The European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham Vietnam), together with the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE), Ministry of Industry and Trade, will organise the Green Economy Forum & Exhibition (GEFE) 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City from October 21 to 23.

The event comes at a crucial time as Vietnam faces the immediate and severe impacts of climate change, exemplified by the recent devastation of super typhoon Yagi, which has left over 350 people dead or missing.

At the press conference announcing the GEFE 2024 in Hanoi on September 24, new Chairman of EuroCham Vietnam Bruno Jaspaert said: “The storm displaced countless families and caused widespread destruction across 26 provinces, serving as a stark reminder that climate change is no longer a distant threat but an urgent crisis requiring immediate, collective action.”

He added that GEFE 2024 will be a vital platform for fostering critical dialogue between government leaders, businesses, and international organisations to address the pressing realities of the changing climate. “GEFE will also act as a platform for European companies to showcase their latest cutting-edge solutions to make Vietnam future proof.”

Vu Ba Phu, Director General of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE), Ministry of Industry and Trade, emphasised that the Prime Minister has agreed for the Ministry of Industry and Trade and EuroCham to co-ogarnise the GEFE 2024 to strengthen connections, promote investment and trade cooperation between Europe and Vietnam.

“This is also a practical initiative in the implementation process of the National Green Growth Strategy for the period of 2021 – 2030,” Phu said.

In his remarks, Julien Guerrier, Ambassador of the EU to Vietnam, stated that GEFE is becoming an annual important and key event with a regional scope and ASEAN dimension.

“I am very much lookingtowards the GEFE in October 2024. The EU-Vietnam partnership holds a wealthof opportunities for businesses on both sides. I reaffirm it: we stand ready to support Vietnamin this period of transition to a greenerfuture - Vietnam has great potential to achieve it,” the ambassador said.

At GEFE 2024, discussions will focus on critical themes driving meaningful solutions toward a sustainable future: climate resilience, digitalisation, green finance, and sustainable energy transitions, to name a few, all are key to Vietnam’s goal of achieving Net-Zero by 2050, as pledged at COP26.

With the theme of “Building Green Futures”, GEFE 2024 will highlight the urgent need for action in tackling the climate crisis and building a greener economy in Vietnam.

Over the course of three days, the event will feature 10 green topics and nearly 30 conference sessions, including business-to-business and business-to-government dialogues. With more than 8,000 attendees expected from diverse sectors, participants will have the opportunity to engage with industry leaders and government officials in discussions about green economy development./.

Malaysia Airlines opens first route to Da Nang city

Flight MH748 of Malaysia Airlines, carrying 160 passengers from Kuala Lumpur, landed at Da Nang International Airport on December 24, marking its first flight on the Kuala Lumpur - Da Nang route.

The new route, which operates with a frequency of seven flights per week, will help raise the total number of flights between Vietnam’s central city of Da Nang and Malaysia's capital of Kuala Lumpur to 28 per week.

Tan Van Vuong, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Tourism, said Malaysia always ranks in the top 10 sources of international travellers to Da Nang.

Last month, Da Nang city's leaders paid a working trip to Malaysia and met with Malaysia Airlines to promote the central city's tourism and the Kula Lumpur-Da Nang route, he noted.

Vuong went on to say that the city’s tourism industry will continue to coordinate with Malaysia Airlines to organise Famtrip, Presstrip, and KOLs delegations to experience Da Nang tourism and support communication activities to promote Vietnam’s central city to Malaysian tourists.

According to the official, with its extensive flight network across Asia, Europe, and Oceania, covering nearly 1,000 destinations in over 170 countries and territories, Malaysia Airlines is expected to serve as a bridge to help Da Nang expand its tourism market to attractive destinations worldwide./.

PM holds policy dialogue with experts, businesspeople

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh cleared up many queries regarding mechanisms and policies at a dialogue with experts and leaders of major groups, both at home and abroad, which took place within the framework of the fifth Ho Chi Minh City Economic Forum on September 25.

Asked about mechanisms and policies to create breakthroughs that would speed up economic transformation, especial in the industrial sector, the government leader cited the resolution adopted at the 13th National Party Congress and Resolution No. 29-NQ/TW dated 2022 on continuing to promote industrialisation and modernisation till 2030, with a vision to 2045.

He highlighted the Government’s efforts in materialising the documents, saying it has employed solutions to optimise Vietnam’s unique potential, special opportunities, and competitive edge, while learning from international experience in this regard.

The Government has focused on building and perfecting institutions, devising mechanisms and policies to mobilise resources for infrastructure development, especially digital, transport, climate-resilient, and social infrastructure, he said, adding efforts have been made to raise administration capacity, promote personnel training, and seek international support.

In the field of science-technology and innovation, Chinh said the Party has seen education-training a top priority, pursuing basic, comprehensive reform in order to promote the sector.

Meanwhile, the Government has institutionalised the perception through laws, mechanisms, policies, and programmes, pooled resources for science-technology development, and offered incentives to those who dare to think, to do, and bear responsibility for the country and the people, according to the PM.

For green economy and circular economy, he emphasised that Vietnam will not pursue economic growth at the expense of the environment, adding policies are needed to encourage public engagement in the economic models.

Responding to the question on the implementation of Vietnam’s commitment to net zero emissions by 2050 at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), the PM said the Party Central Committee is working on relevant policies, guidelines, mechanisms, laws, programmes, and plans, and urged localities to actively put them in place, while promoting the participation of people and businesses in this field.

It is a must to conduct energy transition, from carbon-intensive energy to clean and green energy, with a roadmap to phase out coal-fired power plants and replace them with nuclear energy, wind power, solar power, hydrogen, biomass energy, and liquefied natural gas, he said, citing the National Power Development Plan VIII, which guides the development of power plants and power grids between 2021 and 2030, with a vision until 2050, as part of the effort.

Vietnam has also promoted green transportation and major projects on high-speed railways and urban rail systems, during which the country needs the support of international partners, the PM said.

Touching upon Vietnam’s efforts in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), he affirmed that Vietnam always protects the rights and legal and legitimate interests of businesses.

Concluding the policy dialogue, he lauded HCM City’s contributions to national development, and shared participants’ view on the need for comprehensive industrial transformation in the southern metropolis, aiming to build a civilised, modern city.

He urged the city to build and perfect institutions, develop harmonious and modern infrastructure, focus on training high-quality human resources, implement smart governance, and mobilise resources through enhanced public-private partnership./.

Seminar promotes Vietnam – Ghana trade cooperation

A trade and promotion seminar was organised in Ho Chi Minh City on September 25 to bolster trade cooperation between Vietnam and Ghana.

At the event, jointly held by Ho Chi Minh City’s Investment and Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC) and Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, ITPC Deputy Director Dao Minh Chanh spotlighted the significant progress in the Vietnam – Ghana partnership over the past time, particularly in trade, elaborating Ghana is now the largest trading partner of Vietnam in the Western African region, with two-way trade reaching 733 million USD in 2023.

The two countries will develop bilateral ties, especially in the economy, to a deep and substantive manner time towards the 60th celebration of the diplomatic relations in 2025, he added.

According to statistics from the General Department of Vietnam Customs, two-way trade during January – August was estimated at 560.7 million USD, with Vietnam’s export revenue worth 282.3 million USD. Vietnam shipped rice, confectionery and garment and textile to Ghana and bought cashew and wood from the nation.

Chanh said Ho Chi Minh City exported 35.2 million USD worth of products to Ghana in the first half, up 22% year-on-year. The ITPC wants to bolster connectivity between Vietnamese enterprises and those from Ghana and commits to promoting trade and investment activities as well as create favourable conditions for businesses of both sides to expand their markets.

Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in charge of Political and Economic matters Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong stressed that the two countries boast various cooperation opportunities in the areas of trade, investment, high-tech agriculture and energy.

Ghana has penned strategies to diversify its economy, including the facilitation of business conditions for investors, he said, stating the country is calling for investments in high-tech agriculture, infrastructure development, energy and tourism while Vietnam has strengths in rice and fisheries farming.

The country wants to work with Vietnamese partners to take the cocoa business and its production to the next level, he added./.

Series of garment, textile exhibitions open in HCM City

A series of exhibitions in the textile and apparel sector simultaneously opened at Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City on September 25.

They include the Vietnam International Textile and Garment Industry Exhibition (VTG), the Vietnam International Textile and Apparel Accessories Exhibition (VITATEX), the Vietnam International Dyeing & Chemical Industry Exhibition (DYECHEM), and the Vietnam International Footwear Machinery and Material Exhibition 2024 (VFM).

These exhibitions comprise of over 580 booths of 380 businesses from 10 nations and territories such as China, India, Japan, Pakistan, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Exhibitors focus on showcasing the latest products and advanced machinery and technology in the apparel and textile industry, aimed at digitising factories and facilitating digital transformation in this sector to meet the diverse fabric demands of today's market.

Additionally, it is an opportunity for the business community to update information and new trends in both domestic and global markets.

According to the Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (VINATEX), during the four-day events, there are seminars on technological advancement, automation, and sustainability in the Vietnamese textile and garment industry, as well as the circular economy, sustainable development, and global supply chain integration. Vietnam’s economic outlook for the footwear industry, and strategies to improve the value of the textile and garment industry through high-impact fabric supply chains are important topics to be undertaken at this time./.

Binh Duong hosts electric energy, automation exhibitions

The Electric Energy Show and the Automation World Vietnam 2024 officially kicked off at the WTC EXPO International Exhibition Centre in Binh Duong on September 25, as part of a series of events to announce the southern province’s master plan for the 2021-2030 period.

The events feature more than 400 booths showcasing advanced solutions and technologies in electricity, energy, and automation from over 1,000 businesses in many countries and territories worldwide, including the Republic of Korea (RoK), Germany, Japan, Malaysia, China, Taiwan (China), and Vietnam.

Apart from introducing technological solutions, they offers an opportunity for businesses to update themselves on the latest trends in artificial intelligence (AI) and smart automation, thus improving their competitiveness during the process of international economic integration.

Korean and Vietnamese experts presented various solutions for optimising production, helping to reduce costs and improve production efficiency, especially as Vietnam is accelerating digital transformation and modernising its industrial sector.

The smart factory and automation market in Vietnam is growing at a pace of over 13% annually, aligning with the digital transformation policy of the Vietnamese Government and the national strategy for modernising the manufacturing industry.

Vice Chairman of the Binh Duong People’s Committee Mai Hung Dung stressed that the events help his province connect and learn from the experience of international partners in sustainable energy solutions, and efficient energy management and distribution.

Smart automation will help local businesses optimise their production processes, toward green and sustainable industrial development, he added.

Jung Ga Yeon, Deputy Consul General of the RoK in Ho Chi Minh City, said she hopes Korean and Vietnamese businesses will continue to collaborate closely to fully tap potential in energy and automation.

The RoK is the third-largest trade partner and also an important development partner of Vietnam in the areas of automation and smart technology, which are being strongly promoted by local firms, including those in Binh Duong.

The exhibitions, which will last until September 27, serves as an important bridge to boost international cooperation to help with industrial transformation and sustainable development in Vietnam, especially as Binh Duong is striving to become a leading smart manufacturing hub in the region./.

Vietnam inaugurates national pavilion at third Global Digital Trade Expo in China

Vietnam’s national pavilion at the third Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE) in Hangzhou, China was inaugurated on September 25.

The pavilion consists of 16 booths from prominent Vietnamese businesses operating in the field of digital commerce, which showcase Vietnam’s advanced products, services and technological solutions.

The third GDTE held in Hangzhou, China from September 25 – 29 is China's only national-level international professional exhibition dedicated to digital trade. It acts as a platform to showcase new technologies, new products, and new ecology of global digital trade.

Under the theme "Digital Trade, Global Access" the expo aims to promote global cooperation in digital trade sector.

The expo features the Comprehensive Exhibition Pavilion and eight specialised pavilions, which are the Data & Finance Pavilion, Silk Road E-Commerce Pavilion, AI Pavilion, Smart Travel Pavilion, Digital Entertainment Pavilion, Digital Healthcare Pavilion, Smart City Pavilion, and Consumer Electronics Pavilion.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Vietnam pavilion, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade Hoang Minh Chien said the third GDTE is of significance as it creates a cooperation platform for enterprises, leaders and experts in digital trade sector.

This event is not only a place for enterprises to introduce their products and services, but also exchange knowledge, experience and together shape the future of digital trade sector.

The participation of Vietnamese enterprises at the 3rd GDTE is part of the national trade promotion programme in 2024./.

Petrovietnam signs MoUs on digital transformation, sustainable energy with US partners

The Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (Petrovietnam) on September 23 signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Kellogg Brown & Root (KBR) and GE Digital International LLC, a subsidiary company of GE Group, to advance digital transformation and develop sustainable green fuels.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam. It took place in New York at a business roundtable co-organised by the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), the US Chamber of Commerce (USCC), and the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU), in collaboration with Vietnam’s Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Vietnamese Embassy in the US, coinciding with the Vietnamese leader’s participation in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly and official meetings in the US.

Petrovietnam Chairman Le Manh Hung joined the delegation and participated in the roundtable, which focused on strengthening the Vietnam-US cooperation.

Speaking at the event, Lam emphasised the continued development of the US-Vietnam relations, built on trust and mutual interests, contributing to regional and global stability and sustainable development.

In terms of investment, the US has continued to be one of Vietnam's leading partners, while more and more Vietnamese enterprises have invested in the US market, the leader said, noting that two-way trade reached more than 110 billion USD in 2023, marking the third consecutive year when the figure has exceeded 100 billion USD, thereby consolidating the position of the US as Vietnam's largest export market.

Lam expressed his hope that US businesses will work harder to turn the US into Vietnam's biggest investor, promoting their advantages and making full use of opportunities based on equal relations, mutual respect and benefit to match the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Lam expressed his hope that the US Government will encourage US businesses to increase investment in Vietnam, and create favourable conditions for and provide assistance to Vietnamese investors to expand their effective operations in the US, especially projects in the fields of science, technology and innovation.

He suggested that US investors expand investment in industries and fields such as science and technology, innovation, research and development, green economy, digital economy, circular economy, knowledge-based economy, chip industry, semiconductor, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IOT), new energy, renewable energy, finance, financial centres, biotechnology, and health care.

Lam also expressed his hope that US investors will continue their support so that the US administration will recognise Vietnam as a market economy at an early date.

The top leader affirmed that the Party and State of Vietnam always take the foreign investment economic sector as an important component of its socialist-oriented market economy, and always pay special attention and create the optimal conditions for the business community in general and foreign-invested enterprises in particular to operate effectively in Vietnam.

At the event, Petrovietnam and KBR signed an MOU to boost cooperation in green technologies and the development of sustainable fuels, particularly Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The agreement aims to deepen the relationship between the two companies by exploring technical and advanced technological solutions and opening investment opportunities in green, sustainable energy such as SAF, green hydrogen, and green ammonia in the future.

The partnership with KBR marks a strategic step for Petrovietnam, providing access to cutting-edge technologies and technical solutions for energy transition and carbon reduction. This will enable Petrovietnam to expand its investments in new energy and sustainable fuel projects, contributing to both Vietnam’s and global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

Additionally, Petrovietnam signed an MOU with GE Digital International LLC under GE Vernova to develop digital transformation solutions in the electricity and oil and gas sectors. This collaboration represents a breakthrough in the application of advanced digital technology to two key sectors of Vietnam’s economy.

The signing also signifies the strong and long-standing partnership between Petrovietnam and GE Digital International LLC, which have previously worked together on major projects such as the Nhon Trach 1, Nhon Trach 3&4, Song Hau 1, Long Phu 1, and Vung Ang power plants.

These projects have played a crucial role in ensuring stable energy supply for Vietnam’s economy. GE Digital, with its extensive customer base in over 75 countries, reaffirms its commitment to bringing advanced technology and best practices to Petrovietnam.

The new MOU between Petrovietnam and GE Vernova continues this commitment, focusing on developing sustainable and innovative solutions in the power and oil and gas industries, helping Petrovietnam seize new opportunities in the global energy transition.

At the same event, the Vietnam Petroleum Technical Services Corporation (PTSC), a subsidiary of Petrovietnam, and Excelerate Energy also exchanged a cooperation agreement in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector./.

Vietnam’s semiconductor industry to take off: insiders

Vietnam’s semiconductor industry is expected to thrive in the coming time on the back of its favourable environment and various incentives, according to insiders.

The sector has shown enormous growth potential with the participation of many leading corporations in the world and the engagement of local firms.

Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Innovation Centre (NIC) under the Ministry of Planning and Investment Vo Xuan Hoai said tech giants like Samsung, Intel, Renesas, Qorvo, and Marvell have set up their research and development centres as well as production plants in Vietnam. Particularly, chipmaker Intel opened an assembly, packaging, and testing facility, its largest in the world, in Ho Chi Minh City while Amkor Technology put into operation its 1.6 billion USD semiconductor plant in Bac Ninh province in 2023.

He attributed Vietnam’s attraction to global chipmakers to the Government’s resolve to develop the semiconductor sector by forming a favourable environment and establishing the NIC and high-tech parks in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Besides ensuring sound transport and power infrastructure, Vietnam has issued a multitude of policies to support the industry, including a National Assembly’s resolution on tax exemption and reduction for experts, scientists, and talents in priority fields.

Furthermore, many domestic firms have engaged in the semiconductor and AI sectors, with FPT Corporation being the pioneer. The enterprise has worked closely with the world’s leading AI firms like Landing AI, Mila, and Nvidia and will invest 200 million USD in an AI factory, which is designed to bolster the economy as well as give impetus for the nation to develop the AI sector. The firm has also focused on chip design and human resources training for the industry.

Under the programme to develop semiconductor human resources and the national semiconductor development strategy recently signed by the Prime Minister, Vietnam eyes to train 50,000 engineers for the sector by 2030.

Hoai said that Vietnam boasts an abundant supply of skilled workers and many reputable research and training institutions, adding the Hanoi University of Science and Technology, the Vietnam National University - Ho Chi Minh City, and the Da Nang University have trained and developed a large network of domestic and foreign experts.

Meanwhile, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi Supporting Industry Association Nguyen Van laid a stress on the significance of the human resources quality to the sector’s development, highlighting the association has worked to promote cooperation in human resources training between education establishments and enterprises.

According to Do Thi Thuy Huong, a representative from the Vietnam Electronic Industries Association, semiconductor enterprises have a lot of development opportunities, especially following the working sessions between General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam and leading US firms as part of the top leader's trip to the US for the UN Summit of the Future and the High-Level General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly’s 79th session.

At the events, Lam underscored that although science technology and innovation are an important pillar in the Vietnam – US relations, cooperation and investment activities between the two sides in the areas have not been on par with the bilateral ties and hold huge potential for further development in the coming time.

He expressed his hope that the US investors will study and expand investment in Vietnam in the domains of chip industry, AI, Internet of Things, and new energy, among others, adding the Vietnamese Party, State, and people commit to creating all favourable conditions in accordance with legal regulations for the investors so that they could run effective and sustainable business in Vietnam.

Such giants as Google, Supermicro, Meta, and Apple as well as investment funds affirmed that Vietnam is a potential market with policies to encourage the development of high-tech sectors, pledged to expand investment in the nation.

Experts held that in order to welcome the investment wave for the semiconductor sector and engage in the production and supply chains, ministries and enterprises need to make meticulous preparations regarding policies, technologies, and human resources./.

Forum promotes Vietnam – France economic, trade exchange

A hybrid forum to foster economic and trade exchange between Vietnamese enterprises and those in France’s Aix - Marseille Provence metropolitan area was held in Marseille city on September 23.

At the event, which was organised by the Aix - Marseille Provence Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) in collaboration with Honorary Consul in Marseille Nguyen Cong Tot and the Vietnamese Trade Office in France, the Vietnamese business finance alliance expressed its hope to promote equal and win-win cooperation with French partners towards a long-term and sustainable partnership, adding the alliance is considering specific projects that Vietnamese firms could land investment in France in the coming time.

According to Tot, the forum was an opportunity for French businesses to seek their partners in Vietnam who operate in the areas of industry, trade, education and culture. It aimed at arranging a field trip to Vietnam for a delegation of enterprises from Aix-Marseilles Provence in June next year, helping them set up win-win partnerships with their Vietnamese peers.

Meanwhile, Head of the Vietnamese Trade Office Vu Anh Son told the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s resident reporter that the forum offered a venue for Vietnamese and French businesses to discuss potential and challenges that they may face during their cooperation.

He held that Marseille and Aix - Marseille Provence as a whole boast strong economic potential with many enterprises engaging in international trade activities, adding it is necessary to build trust and develop sustainable ties with partners in the region as Vietnamese goods could access the French and other European markets through Marseille port.

Vice President of the Aix - Marseille Provence CCI Federic Ronal said approaching the Vietnamese market with a population of more than 100 million people will open up the door for French corporations to break into the large Asian market./.

HCM City, Chongqing promote cooperation in New Land - Sea Trade Corridor

A conference was held in Ho Chi Minh City on September 24 with a view to promoting cooperation between Chongqing city of China and the southern hub of Vietnam in the New Land - Sea Trade Corridor.

Vice Chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee Vo Van Hoan said his city is a special metropolis which posts relatively stable growth and serves as the nucleus and growth powerhouse of Vietnam’s southeastern region. It is also sufficiently equipped with modern road, railway, waterway, and air transport infrastructure conducive to connecting with regional and international logistics and trading networks.

He went on to say that Chongqing is one of the four centrally-run cities of China and a strategic economic hub in the country’s southwestern region, while playing an important role in the Belt and Road Initiative as well as the Yangtze River Economic Belt.

With a developed and inter-connected transport system, Chongqing is an ideal destination for developing bilateral economic ties, helping cut transportation cost, improve competitiveness, and expand opportunities for businesses, Hoan added.

Chongqing Vice Mayor Zheng Xiangdong noted his city boasts natural advantages for rail, road, waterway, and air transportation. In recent years, it has fully brought into play its role as a transport and logistics centre linking western provinces of China with ASEAN and European countries.

The New Land - Sea Trade Corridor has shaped three main logistics organisation models, namely rail - sea intermodal transport, cross-border road transport, and international sea transport, connecting 72 cities and 154 train stations in 18 provincial-level localities in China, and reaching 538 ports in 125 countries and regions worldwide, he continued.

Zheng viewed Vietnam as a crucial point on the New Land - Sea Trade Corridor, whose three logistics organisation models are organically connected with Vietnam and provide a new stepping stone for win-win partnerships between Vietnam and the western part of China, as well as Europe.

The corridor considerably helps improve the timeliness of economic and trade exchanges between the West of China and ASEAN countries like Vietnam while boosting the sharing of the large Asia - Europe market. Famous products of Vietnam like rice, coffee, natural rubber, and fruit could be delivered through this corridor to Chongqing and then distributed to other places in China and Europe, according to the Vice Mayor.

An exporter of Vietnamese farm produce said China is the largest importer of agricultural products from Vietnam. The cooperation between HCM City and Chongqing in the New Land - Sea Trade Corridor is a positive sign, promising further facilitation of bilateral exports and imports along with reduction of both time and cost for businesses./.

Dong Nai hands over investment certificates to 17 projects

The People’s Committee of the southern industrial hub of Dong Nai presented investment certificates to 17 projects with a total registered capital of 6 billion USD at a conference to announce the locality’s master plan on September 24.

Of the total, there were five foreign direct investment (FDI) projects and 12 domestic ones, covering various fields such as industrial and urban infrastructure development, property, and semiconductor.

Of note, the Hiep Hoa urban area will be developed in an area of over 293 hectares in Bien Hoa city at the total cost of more than 72 trillion VND (over 2.9 billion USD). Meanwhile, the 1,000-hectare Bau Can – Tan Hiep industrial park will be built in Long Thanh district, carrying a price tag of some 9.25 trillion VND.

During January – September, Dong Nai lured 1.1 billion USD in FDI, a year-on-year increase of 34%. Sixty-one new projects with total registered capital of 640 million USD were granted investment certificates, and 74 had their capital adjusted with a total amount of 448 million USD.

More than 55,900 enterprises have registered more than 522 trillion VND for their operation in the locality so far.

Dong Nai now has 33 industrial parks covering a total area of over 10,500 hectares. Of these, 32 are operational, housing nearly 2,100 enterprises.

There are nearly 1,600 valid FDI projects in the locality with total capital exceeding 34 billion USD. The top investors in the province are the Republic of Korea, China’s Taiwan, and Japan./.

Prime Minister requests launch of emulation drive to complete Long Thanh airport project

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh examined the Long Thanh International Airport project in the southern province of Dong Nai on September 24, requesting the launch of a 450-day emulation campaign to basically complete this key facility by the end of 2025.

The Long Thanh airport project has total investment of more than 16 billion USD and is implemented in three phases. The first phase, with an investment of over 5.4 billion USD, features one runway and one passenger terminal, and is capable of serving 25 million passengers and 1.2 million tonnes of cargo per year. It is expected to be put into use in 2026.

Visiting the construction site and giving encouragement to workers, PM Chinh expressed his delight that in his fourth inspection of the project this time, he could see a modern airport having taken shape.

The Long Thanh airport is a big and nationally important project implemented amid numerous difficulties and challenges, especially impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, while Vietnam doesn’t have many experiences. However, it is being carried out smoothly, he noted.

The Government leader spoke highly of Dong Nai’s handover of nearly 99% of the ground needed for the project while thanking local residents for donating their land. He also told authorities to continue caring for local people who were displaced by the project.

He applauded the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV)’s efforts to speed up the project, and noted that through this project and many others such as the Circuit-3 500kV power transmission line, the country has gained valuable experiences.

Demanding the project management board and contractors show stronger determination and actions, the PM requested the launch of a 450-day emulation campaign to basically complete the Long Thanh airport by December 31, 2025 to welcome the 14th National Party Congress in early 2026, the 50th anniversary of the South Liberation and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - 2025), and the 80th anniversary of the National Day (September 2, 1945 - 2025).

Also on September 24, PM Chinh examined the progress of Bien Hoa - Vung Tau expressway project in Dong Nai.

Invested with over 17.8 trillion VND (723.4 million USD), the first phase of this project was launched in June 2023. It is scheduled to be completed in late 2025 and open to traffic in the following year.

The 53.7km expressway starts at a detour of National Highway 1 in Bien Hoa city of Dong Nai and ends at National Highway 56 in Ba Ria - Vung Tau province. The section in Dong Nai is 34.2km long and divided into two sub-projects, the first of which has had over 42% of its ground available.

PM Chinh pointed out that the biggest work is site clearance, so the province must strive to complete handing over all the ground necessary for the second sub-project by October 15. It has to engage the entire political system in encouraging local people to make room for the project and also caring for displaced residents.

Relevant units and contractors need to work around the clock while authorities must mobilise other forces like young people, women, police, and military to support the construction, he added./.

Vietnam wins bid to export rice to Indonesian market

Vietnam has won the bid to export nearly 60,000 tonnes of rice to Indonesia during its September bidding for the import of 450,000 tonnes.

King Green Company successfully won two lots with a total quantity of nearly 60,000 tonnes at US$548 per tonne.

Thailand was the winning bidder with the highest price of US$574 per tonne, while Pakistan was the winning bidder with the largest quantity at about 240,000 tonnes and a winning price range between US$555 and US$567.5 per tonne.

Currently, the amount of rice in stock by Vietnamese enterprises remains modest as it is the end of the summer-autumn rice crop.

Meanwhile, the price of rice in the world market is at a low level, according to the Vietnam Food Association.

Specifically, Vietnamese 5% broken rice is sold at US$565 per tonne, while that of Thailand and Pakistan is traded at US$560 per tonne and US$529 per tonne, respectively.

By the end of August, Vietnam exported more than 6.15 million tonnes of rice worth US$3.85 billion, up 5.8% in volume and 22% in value year on year.

The average export price of rice reached US$625 per tonne, up nearly 15% compared to the same period last year.

Tuna exports see modest growth over eight-month period

Vietnam raked in US$648 million from tuna exports during the opening eight months of the year, representing a rise of 19% year on year, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

August alone witnessed slow growth of 3%, with tuna products bringing in US$90 million in export earnings.

Most notably, the eight-month export value of canned tuna products hit a record high of more than US$196 million, up 19% against the same period last year.

The largest buyers of Vietnamese tuna were the United States, Israel, Russia, and Europe.

In August, Vietnamese tuna exports recorded impressive growth of 143% to the Israeli market after enduring a decline in July. In addition, the country’s tuna exports to Russia experienced remarkable growth of 119% from the same period in 2023.

In comparison to the previous year, Vietnamese tuna exports to the US remained modest at just 1% to reach US$37 million in August alone. During the January to August period, sales of Vietnamese tuna to the US enjoyed an annual upturn of 17% to hit US$243 million.

Experts say that global demand for tuna is anticipated to rise moving into the final months of the year in the lead up to the year-end holidays, which in turn will create a wealth of opportunities for Vietnamese businesses to further boost exports.

Third Vietbuild Hanoi hosts over 1,200 booths

The third Vietbuild Hanoi, the nation’s largest exhibition featuring interior and exterior decoration, architecture, real estate and building materials, kicked off on September 25 in the capital.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Van Sinh noted that the annual expo would help both local and foreign businesses to promote trade, transfer technology, expand production, and boost investment links with the ultimate aim of further developing the domestic real estate market.  

The five-day event accommodates more than 1,200 booths set up by 400 businesses that are displaying a range of building materials, electrical equipment, interior and exterior decorative items, smart home systems, paints, among other items.

Furthermore, exchange programmes will be arranged, allowing businesses to transfer technology and share their various experiences in the field. 

Visitors to the event will also be able to receive consultations on building materials and property services.

This year Vietbuild has been held in Hanoi three times. The first edition took place from March 20 to 24 with 1,500 pavilions featuring nearly 500 businesses worldwide. The second was held from May 29 to June 1.

Over 380 firms join Vietnam Int'l Garment and Textile Industry Exhibition

The Vietnam International Garment and Textile Industry Exhibition (VTG 2024) kicked off in Ho Chi Minh City on September 25, attracting the participation of more than 380 enterprises from 12 countries around the world.

The VTG 2024 has been taking place in parallel with the Vietnam International Textile and Apparel Accessories Exhibition (VITATEX), the Vietnam International Dyeing & Chemical Industry Exhibition (DYECHEM), and the Vietnam International Footwear Machinery and Material 2024 (VFM).

On display at these expos are a wide range of cutting-edge technological advancements from footwear machinery to computerised sewing machines, as well as eco-friendly dyeing solutions, with the aim of further accelerating transformation in footwear production and helping the Vietnamese textile and garment industry to meet the EU's strict environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.

A number of seminars will be held during the four-day event, focusing on technological advancement, automation and sustainability in the Vietnamese textile and garment industry, the circular economy, global supply chain integration, and Vietnamese economic prospects for the footwear industry.

According to the Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex), the nation’s textile and garment export turnover during the eight-month period reached US$28.32 billion, up 6.19% against the same period last year.

Along with major export markets like the United States, Europe, Japan, the Republic Korea, and China, there are emerging markets such as ASEAN, Russia, and Canada, opening up bright prospects ahead for local firms to boost exports.

Vietnam and Ghana boost economic and trade cooperation

The Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) and the Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC) jointly hosted a seminar on trade and investment promotion into the Ghanaian market and business matching for firms from Ghana and Vietnam, in Ho Chi Minh City on September 25.

In his opening remarks, Dao Minh Chinh, deputy head of the ITPC, noted that the partnership between Vietnam and Ghana has made significant progress in recent times, particularly in trade. Ghana is currently Vietnam’s largest trading partner in West Africa, with two-way trade turnover reaching US$733 million last year. Both countries are committed to deepening their bilateral relations, especially in economy, in the lead up the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025.

Statistics from the General Department of Vietnam Customs show, the total import-export value between Vietnam and Ghana in the first eight months of 2024 was estimated at US$560.7 million, including US$282.3 million worth of Vietnamese exports. Key export products from Vietnam include rice, confectionery, and textiles, while major import items from Ghana are cashews and timber.

Meanwhile, trade exchanges between Ho Chi Minh City and Ghana have also shown encouraging signs. The city’s exports to Ghana in the first half of 2024 were estimated at US$35.2 million, a 22% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

The ITPC aims to enhance business connections between Vietnam and other countries, particularly Ghana, and is committed to promoting trade and investment activities to facilitate market expansion for both Ghanaian and Vietnamese businesses, said Chinh.

In his speech, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana, emphasized that despite the geographical distance, both Ghana and Vietnam share a common vision to strengthen their mutually beneficial relationship.

He highlighted Vietnam’s strong development, driven by a young population, a dynamic workforce, and strategic directions toward innovation in science and technology and sustainable development.

Vietnam has established itself as a leading economy and a major exporter globally, while Ghana prides itself on being a gateway to the West African market, possessing abundant resources and commitments to sustainable long-term development, he said.  

In this context, he said both countries have ample opportunities to collaborate and develop in trade, investment, and technology exchange, especially in high-tech agriculture and energy sectors.

According to Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, Ghana has also developed strategies and objectives to diversify its economy, creating favourable and rapid business conditions for investors.

With its position as a gateway to the West African region, which has over 1 billion people, Ghana is actively seeking strong investments in agriculture, high-tech agriculture, trade, industry, infrastructure development, energy, and tourism - the areas where Vietnam excels, particularly in rice cultivation and aquaculture, said the official, adding Ghana is keen to learn from and cooperate with Vietnamese partners to enhance production and business activities.

The seminar focused on strategic industries such as banking, textiles, agricultural processing, and the automotive industry, aiming to provide new cooperation opportunities between the two countries. Vietnamese and Ghanaian businesses were also updated on the latest market information and had the chance to find potential partners at the event.

Quanta exports first two batches of laptops from Nam Dinh factory

Quanta Computer Inc., of Taiwan (China) on September 24 exported the first two batches of laptops from its factory in the northern province of Nam Dinh.

The schedule will see the export batches transferred to the world's leading laptop corporations for quality assessment.

According to a representative of Quanta Computer Inc., the firm has been given active support from local authorities to ensure its products meet international quality standards. 

Quanta received an investment license from Nam Dinh province in May 2023 to produce laptops and desktops in My Thuan Industrial Park of My Loc district. The factory has been designed to produce 2.6 million units by 2025, 3.6 million units by 2026, 4 million units by 2027, and 4.5 million units by 2028.

The group planned to employ approximately 2,000 workers by the end of this year and 9,000 workers ahead in 2025.

Quanta Computer Inc. was originally founded in 1988 and has grown into one of the world's leading laptop manufacturers. In addition to its laptop manufacturing business, Quanta is expanding its scope of operations to cloud computing, enterprise network solutions, mobile communications products, smart home products, automation electronics, smart healthcare, as well as both IoT and AI applications.

Along with the Nam Dinh facility, the group has eight computer manufacturing factories around the world located in China, the United States, Mexico, Germany, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Thailand.

Local gold ring prices surges to reach new record high

The price of gold rings in Vietnam rose by VND1 million on September 25 morning to reach a record high of VND82.5 million per tael, driven by rising global prices, according to local media reports.

Doji Group bought and sold gold rings at VND81.45 million and VND82.5 million per tael on the opening trading session of the day, marking an increase of VND850,000 compared to the previous trading session.

Saigon Jewelry Company (SJC) in Ho Chi Minh City increased its gold ring prices to VND80.8 million per tael for buying and VND82.3 million per tael for selling, a VND800,000 and VND1 million rise compared to yesterday’s close, respectively.

At the same time, Bao Tin Minh Chau listed the price of gold rings at VND81.38 million and VND82.48 million per tael for buying and selling, respectively, up around VND840,000 per tael from the transactions carried out on September 24.

Meanwhile, gold bar prices remained stable at VND83.5 million per tael.

SJC listed each tael of SJC gold bar at VND81.5 million and VND83.5 million per tael.

Gold ring prices are predicted to continue rising moving forward amid increasing global gold prices due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

VNA/VNN/VNS/VOV