The learners development and environment

At the event (Photo: VNA)   Hanoi (VNA) – An international seminar, entitled “Vietnam and the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Francophone environment”, took place in Hanoi on December 6.  The event was co-hosted by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and the Defence Ministry’s Vietnam Peacekeeping Department under the auspices of the Asia-Pacific Office of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), the Asia-Pacific Office of the Francophone University Agency and the French Embassy in Vietnam. The seminar focused its discussions on Vietnam and the Francophone community’s experience in the peacekeeping mission, achievements and challenges, thereby proposing measures to improve the efficiency of the work. Director of the Vietnam Peacekeeping Department Maj. Gen. Hoang Kim Phung said the event once again affirmed Vietnam’s political determination and commitment to extensively join the UN peacekeeping … [Read more...] about Seminar talks UN peacekeeping mission in Francophone environment

Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith (Photo: VNA)   Vientiane (VNA) – Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith hosted a reception in Vientiane on December 6 for a delegation of the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism led by Minister Nguyen Ngoc Thien who have been on a two-day working visit to Laos. At the meeting, PM Thongloun spoke highly of the outcomes of the earlier talks between Lao Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune and Minister Nguyen Ngoc Thien. He congratulated Vietnamese athletes on their outstanding achievements at the ongoing 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 30) in the Philippines and Vietnam on welcoming 15 million foreign visitors this year. Laos wants to learn from Vietnam’s experience in tourism development to turn tourism into an important economic sector of the country in the coming time, he said. In reply, Thien affirmed that his ministry is willing to share experience and bolster … [Read more...] about Vietnam, Laos enhance cooperation in culture, sports, tourism

Vietnam's emerging startup scene is proving to be a case of right place, right time for local and international venture capital funds. Eleven “rising star” startups in Southeast Asia in September converged at the “500 Startups Demo Day” in Ho Chi Minh City to spotlight the dynamic technology landscape in Vietnam and broader Southeast Asia. “There’s more hype about Vietnam’s tech scene now than ever before, as this is an exciting time for Vietnam overall,” said Mr. Eddie Thai, General Partner at 500 Startups Vietnam. “Vietnam is fast becoming an attractive destination for local and international venture capital funds, who are hoping to capture the growing consumer opportunities and leverage the Vietnamese entrepreneurial spirit.” Rising appetite Vietnam’s startup sector is growing at a rapid clip despite the global economic slump and is closing the gap with regional leaders. In only two years, it has made a big leap … [Read more...] about Startups catching the eye

A man and his children in Hanoi have donated VND1.8bn (USD77,800) to clean up a polluted lake in their village and built a small public park. The lake of Hanh Dan Village For the past two years, the locals in Hanh Dan Village, Tan Lap Commune, have often go to a 3,000-square-metre park to play. This park is built around a village lake constructed by 74-year-old Nguyen Tu Hung. Hung said he had wanted to build the park since 2000 but he didn't have the money then. When implementing the New Countryside Programme, he and the local authorities worked together to improve the village's environment. "The lake used to be very clean and clear. The villagers even washed the rice there. But because of rapid urbanisation it was polluted by household wastewater and everyone tried to avoid it," Hung said. "My house is near the lake so I suffered from the foul smell. We didn't dare to open the window." Hung cleaning the park In 2016, Hung's five children all become successful so he and … [Read more...] about Local man cleans up village polluted lake

The State Bank of Viet Nam (SBV) has instructed local banks to better control risks in corporate bond investment, especially bonds of real estate firms. According to the SBV, after reviewing the business performance of banks in the first half of this year, it saw the corporate bond investment of some banks facing risks as the ratio of such investment was high and is continuing to rise. Notably, the amount of bond investment in construction and real estate firms at some banks accounted for a large proportion of the banks’ total assets while the real estate market has not yet recovered firmly and the business performance of realty firms still faces many difficulties. In addition, some banks also invested in bonds with other purposes, such as to restructure debts of issuers, which have high risks. In order to ensure the safety of the banking system and limit risks in corporate bond investment, under the direction, SBV required banks to review their internal regulations related to … [Read more...] about VN banks warned about risks of real estate corporate bonds