Foreign investment review agency

* Vo Tri Thanh is a senior economist at the Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM) and a member of the National Financial and Monetary Policy Advisory Council. The holder of a doctorate in economics from the Australian National University, Thanh mainly undertakes research and provides consultation on issues related to macroeconomic policies, trade liberalisation and international economic integration. Other areas of interest include institutional reforms and financial systems. VNS … [Read more...] about Can Vietnam could take advantage of new foreign investment strategies?

Hanoi (VNA) – Foreign experts have highly evaluated Vietnam’s response to the recurrent outbreak of COVID-19. In a BBC article published on August 8, Prof Michael Toole, an epidemiologist and principal research fellow at the Burnet Institute in Melbourne (Australia), said: “Like in the first wave, Vietnam has responded quickly and forcefully” when talking about the sudden resurgence of the coronavirus in Da Nang. This central city sealed itself off from visitors and retreated into full lockdown after Patient 416, the first case of local infection after 99 days without community transmission in Vietnam. Each resident is set to be tested for the virus, and a field hospital has been erected as every resource is thrown at slowing the spread of the disease, according to the article. Meanwhile, Hanoi has closed down bars and karaoke parlours as an extra precaution, and several cities, including the capital and Ho Chi Minh City, have made face masks compulsory … [Read more...] about Foreign experts value Vietnam’s response to latest COVID-19 outbreak

Vientiane (VNA) – The Lao Government has decided to tighten COVID-19 prevention measures in the face of transmission risks. The Lao Prime Minister’s Office on August 7 issued an urgent announcement of the enhancement of some measures against COVID-19 amid this country’s relaxation of virus containment actions. The announcement noted that facing the risk of a resurgence of COVID-19 amid the disease’s complex developments in the region and the world, the Lao Government decided to strengthen the enforcement of prevention measures. In particular, relevant agencies were asked to enhance examination of those exiting from or entering the country so as to detect any illegal entry cases, monitor entertainment venues and karaoke parlours which had been ordered to close temporarily, and deal with any violations of the government’s directives. Notably, the Foreign Ministry of Laos was assigned to coordinate with the country’s national steering committee for … [Read more...] about Laos strengthens COVID-19 prevention measures

Hanoi (VNA) - Top leaders of Vietnam have extended congratulations to leaders of Singapore on the country’s 55th National Day (August 9).   Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong sent a letter of congratulations to Singaporean President Halimah Yacob.   Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc extended congratulations to his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong.    On the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh congratulated Singaporean Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan.   Vietnam and Singapore officially set up diplomatic ties on August 1, 1973.   Singapore has emerged as the biggest foreign investor in Vietnam in the first four months of 2020 with 5.07 billion USD, accounting for 41 percent of the total./.  … [Read more...] about Congratulations to Singapore on National Day

Bangkok (VNA) – Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit has pledged to speed up adjustment of the country’s rice strategy as quickly as possible as the industry is facing an array of challenges, including a strong baht and rising production costs. Local media quoted the official as saying after presiding over a recent Thai hom mali fragrant rice fair that rice exports have fared poorly since the beginning of last year because of foreign exchange swings and the ascendant baht, making Thai rice more expensive than competing grains. The country’s Ministry of Commerce is pursuing a rice strategy to improve competitiveness, covering all systems including marketing, cultivation and R&D of new rice varieties, Jurin said, noting that it is also working to find ways to reduce production costs for farmers to make Thai rice more affordable. He added it is promoting seven rice products and seed development as part of a marketing-led … [Read more...] about Thailand adjusts rice strategy to improve competitiveness