Vietnam news in brief - January 18

Deputy PM approves coal industry development strategy

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has signed a decision approving the strategy for the development of Vietnam's coal industry until 2030, with a vision to 2045. It sets an industry-wide target of around 45-50 million tons of commercial coal production (excluding peat) per year by 2023, gradually decreasing over the period 2031-2045, with an estimated output of around 38-40 million tons in 2045. In terms of the coal market, it expects to promote transactions, diversify coal sources, and create coal supply hubs for households from now until 2030.

Vietnam's flower and ornamental plant industry to reach US$1.8 billion in 2023

The production value of flowers and ornamental plants in Vietnam reached an estimated US$1.8 billion in 2023. Flower exports were about $80 million in 2023, up 19.4% year-on-year. The area of ornamental plants is approximately 15,600 hectares nationwide, an increase of nearly 1,000 hectares compared to 2022.

Vietnam and four other countries lead in reducing carbon emissions: PwC study

Vietnam and four other Asia-Pacific economies have exceeded their nationally determined contributions. Photo: PwC

According to PwC Vietnam's Net Zero Index Study 2023, Vietnam and four other Asia-Pacific economies exceeded their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and achieved significant carbon emission reductions. However, none of the region's economies achieved the 17.2% annual reduction rate required to meet the 1.5°C target.

Vietnam is among the countries that have successfully reduced their carbon intensity from fossil fuels, along with Pakistan, Singapore, New Zealand, and South Korea.

South Korean group to build eco-resort in Hue

South Korea's Daewon Group expects the authorities of the central province of Thua Thien-Hue to facilitate its eco-resort and urban tourism project in Huong Tho Commune and Huong Tra Town this year, Daewon Group Chairman Cheun Eung Sik said at a meeting with the provincial leadership on January 15. With the project, Daewon promised to attract South Korean tourists and investors to Hue City. The company has invested in many real estate projects in Ho Chi Minh City and the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau. 

Apple supplier to build US$280 million factory in Bac Ninh

Apple partner Goertek plans to invest US$280 million in Vietnam to build a subsidiary in the northern province of Bac Ninh that will manufacture consumer electronics devices, including AirPods, smartwatches, virtual reality devices, and augmented reality devices. The partner, which produces AirPods and Apple Vision Pro augmented reality glasses, aims to meet the demand for "business expansion and long-term operations", the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported. This new investment project will meet both Goertek's future development plans and the needs of its customers.

Vietnam Airlines among the top 10 most punctual airlines in the Asia-Pacific region

Vietnam Airlines was ranked as one of the top 10 most punctual airlines in the Asia-Pacific region for 2023 by London-based data analysis company Cirium. Vietnam Airlines ranks 9th among the 10 most punctual airlines in Asia Pacific, with an on-time performance of 77.46% across nearly 151,000 flights in 2023. This is higher than the Asia Pacific average of 73.51%.