Gareth Ward, UK Ambassador to Vietnam Vietnam is receiving UK official development assistance (ODA) through the Newton Fund Programme Vietnam until 2021 which supports our growing research and innovation partnership, and builds capacity to address developmental challenges in Vietnam such as infectious diseases and climate resilience. Through the Fleming Fund, we are working with Vietnam on a programme for improving laboratory capacity for diagnosis and surveillance of antimicrobial resistance. The UK in Vietnam also supports projects in many areas covering gender equality, maritime security, governance, transparency, and education. The UK also provides ODA to tackle the illegal wildlife trade and modern slavery. Looking ahead, Vietnam is set to benefit from the UK’s Prosperity Fund programmes, starting in early 2019, to deliver socioeconomic benefits and trade opportunities for both countries. These programmes are in areas of mutual interest and where the UK has expertise, … [Read more...] about NA approves lifting foreign debt limit
Public debt jobs
Lao economy grows robustly, but with public debt risk: WB
Economic growth in Laos has seen robust expansion compared to regional peers but the country is still at risk due to high public debt, with growth in the share of debt on less concessional terms, according to a report of the World Bank (Photo: www.worldbank.org) Hanoi (VNA) - Economic growth in Laos has seen robust expansion compared to regional peers but the country is still at risk due to high public debt, with growth in the share of debt on less concessional terms, according to a report of the World Bank (WB). Laos' economic growth was forecast at 6.7 percent this year, while public debt was estimated to be 61 percent of GDP at the end of 2017. The report said solid export performance from the power and manufacturing sectors would continue while tourism is expected to recover. Macroeconomic management is improving with stronger efforts to increase revenues, keep spending under control and clear arrears with greater flexibility in the exchange rate. Inflation remains low at … [Read more...] about Lao economy grows robustly, but with public debt risk: WB
French govt seeks end to rail strike with 35 bn euro debt pledge
The French government said on Friday (May 25) that it planned to take on €35 billion in debt from the state railway SNCF, improving the chances of an end to nearly two months of strikes. President Emmanuel Macron has pledged extensive changes aimed at making French trains more efficient and less costly to operate. (Photo: AFP/Gerard Julien) Absorbing the debt has been a key demand from unions, and the government's decision to spell out its commitment was received positively by some trade unionists. "This will become part of state debt and it will be paid back in the same conditions and at the same time as the state's public debt," Prime Minister Edouard Philippe told reporters. A total of €25 billion would be absorbed in January 2020 and another €10 billion in 2022, Philippe said, slashing the state-owned group's borrowings which currently stand at €46 billion (US$53 billion). "The issue is moving forward," said Luc Berille, head of the UNSA union, the … [Read more...] about French govt seeks end to rail strike with 35 bn euro debt pledge
French public sector workers strike against Macron’s reforms
Viet Nam News PARIS — From air traffic controllers and street sweepers to librarians and teachers, French public-sector employees Tuesday joined rail workers in striking to protest reforms planned by President Emmanuel Macron, calling them an "attack" against state services. It was the third day of stoppages and demonstrations by public workers since last year’s sweeping election win by Macron, who has pledged to reduce spending, trim jobs and overhaul large parts of the vast French state. All unions representing civil servants backed Tuesday’s strike, a show of unity last seen around 10 years ago, although turnout at demonstrations and disruption appeared to be modest by past French standards. The walkout affected schools and daycare centres, flights and some energy infrastructure, while public transport was also hit as some workers took part the day before the next round of two-day strikes at national rail operator SNCF. "It’s a message in defence of … [Read more...] about French public sector workers strike against Macron’s reforms
French public sector, rail workers go on strike
PARIS: French public sector staff will join rail workers in striking Tuesday (May 22) to protest reforms proposed by President Emmanuel Macron, with the country braced for possible major disruption. Deserted platforms at the normally very busy Gare de L'Est station in central Paris as public sector workers continue protests against President Emmanuel Macron's economic reform programme and planned overhaul of state rail operator SNCF. (Photo: AFP/Christophe Archambault) The stoppages are part of a series of demonstrations by public sector employees against Macron, who has pledged to reduce public spending, trim jobs and overhaul large parts of the vast French state. All unions representing civil servants have backed Tuesday's strike, a rare show of unity which was last seen around 10 years ago. Their walk-out, which will affect schools, public kindergartens, flights and some energy infrastructure, is the third stoppage since Macron's election in May 2017. "Thanks to the civil … [Read more...] about French public sector, rail workers go on strike