Vietnam news in brief - September 9

30 Vietnamese firms attend Maison & Objet-Paris 2023

Vietnamese products are featured at Maison & Objet-Paris 2023. Photo: VNA

Nearly 30 Vietnamese companies are participating in Maison & Objet-Paris 2023, an interior design and handicrafts fair held in Paris, France, from September 7 to 11.

This activity aims to promote and strengthen relations between Ho Chi Minh City and France as the two countries celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties and ten years of strategic partnership.

Maison & Objet Paris is the world's leading trade fair for lifestyle, interior design, home decor, fashion accessories, essential oils and fragrances.

Hanoi to host Techfest Hanoi 2023 in October

Techfest Hanoi 2023, the city's festival of innovation and entrepreneurship, will take place from October 12 to 14 at the Vietnam National Convention Center in Hanoi.

Techfest Hanoi 2023 will feature key activities such as an exhibition showcasing innovative startup projects and products, technology demonstrations, and supply-demand linkages. There will also be a technology and innovation startup forum and two scientific workshops on science, technology, and innovation businesses, promoting logistics and connectivity for the capital region and youth entrepreneurship.

12 best innovation solutions announced

The 12 best innovation solutions, representing 12 award categories, were introduced, with three groups: large enterprises, small and medium-sized innovative enterprises, and start-ups and innovative projects.

Under the theme "Innovation and digital transformation for global value chains", the program attracted 758 technological solutions from many countries, including many solutions applicable to organizations and enterprises in Vietnam.
Quang Ngai to upgrade Son My National Relic Site

The central province of Quang Ngai will spend about VND29.5 billion (US$1.2 million) to repair and upgrade the Son My National Relic Site in 2024-2026. The province will build a new cinema hall, service area, monument, storm shelter, and exhibition hall, and install new equipment.

The project is expected to better preserve the relic sites and artifacts, educate people and visitors about the historical and cultural values, and boost local tourism. The relic was built in Quang Ngai City's Tinh Khe Commune in 1978 to commemorate 504 villagers killed by the US military.

Up to 12% of Vietnam's population suffers from urinary stones

Delegates attend the event FAUA Scientific Congress. Photo: VUNA

The US National Library of Medicine reports that about 2-12% of the Vietnamese population suffers from urinary stones, with kidney stones accounting for 40%. This information was announced at the ASEAN Urological Associations (FAUA) 2023 Scientific Congress, held from September 7 to 9 in Ho Chi Minh City, with the participation of more than 500 professors, doctors and health professionals from domestic and international institutions.

Vietnamese businesses set up 93 projects in Australia

Vietnamese businesses are operating 93 projects in Australia with registered capital of US$586.4 million, according to the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment. The projects focus on agriculture, retail and wholesale trade, and distribution. Australia ranks 11th among 80 countries and territories where Vietnamese enterprises operate.

So far, Vietnamese enterprises have set up nearly 1,700 overseas projects with a total registered capital of US$22 billion.

Finance Ministry rejects US$1,000 EV subsidy

The Ministry of Finance has rejected a proposal by the Ministry of Transport to subsidize each electric car buyer with US$1,000. According to the Ministry of Finance, the policy is suitable for other countries, not Vietnam, because the subsidy will burden the state budget, which is now focused on supporting poor households and developing public infrastructure.

The Ministry of Transport said its idea is to encourage people to buy electric cars. The move is part of measures to accelerate the green transition in the transport sector.