Press digest – January 25-31

Source: Pano feed

PM: GDP, inflation still under control despite plummeting oil prices


PM Nguyen Tan Dung has assured the nation that Viet Nam’s gross domestic product (GDP) and inflation are still under control and are expected to hit their targeted 6.2% and 5%respectively, despite the plunge in oil prices and consumer price index.


During the monthly government meeting in Ha Noi, he pressed for additional solutions to stabilise the macro-economy and remove business barriers.


In his opening speech, the PM hailed active efforts by ministries, agencies and localities to achieve socio-economic development goals from the outset of this month.


PM approves financial mechanism for grid project


The PM has approved a financial mechanism for a project to expand electricity grids in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City through loans from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund (AIF).


Under the mechanism, the Government will sign a deal with the ADB and the AIF to receive a loan of $272.70 million, which will then be re-loaned to the Electricity of Viet Nam (EVN) Ha Noi and the EVN HCM City under similar conditions and terms but with additional expenses.


PM approves IT application in social security project


The PM has ratified the estimates for information technology (IT) application in the social security sector in 2012-2015.


The project, worth VND1,263.33 billion, will be mobilized from sources based on regulations.


The software and database group and the IT technical infrastructure group will be allocated VND495.83 billion and VND700 billion, respectively.


Deputy PM asks for UK’s assistance in education


Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam asked for the UK’s support in improving Viet Nam’s education system during a reception for Lord David Terence Puttnam, special envoy of the UK PM.


The Deputy PM said the Vietnamese Government wants to develop a more forward-thinking education sector.


Lord David Terence Puttnam said there are numerous opportunities to develop bilateral ties in trade, investment, education, and training.


He recommended Viet Nam predict its workforce demand in the future and build a long-term education plan in response.


China, VN talk free navigation at Bac Luan River mouth


Deputy Head of the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry’s National Boundary Commission and Head of the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Department on Boundary and Ocean Affairs conducted the fourth round of negotiations on an agreement on free navigation at the mouth of the Bac Luan River between Viet Nam and China.


The two sides focused on dealing with dissent issues and agreed on specific contents to get a better understanding of each other’s views. They also consented to speed up negotiations for the early signing of the pact later this year.


VN-Russia diplomatic ties marked


The Russian Embassy in Ha Noi gave a reception to mark the 65th anniversary of Viet Nam and Russia diplomatic ties.


Addressing the event, Deputy PM Hoang Trung Hai described the establishment of Viet Nam-Russia diplomatic ties 65 years ago (January 30, 1950) as an important milestone in history of the two countries, saying that it laid a foundation for their close friendship and comprehensive cooperation.


Viet Nam always remembers and appreciates Russia’s support in the past and present, he said.


VN-EU celebrate 25th anniversary of ties


The EU and Viet Nam are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2015.


Ambassador-Head of the EU Delegation in Viet Nam Dr. Franz Jessen stressed that the completion of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement negotiations has marked an important milestone in cooperation between the two sides.


Jessen said the EU will continue to assist Viet Nam in fulfilling goals in its socio-economic strategy by increasing ODA from €300 million to €400 million in the period 2014-2020 and continue to be the largest ODA providers to Viet Nam.


VN, Japan hold third defense policy dialogue


The third Viet Nam-Japan defense policy dialogue was held, covering world and regional issues of mutual interest and assessing bilateral defense cooperation over the recent past.


The two sides agreed that the two ministries will maintain defense policy dialogues at deputy ministerial level while continuing to exchange delegations at different levels.


Both sides expressed their wish to promote all-round defense ties in the interests of the two countries’ people and for the sake of peace, stability and development in the region and the world as a whole.


FDI hit $663 million in January


By January 20, foreign businesses had invested $392.18 million in 44 new projects and $271.26 million in 19 existed ones, a year-on-year increase of 67.1%.


Eleven sectors attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) capital in January. The processing and manufacturing industries lured much of the FDI capital into 18 projects, followed by wholesale and retail, electricity and water supply sectors.


Fifteen countries and territories invested in Viet Nam in the reviewed period. British Virgin Islands topped the list with a total investment capital of $331.32 million. Coming after were the Republic of Korea and Hong Kong.


CPI in January down 0.2%


The Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the first month of 2015 decreased 0.2% against December, 2014 and a year-on-year increase of 0.94%.


Three out of the 11 items calculated witnessed a decline in prices, including transport down 3.96%, housing, building materials, electricity, water and fuel down 1.09%, and the telecommunication group down 0.07%.


Among 63 provinces and cities nationwide, only the central city of Da Nang recorded the CPI rise, with 0.05%.


Source: VGP, VNA,VOV




Đăng ký: VietNam News