Marcel Schröder, Economist, Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department Asian Development Bank At the beginning of the conflict, the crude oil price breached $130 per barrel in March, the highest since 2008. Since then, it retreated to about $100 in April, before rising again to $120 following the European Union’s partial ban on Russian oil in May. Some worry that the oil price could spike to $200 per barrel in the coming months and how such a shock would impact the economic prospects of Asia’s developing countries. While many institutions, including ours, project a significantly higher oil price in 2022 compared with 2021, these predictions do not foresee $200 per barrel because they attach a low probability of a sudden shock to the global oil supply. A sudden shock is unlikely given the EU’s decision to gradually phase out Russian oil imports by the end of 2022, allowing an orderly transition to alternative supplies and keeping prices stable and affordable for … [Read more...] about Additional oil spike impacts cannot be ruled out
Aicpa womens global leadership summit 2021
Vietnam-Australia Center’s portal makes debut
In his speech at the event, Thang stressed that the establishment of VAC aims to realize the Joint Statement of the Prime Ministers of the two countries in September 2019, and is an important highlight in the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Australia, as well as a practical activity towards the 50th founding anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries. The opening of this portal is a necessary initial step for the development of the center, which is hoped to contribute to improving the capacity of Vietnamese officials and managers to meet the requirements of integration and development of the country, and to strengthening up the sustainable Vietnam-Australia cooperation. Penny Wong, who is on an official visit to Vietnam from June 26-28, said the VAC will play an important role in enriching the knowledge of future Vietnamese officials trained at the academy, as well as promoting cooperation and strengthening links between the people of the two … [Read more...] about Vietnam-Australia Center’s portal makes debut
BRICS in dilemma
They have to balance their relationships between Russia and their Western partners. China hosted the 14th annual BRICS Summit virtually because of the pandemic. This event was held only a few days before the G7 in-person summit in Germany. BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Overview of the event. Source: VNA The online meeting drew special attention around the world, especially from the US, EU, NATO and their allies due to Russia's military actions in Ukraine for more than four months now. The US, EU, NATO, and their allies - among them all G7 members - stand on Ukraine's side and have imposed strong and multifaceted sanctions on Russia. They have been trying as much as they could to politically isolate Russia on the world stage. Brics members, including China, India, Brazil and South Africa, refused to follow the West in imposing sanctions against Russia and supporting Ukraine. Therefore, this event was a major significant gain … [Read more...] about BRICS in dilemma
Penny Wong arrives in Hanoi, affirming new Australian cabinet relations with Vietnam
The Australian top diplomat said the ties between the countries run deep. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong today [June 27] met with Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son in Hanoi as part of her three-day visit to affirm the new Australian government’s commitments to continue the Strategic Partnership with Vietnam. Vietnam's Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son (R) and Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Hanoi on June 27. Photos: Baoquocte In the visit which was made one month after she was sworn in as Australian Foreign Minister, Wong affirmed the role of Vietnam in the regional architecture and the two countries in the regional peace and security. In Vietnam, Wong will meet with President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Chairman of the CPV Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations Le Hoai Trung. Her trip comes ahead of next year’s 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Australia. Before the … [Read more...] about Penny Wong arrives in Hanoi, affirming new Australian cabinet relations with Vietnam
Miss Grand International 2023 to be held in Vietnam
The Instagram of the Miss Grand International wrote: "Xin chao moi nguoi! Vietnam has been officially confirmed as the host country for Miss Grand International 2023. We will make a great #history together again in 2023". Pham Kim Dung, President of Sen Vang Entertainment Company, as the national director of the Miss Grand International contest, also confirmed that the contest will be organised in Vietnam in 2023. Dung said she hopes that it will pave the way for other international beauty contests to be held in the country. The beauty pageant has received attention from Vietnamese people after an impressive and convincing victory of Miss Grand International Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien in 2021. Vietnam first hosted the contest in 2017. At that time, Maria Jose Lora from Peru was crowned Miss Grand International 2017. Huyen My, a representative of Vietnam, was in the top 10 finalists. The contest has been held since 2013. It is one of the six major global beauty contests held … [Read more...] about Miss Grand International 2023 to be held in Vietnam
Vietnam halts scuba diving off popular island to protect coral
Vietnam has banned swimming and scuba diving at a popular central tourist spot in an attempt to revive its damaged coral reef, officials said Monday. The Southeast Asian nation boasts more than 3,200 kilometres of coastline with crystal clear waters, vibrant sea life and sandy beaches that are a huge tourism draw. Coral reefs across Southeast Asia have been badly hit by global warming, with scientists warning their degradation could have devasting environmental and economic knock-on effects. Recent photos taken off Hon Mun island -- about 14 kilometres from the city of Nha Trang and popular with divers thanks to its diverse ecosystem -- showed the reef bleached and damaged. "The Nha Trang bay management authority decided to halt swimming and scuba diving activities in areas around Hon Mun island," officials said. In a statement they said the ban was to "evaluate the condition of sensitive area so that an appropriate plan to enact the sea conservation area" could be made. … [Read more...] about Vietnam halts scuba diving off popular island to protect coral