Vietnam News Highlights for May 24, 2023

Quang Ninh Province imports Chinese energy

A power engineer works in Mong Cai City of Quang Ninh Province. Photo: baoquangninh.vn

Starting on May 24, Mong Cai City and Hai Ha District in the northern province of Quang Ninh will import power from the Chinese firm Guangxi Power Grid until the end of July. It has remained unknown about the amount and cost of the power Vietnam will buy from China.

Vietnam purchased electricity from China several times in 2005-2016. The northern region is now at risk of lacking some 1,600-4,900 MW of power in the Summer due to high consumption and hot, dry weather that may affect the hydropower plants. Meanwhile, technical limitations prevent power transmission from the central-located plants to the north.

State leaders express sympathy to Italy over flood losses

Vietnam's President Vo Van Thuong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on May 23 expressed their sympathy to their Italian counterparts, Sergio Mattarella and Giorgia Meloni, respectively, over the human and property losses caused by heavy rain and floods in Italy.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son has also conveyed a similar message to Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Antonio Tajani. The 100-year biggest flood caused the death of 14 people, and authorities have evacuated some 36,000 people.

Techfest 2023 opens to serve Vietnamese startup development

The Ministry of Science and Technology launched the National Innovative Entrepreneurship Day 2023 (Techfest 2023) in Hanoi on May 23. The event aims to promote innovative startups in Vietnam and is organized by the ministry, agencies, and localities, including the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs. Techfest 2023 features over 30 technology villages, with new additions focused on smart agriculture, clean medicinal herbs, metaverse, Techconnect Global, and digital transformation.

Events at Techfest 2023 include the National Innovative Startup Talent Competition, investment connection activities, and multilateral dialogues between local authorities and experts. The event will also promote international cooperation with technology powers like Australia, the US, Canada, and South Korea.

Vietnamese runners continue to dominate regional runs

Two Vietnamese runners have won the marathon competition in Borneo, Malaysia. Runner Tieu Duong finished first in the women’s 42-kilometer contest with 3 hours and 16 minutes. Meanwhile, runner Le Van Tuan completed his race in 2 hours and 42 minutes.

Their wins have extended Vietnam’s domination in regional marathon games. On May 13, Ha Thi Hau crowned the Ultra Trail Australia for 4 hours and 47 minutes despite suffering an ankle injury at the 8th kilometer.

Remains of four Vietnamese soldiers return from Cambodia

Authorities of Ban Lung City in Cambodia’s Ratanakiri Province on May 23 repatriated the remains of four Vietnamese soldiers to the Kon Tum provincial People’s Committee. Sou Serey, deputy mayor of Ratanakiri Province, paid tribute to the Vietnamese soldiers, saying their sacrifices were a great help to liberate Cambodian people from the Pol Pot genocide.

On their part, Vietnamese authorities of Kon Tum Province, led by Vice Chairwoman Y Ngoc, appreciated the cooperation of the Cambodia Government and local authorities in seeking and repatriating the remains of Vietnamese soldiers to their home nation.

US launches anti-dumping investigation on Vietnamese steel shelving exports

The US Department of Commerce has launched an anti-dumping investigation into boltless steel shelving units from Vietnam, among other countries. The US authority alleged that the imports are sold at less than fair value, causing damages to the nation’s steel shelving industry. The DOC has sent Vietnamese businesses a questionnaire on Quantity and Value.

Preliminary data shows that Vietnam ranked fourth among the exporters to the US, with an alleged dumping margin ranging from 92.60% to 224.94%. The Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam has advised businesses to keep a close watch on the case and respond to the questionnaire by May 30, 2023.