A driver in Ha Noi fills up a motorbike at a gas station. — VNA/VNS Photo Measures taken to bring down petrol prices could reduce State budget collection by VND32.5 trillion (US$1.4 billion) this year, according to deputy minister of finance Nguyen Duc Chi. Speaking to reporters at the ministry's monthly meeting, Chi said the Ministry of Finance has put forward a proposal to cut or remove a number of fees and taxes on fuel imports in an attempt to rein in rising petrol prices, which has been hurting economic recovery and businesses. The proposal, which has been approved by the National Assembly's Standing Committee, brought import tax on gasoline from VND2,000 to VND1,000, jet fuel from VND1,500 to VND1,000, diesel from VND1,000 to VND500 and lubricant from VND,000 to VND300. Chairman of the NA Vuong Dinh Hue said as fuel was considered among the country's strategic commodities the government was to utilise all measures and policies at its disposal to regulate prices for the … [Read more...] about State budget faces $1.4 billion drop from fuel tax cuts
Guanajuato state
HSBC upgrades Vietnam’s growth forecast to 6.9%
Vietnam's economy is predicted to grow by 6.9% this year, according to the latest Vietnam At A Glance report by HSBC. (Photo: VNA) HCM City (VNA) – HSBC has raised its forecast for Vietnam’s economic growth this year to 6.9%, from the previous prediction of 6.6%, which is possibly the fastest pace in the region. In the Vietnam At A Glance report in July, HSBC Global Research noted that decreasing risks posed by the Omicron variant and eased restrictions have paved the way for Vietnam to return to the normality. Thanks to widespread recovery, the country recorded an impressive GDP growth rate of 7.7% in the second quarter compared to the same period last year. The service sector, which has suffered from severe economic impacts, have bounced back strongly while manufacturing has continued growing and exports hit historic highs. However, the growth forecast for 2023 was revised down to 6.3% from 6.7% due to growing risks, especially in the energy sector, according to the … [Read more...] about HSBC upgrades Vietnam’s growth forecast to 6.9%
Not ‘business as usual’ for G20 foreign ministers meeting in Bali
The Group of 20 includes Western countries that have accused Moscow of war crimes in Ukraine and rolled out sanctions, but also countries like China, Indonesia, India and South Africa that have not followed suit. The gathering will be the first time that foreign ministers from some of the world's top economies meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov since Russia attacked Ukraine in February. Speaking ahead of the G20 meeting that runs from Thursday to Friday, German foreign ministry spokesperson Christian Wagner said it would not be a "normal summit" nor "business as usual". Germany holds the presidency of the Group of Seven industrialized nations and would coordinate in Bali over how to respond to Lavrov in light of the war in Ukraine, he said. Top officials from Britain, Canada and the United States walked out on Russian representatives during a G20 finance meeting in Washington in April. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken would be an active participant at the … [Read more...] about Not ‘business as usual’ for G20 foreign ministers meeting in Bali
Vietnam listed among Russia’s most trustworthy partners in Asia-Pacific: Sergey Lavrov
Vietnam and Russia affirmed the role of each country in the other’s diplomacy and in the global forums. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told Vietnamese top leaders that Vietnam is one of Russia’s important and trustworthy traditional partners in Asia-Pacific. General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Hanoi on July 6. Photos: VNA, Baoquocte Lavrov stressed the view at meetings with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son in Hanoi on July 6. “Naturally, our friendship and our solidarity are based on deep historical roots,” Lavrov said at the meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Russia News Agency reported. The Russian FM expressed his hope that the two countries will continue making efforts for effective results of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership which entered its … [Read more...] about Vietnam listed among Russia’s most trustworthy partners in Asia-Pacific: Sergey Lavrov
Toyota concert makes a come back
The annual Toyota concert 2022 is expected to attract a large number of classical music lovers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Toyota concert 2022 season will feature two night concerts on July 27 in Ho Chi Minh City and August 5 in Hanoi following the success of previous performances. Music composer Antonín Leopold Dvořák (1841- 1904). File photo The big stage concerts mark the return of one of the most beloved musical events in Vietnam after two years of interruption because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Young talented Vietnamese cello soloist Phan Do Phuc and artists from the Vietnam Symphony Orchestra will perform immortal works by Czech music composer Antonin Dvořák. The concert, which features Cello Concerto B-minor, Op. 104 and Symphony No. 9 E-minor “From the New World”, Op. 95. Cello Concerto B-minor, Op. 104 will be conducted by Japanese Maestro Honna Tetsuji. Antonín Leopold Dvořák (1841- 1904) was the first Bohemian composer to … [Read more...] about Toyota concert makes a come back
Party chief receives Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs
Lauding the political position and leadership role of the CPV in the process of national development and foreign policy of Vietnam, the Russian FM held that the external policy of the CPV and relations between the Vietnamese Party and State, and Russia have been supported by political parties of Russia, reflected by their sound ties with the CPV. He briefed his host on the outcomes of his talks and meetings with Vietnamese officials, affirming that Russia has attached much importance to the comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam, and supported ASEAN's central role in the region. Lavrov thanked Vietnam for making contributions to the enhancement of Russia-ASEAN relations over the past years, and highlighted Russia’s viewpoints on international issues, including the conflict in Ukraine. Trong underscored the significance of the Russian FM's visit at a time when the two countries are celebrating the 10th founding anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership. … [Read more...] about Party chief receives Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs