offshore wind energy. The enterprises expressed their interest in the province’s investment projects, particularly its socio-economic master plan with the direction of expanding toward the sea.

The delegation also visited the Vietnamese Embassy in the Hague./.

Brazil, Da Nang boost rubber tire export

Local rubber tire producer, Da Nang Rubber joint-stock Corporation and Oceanside One Trading company from Brazil have inked an agreement on rubber tire distribution contract in Brazil and the US market, promising an increase in export turn-over from US$70 million to US$150 million per year.

The contract, which was signed in the central city on April 28 on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of Vietnam-Brazil diplomatic ties, and the on-going Brazil-Vietnam Football Festival, marked as a significant promotion of the trading partnership between Vietnam and Brazil and Da Nang-Brazil co-operation.

Brazil is seen as one of a key market of the Da Nang-based tire manufacturer over  past 15 years with an export turn-over of US$70 million per year.

General director of Da Nang Rubber Company, Le Hoang Khanh Nhut said the Brazilian partner -- Oceanside One Trading company – has aided in the penetration of the local key product into the South America and US markets over the past 15 years.

“The company was found 50 years ago, but Brazil has been considered a major destination of the made-in Da Nang rubber tire export. We plan to double the export turn-over in the coming years on the base of traditional trading partnership and key export market of the local product,” Nhut said at the signing ceremony.

"The company was founded 50 years ago. Brazil has emerged as a significant destination for the export of rubber tires made in Da Nang, said Nhut.

"The company plans to double the export turnover in the coming years. This growth will be achieved by leveraging the traditional trading partnership and capitalising on the key export market for local products." 

“It’s very honour for us when the signing contract was witnessed by Brazilian ex-football stars and the Brazilian ambassador to Vietnam. The exchange of sport and co-operation between Da Nang and Brazil would help promote investment and trade of the two sides,” he said.

Rubber tire export to Brazil accounted 45% of total revenue of Da Nang Rubber Corporation, Nhat said.

Brazilian Ambassador to Vietnam, Marco Farani said the contract signing ceremony would contribute to trading ties between Vietnam and Brazil.

He said the two countries agreed to boost two-way trade turn-over of Vietnam and Brazil from US$7 billion to US$10 billion in 2030.

He said tourism, sports and trade between Brazil and Da Nang would grow strongly in the coming years. 

Cambodian media values Vietnam's foreign investment attraction

The SBM NEWS website of Cambodia has published an article praising Vietnam's ability to attract foreign investment, especially in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh.

In its article published on April 29, it asserted that with its emerald waters and dozens of islands, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay in the province is  one of the country's most famous tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world. In 2023, the site welcomed approximately 2.6 million foreign tourists, accounting for 21% of the total to Vietnam.

Quang Ninh has surpassed Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other potential economic zones, emerging as the largest foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction area of Vietnam thanks to the diversification of its global supply chain and the establishment of a new port in a vicinity, it said. 

According to data from the General Statistics Office of Vietnam, last year, Quang Ninh was among the top five localities in attracting the largest foreign direct investment (FDI) with 3.1 billion USD, followed by the northern provinces of Thai Binh and Bac Giang with 2.68 billion USD and 1.53 billion USD, respectively. 

The Cambodian website said Quang Ninh is expected to receive an additional 1 billion USD in investment in the first quarter of 2024, and this figure is likely to exceed 3 billion USD for the second consecutive year.

It noted that the solar panel, electronics, and petroleum industries are also expanding in the province, with the Jinko Solar PV Vietnam solar panel project being the largest and most iconic in this sector, with a registered capital of over 34.6 trillion VND (over 1.36 billion USD) from Chinese companies.

The northern port city of Hai Phong is also mentioned in the  article as one of the leading localities in attracting foreign investment in Vietnam. It ranked fourth in 2023, luring 1.48 billion USD./. 

Exports remain bright spot in four-month period

During the past four months of the year, Vietnam fetched US$123.64 billion from exports, up 15% against the same period from last year, according to details given by the General Statistics Office (GSO).

The total import-export turnover surged by 15.2% to reach US$238.88 billion throughout the reviewed period, of which exports and imports witnessed a rise 15% and 15.4%, respectively.

As many as 21 items enjoyed an export turnover of over US$1 billion, accounting for 86.4% of total export turnover, of which there were five export items which recorded export turnover of over US$5 billion, accounting for 57.8%.

Most notably, the group of processed industrial goods is estimated to have reached US$108.27 billion, making up 87.5% of the total turnover.

Exports to major markets such as the US, the EU, and China all grew by double digits, with the US remaining as the largest Vietnamese export market with an estimated turnover reaching US$34.1 billion, up 19.1% on-year.

Meanwhile, exports to China, the EU, and the Republic of Korea all soared by 14%, 15%, and 10.2% to reach US$18 billion, US$16.4 billion and US$8.4 billion, respectively.

In the reviewed period, the country posted a trade surplus of US$8.4 billion, higher than the figure of US$7.66 billion from the same period last year.

With regard to the agricultural sector, the export turnover of fruits and vegetables in April stood at an estimated US$520 million, thereby bringing the total export value during the four-month period to US$1.8 billion, up over 32% on-year.

As part of efforts to maintain bright export prospects, experts recommend that businesses strive to take the full advantage of potential markets where Vietnam has signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Furthermore, local firms are advised to work to diversify markets in order to maintain growth momentum by fully tapping into new markets such as Africa, the Middle East, and South America moving forward.

FDI disbursement in January-April period reaches five-year record

The total foreign direct investment (FDI) disbursed in Vietnam in the first four months of this year is estimated to reach 6.28 billion USD, up 7.4% year on year, the highest four-month amount in the past five years, reported the General Statistics Office (GSO).

The processing-manufacturing sector saw the largest amount at 4.93 billion USD, accounting for 78.5% of the total FDI disbursed in the country in the period.

It was followed by real estate business at 607.6 million USD, and production and distribution of electricity, gas, hot water, steam and air conditioning at 259.8 million USD.

According to the GSO, as of April 20, total FDI inflows in Vietnam had reached nearly 9.27 billion USD, a year-on-year rise of 4.5%.

Of the total, 7.11 billion USD was poured into 966 new projects, an increase of 28.8% in the number of projects and 73.2% in the capital amount.

Processing-manufacturing led the newly-registered FDI capital at nearly 5 billion USD, followed by real estate at 1.6 billion USD.

Among the 50 countries and territories with newly-licenced projects in Vietnam in the first four months of this year, Singapore was the biggest with 2.59 billion USD, making up 36.4% of the total.

Hong Kong (China) came second with 898.6 million USD, while Japan took the third position at 814.1 million USD.

At the same time, 1.23 billion USD was added into 345 underway projects, a drop of 25.6% year on year.

Meanwhile, foreign investors also poured 929.6 million USD into 902 capital contribution and share purchase deals in the January-April period.

The GSO also reported that in the first four months of this year, Vietnamese investors invested 98.3 million USD in 36 new projects abroad, down 29.8% year on year, along with 580,000 USD in three operating projects.

The Netherlands received the highest Vietnamese investment capital among the 14 countries and territories hosting Vietnamese-invested projects, with 54.6 million USD./.

Trade surplus hits 8.4 billion USD in four months: GSO

Vietnam's import-export revenue reached 238.88 billion USD in the first four months of this year, with trade surplus reaching 8.4 billion USD, higher than the 7.66 billion USD recorded in the same period last year, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO).

April exports were estimated at 30.94 billion USD, up 10.6% over the same period last year, pushing the total results in the first four months of this year to 123.64 billion USD, a year-on-year rise of 15%.

Of the total, the domestic sector contributed 33.62 billion USD, and the FDI sector 90.02 billion USD.

Exports of processed products were estimated at 108.27 billion USD, accounting for 87.5% of the total.

The US is the largest export market of Vietnam with a revenue of 34.1 billion USD, followed by China with 18 billion USD and the EU with 16.4 billion USD.

In April, Vietnam imported 30.26 billion USD worth of products, a rise of 19.9% year on year, pushing the total import value in the January-April period to 115.24 billion USD, up 15.4% over the same period last year.

Imports of the domestic sector were 41.86 billion USD, while that of the foreign-invested sector was 73.38 billion USD.

Production materials were the major imports in the four-month period with a value of 108.33 billion USD, accounting for 94% of the total imports.

China remained the biggest import market of Vietnam with a value of 41.6 billion USD, and the Republic of Korea came second with 17.1 billion USD. Vietnam also imported 15.6 billion USD worth of goods from ASEAN countries in the period, the GSO reported, adding that that the April trade surplus hit 0.68 billion USD./.

Phenikaa targets to train over 8,000 semiconductor chip design engineers by 2030

Phenikaa Group has established the Phenikaa Semiconductor Training Centre to mark its participation in the semiconductor industry in Việt Nam.

The centre will conduct research and training activities in IC design, semiconductors, technology transfer, international cooperation, resource mobilisation, and collaboration and cooperation with domestic and foreign partners to promote research and training activities on semiconductor chip design.

It aims to train more than 8,000 semiconductor chip design engineers with international certificates and at least 12,000 engineers and high-level workers to work in Assembling, Testing, Packaging (ATP) factories by 2030.

Lê Anh Sơn, Phenikaa’s Deputy General Director said the additional integrated circuit design (IC) part helps enhance the Phenikaa ecosystem.

He said that the training programmes would be supported by the world's leading IC companies and IC training institutions so that graduates would be qualified and could find jobs during or after their training course.

Sơn added that Phenikaa would also launch a spin-off company focusing on designing and manufacturing smart, advanced, and highly efficient chips, thereby affirming the group's capacity in R&D and applying science and technology to create products that could be applied to life.

In another move, the group will also host a conference on Vietnamese semiconductor human resources in the global supply chain at Phenikaa University on May 4.

The upcoming event will attract the participation of governmental agencies, research institutes, universities, relevant Vietnamese and international organisations, and experts in the field of semiconductors.

During the event, participants will discuss the status of semiconductor human resources in the world, the global need for semiconductor human resources, and the importance of quality personnel resources in attracting investment and promoting the semiconductor industry in Việt Nam.

According to experts, Việt Nam has great potential to become a new semiconductor centre of the world.

To develop the semiconductor industry's workforce to achieve the goal of having 50,000 semiconductor engineers by 2030, closer coordination between relevant parties such as the Government, state agencies, large private enterprises, research institutes, and universities is needed, they said.

Vietjet reports positive business performances in Q1/2024

Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company (HOSE: VJC) reported outstanding business performances in Q1/2024, providing a strong boost for the entire year.

In Q1, Vietjet’s air transport revenue was recorded at VNĐ17.76 trillion (US$701 million) while after-tax profit at VNĐ520 billion ($20.5 million), increasing by 38 per cent and 209 per cent year-on-year respectively.

The airline’s consolidated revenue and after-tax profit stood at VNĐ17.79 trillion and VNĐ539 billion respectively, marking yearly rises of 38 per cent and 212 per cent.

During the first three months of the year, Vietjet operated nearly 34,500 flights with more than 6.3 million passengers onboard. The airline's average load factor rate reached 87 per cent and the technical reliability rate 99.6 per cent.

Advancing its strategy to expand internationally, Vietjet’s international passenger transport in Q1 witnessed growths of over 53 per cent and 61 per cent year-on-year in terms of numbers of flights and passengers respectively.

Despite the challenges faced by the aviation industry due to aircraft shortages, Vietjet maintained its development momentum from 2023 and continued to open new pinternational routes which would set a strong growth in motion for the entire year.

As of March 31, 2024, Vietjet's total assets mounted more than VNĐ85.82 trillion. It's debt-to-equity ratio was at 1.9 while the liquidity ratio at 1.3, which were both within good ranges of the aviation industry. 

Source: VNA/SGT/VNS/VOV/Dtinews/SGGP/VGP/Hanoitimes