Vietnam news in brief - January 22

Fuel retailers and importers asked to report on their distribution network

A petrol station in Hanoi. Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times

Fuel distributors and importers are required to submit reports on their facilities, depots, and warehouses at the request of the Ministry of Industry and Trade. These companies must also report on the status of ports, transport vehicles and their network of retail outlets. All reports must be submitted to the ministry by January 30.

The reporting is intended to help market regulators and the ministry tighten and improve their management of local enterprises and retailers in the fuel industry.

Vietnam hopes to launch first radar satellite by year-end

Vietnam expects to launch its first radar satellite between the end of the year and early 2025, according to the Vietnam National Space Center. The satellite, named LOTUSat-1, has been under construction since 2021 and is scheduled for launch as early as December 2024. In preparation for the launch, the space center will complete the development of the control center at the Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park in Hanoi.

The satellite weighs approximately 570 kg and is equipped with a radar system that allows it to detect objects on the ground day and night. The satellite will operate in a wide range of natural and weather conditions.

Ministry of Finance urges to accelerate public investment disbursement in 2024

The Ministry of Finance has urged ministries, sectors and localities to accelerate the allocation of public investment capital in 2024 and actively take measures to facilitate the disbursement of public investment funds. They are requested to conduct a comprehensive review and targeted allocation of funds, prioritize tasks and projects that have completed the necessary investment procedures and are capable of timely disbursement.

Special attention should be paid to allocating adequate funds to critical national projects in 2024, while avoiding allocating funds to projects that cannot proceed with disbursement.

First carbon credit training program launched in Vietnam

Lilama 2 International Technology College (in the southern province of Dong Nai) has become the first educational institution to offer a carbon credit training program in Vietnam by signing a transfer agreement with the UK's BTEC Pearson. Students in the program will learn about the legal framework of carbon credits, knowledge of emissions, greenhouse effects, calculation of environmental emissions, carbon offsetting, carbon credit business and management, and carbon management strategies.

This carbon credit training program will begin in 2024 with approximately 50 students enrolled.

British newspaper names 12 must-see places in Vietnam

The Times, Britain's oldest newspaper, has named Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and the northern mountainous province of Ha Giang among the 12 best places to visit in Vietnam. In an article published last week, The Times said Vietnam's nearly 100 million people and 3,200km coastline offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy culture, scenery, and food.

Other names on the list include Mai Chau (Hoa Binh Province), Ha Long Bay (Quang Ninh Province), the ancient town of Hoi An (Quang Nam Province), and the Mekong Delta region.