Vietnam news in brief - December 11

Prime Minister demands comprehensive administrative reform

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on December 11 issued a directive on cutting administrative procedures to reduce burdens and costs for citizens and businesses. It places emphasis on strict supervision in drafting legal documents, eliminating vague procedures, publishing data on the public service portal, using technology, and clearly defining roles.

ADB revises Vietnam's growth forecast to 6.4% in 2024

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has revised Vietnam's economic growth forecast to 6.4% for 2024 and 6.6% for 2025 in its Asian Development Outlook (ADO) report. The revision reflects a recovery in trade, export manufacturing, and the impact of fiscal support measures. The ADB also advises Vietnam to increase public investment and implement fiscal and monetary policies to stimulate domestic demand.

Vietnam asks China to speed up construction of three standard-gauge railway projects

Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son at the 16th Joint Governmental Committee's Meeting in Beijing on December 10 asked both sides to prioritize the construction of three cross-border standard-gauge railway projects. The three railways lines namely Lao Cai-Hanoi-Haiphong, Dong Dang-Hanoi, and Mong Cai-Ha Long-Haiphong are among typical transport projects of the two neighboring countries.

Manufacturing operations at an FDI enterprise in Vietnam. Photo: VNA

ASEAN Ceramics & Stone 2024 opens in Ho Chi Minh City

Over 300 companies from various countries are participating in the ASEAN Ceramics & Stone 2024 exhibition taking place in Ho Chi Minh City on December 11-13. Themed "Sustainability and Diversity through Innovation and Cooperation", the exhibition showcases technologies and equipment for the ceramics and stone industries and offers seminars on sustainable development trends, investment networking, and international cooperation.

Viettel opens logistics park to enhance trade and infrastructure

Viettel on December 11 inaugurated a US$135-million logistics park in the northern province of Lang Son, which integrates customs clearance, trade facilitation, and agricultural trading between Vietnam and China. Using advanced technologies, it reduces customs clearance time to 24 hours and handles 1,500 vehicles daily. 

Vietnam fosters cultural exchange to strengthen ties with Laos

The Vietnam Culture Week  2024 is now underway in Vientiane, Laos, highlighting Vietnam’s commitment to its special friendship with Laos. Featuring traditional music, dance, and performances by Vietnamese artists and Lao-Vietnamese students, the event promotes cultural exchange and cooperation and strong ties between the two nations. 

Ho Chi Minh City approves policies to support public transport and education

The Ho Chi Minh City People's Council approved several resolutions on December 11, including policies to waive public transport fares for certain groups and to introduce tuition subsidies for secondary school students in 2024-2025. Other resolutions address the allowance of forest protection force and improved management of water infrastructure services, emphasizing transparency, economic efficiency and public benefit. The city will allocate VND237 billion (US$9.7 million) for tuition assistance.