Bottlenecks to development

Bangkok (VNA) – Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit has pledged to speed up adjustment of the country’s rice strategy as quickly as possible as the industry is facing an array of challenges, including a strong baht and rising production costs. Local media quoted the official as saying after presiding over a recent Thai hom mali fragrant rice fair that rice exports have fared poorly since the beginning of last year because of foreign exchange swings and the ascendant baht, making Thai rice more expensive than competing grains. The country’s Ministry of Commerce is pursuing a rice strategy to improve competitiveness, covering all systems including marketing, cultivation and R&D of new rice varieties, Jurin said, noting that it is also working to find ways to reduce production costs for farmers to make Thai rice more affordable. He added it is promoting seven rice products and seed development as part of a marketing-led … [Read more...] about Thailand adjusts rice strategy to improve competitiveness

Vientiane (VNA) – The Lao Government has decided to tighten COVID-19 prevention measures in the face of transmission risks. The Lao Prime Minister’s Office on August 7 issued an urgent announcement of the enhancement of some measures against COVID-19 amid this country’s relaxation of virus containment actions. The announcement noted that facing the risk of a resurgence of COVID-19 amid the disease’s complex developments in the region and the world, the Lao Government decided to strengthen the enforcement of prevention measures. In particular, relevant agencies were asked to enhance examination of those exiting from or entering the country so as to detect any illegal entry cases, monitor entertainment venues and karaoke parlours which had been ordered to close temporarily, and deal with any violations of the government’s directives. Notably, the Foreign Ministry of Laos was assigned to coordinate with the country’s national steering committee for … [Read more...] about Laos strengthens COVID-19 prevention measures

"Patient 456", a resident of the central city's Hai Chau District, was admitted to the Hoan My-Da Nang General Hospital on July 28 and tested positive for the novel coronavirus on July 29. She'd had hypertension for years. … [Read more...] about Vietnam confirms 11th Covid-19 death

With the cohesive and responsive spirit, as the ASEAN Chair 2020, Vietnam gives the highest priority to promoting solidarity and unity and effective coordination among member countries, as well as  strengthening relations with partners to enhance the capacity to deal with unprecedented challenges: the COVID-19 pandemic and fierce competition in the regional and global geopolitical environment, in which the respect for law, including 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) must be heightened. … [Read more...] about Vietnam aspires to ASEAN unity, effective coordination

Bangkok (VNA) - A panel under Thailand’s Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on August 7 approved proposals for a return to normalcy in the country by allowing schools, sports stadiums, public transport and meals on flights.   The proposals include the opening of schools with normal-sized classes. For sports events, people would be permitted to attend them, while public transport vehicles would no longer have to allocate empty spaces for social distancing.   However, the extension of entertainment venues’ operating hours until 2am was not discussed at the August 7 meeting.   The proposals, approved by a panel led by National Security Council (NSC) Secretary-General Gen Somsak Roongsita, will be submitted to Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on August 21.   The Thai cabinet recently approved the Finance Ministry's proposal to borrow 1.5 billion USD from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to stimulate and rehabilitate the economy.   … [Read more...] about Thailand expected to return to normalcy