Nguyen Trong Hieu, deputy head of the Institute of Business Studies and Development, said though the fund could not lend to more than 5 percent of the total number of SMEs in the country, it is still a major step in supporting startups, which are struggling to access bank credit. … [Read more...] about Banks out of loop, government fund to lend directly to startups
Tiaa cref international opportunities fund
ASEAN, China vow to boost ties
Hanoi (VNA) - Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi agreed to further enhance ASEAN-China relations at their meeting in Brunei on January 14. Wang said the dynamic and fruitful China-ASEAN dialogue partnership has become an important pillar for regional peace and stability, development and prosperity. He noted China appreciates the important contribution made by the ASEAN Secretariat in promoting the development of China-ASEAN ties and cooperation in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. This year marks the 30th anniversary of their dialogue relations. Wang expressed his hope that both sides take this opportunity to organize a series of commemorative events, implement the five-year action plan, elevate their relations, and build a closer ASEAN-China community with a shared future. The official said China is willing to work with ASEAN to improve the level of cooperation in public … [Read more...] about ASEAN, China vow to boost ties
Hanoi strives to become creative city in region
Hanoi (VNA) – The capital city of Hanoi is striving to become a green, modern and smart city that is able to be competitive in Asia and the world by 2030. Creative capital Hanoi was designated as part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network on October 30, 2019, according to the municipal Department of Culture and Sports. With this title, the city reaffirms its commitment to people-centered development. At a seminar discussing the “Hanoi – creative city” initiative jointly held by the municipal People’s Committee and UNESCO on October 2, Michael Croft, UNESCO Chief Representative in Vietnam, said the city’s development is therefore considered not just by statistics and profits but through the compassion and creativity of its citizens. Croft suggested Hanoi expand its cooperation with other cities like Seoul (the Republic of Korea), Singapore, Kobe (Japan), Shanghai (China), Bandung (Indonesia), Helsinki (Finland), Montreal (Canada), Berlin … [Read more...] about Hanoi strives to become creative city in region
RCEP to help farm produce expand presence in global markets
HCM City (VNA) - The recently-signed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement will create opportunities for Vietnam’s agricultural products to extend their reach in the region and the world, experts have said. Le Duy Minh, President of the Vietnam Farms and Agricultural Enterprises Association, told a meeting in Ho Chi Minh City on January 15 that the agriculture sector has been integrating intensively and extensively into the world but also faces considerable difficulties and challenges, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, trade disputes between major economies, and an increase in technical barriers in many countries. Vietnam signed a number of important economic deals in 2020, heralding a new era of economic integration with opportunities to expand export markets and attract more domestic and foreign investment. Among the deals, the RCEP, which gathers together 10 ASEAN countries and five partners (the Republic of Korea, China, … [Read more...] about RCEP to help farm produce expand presence in global markets
PM orders democratic, fair, safe organisation of general elections
Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has requested ensuring democracy, fairness, safety and thrift in the elections of deputies to the 15th National Assembly and the People’s Councils at all levels in the 2021-2026 tenure. In a directive dated January 14, PM Phuc asked the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) to coordinate with relevant agencies to direct news agencies to disseminate the significance and importance of the elections, the right to vote and to stand as a candidate of citizens to officials, public servants, armed forces and people from all walks of life. The Ministry of Planning and Investment should instruct the General Statistics Office to guide its provincial and municipal chapters to provide population data until December 31, 2020 to serve as a foundation to count the number of NA and People’s Council deputies at each administrative unit. The Government leader directed the Ministry of Transport and the MIC to work on specific … [Read more...] about PM orders democratic, fair, safe organisation of general elections