Net zero emissions

In February, Vietnamese State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc paid a state visit to Singapore, with both nations vowing to continue cementing economic ties. How has this cooperation been implemented so far? Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam Jaya Ratnam Singapore and Vietnam’s strong economic, trade, and investment ties are underpinned by decades of consistent and meaningful engagement between our governments and peoples. During President Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s state visit to Singapore earlier this year, he and President Halimah Yacob reaffirmed these ties and committed to further collaboration. Our leaders also oversaw the signing of an MoU on economic and trade cooperation between our two countries. We are starting from a very strong base. Singapore has been the leading source of foreign direct investment into Vietnam for the past two years. Singapore is now Vietnam’s second largest foreign investor, with total registered capital of nearly $70 billion. This demonstrates the … [Read more...] about Singapore and Vietnam commit to further strong collaborations

Generating power from sunlight bouncing off the ground, working at night, even helping to grow strawberries: solar panel technology is evolving fast as costs plummet for a key segment of the world's energy transition. The International Energy Agency says solar will have to scale up significantly this decade to meet the Paris climate target of limiting temperature rises to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The good news is that costs have fallen dramatically. In a report on solutions earlier this year, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said solar unit costs had dropped 85 percent between 2010 and 2019, while wind fell 55 percent. "There's some claim that it's the cheapest way humans have ever been able to make electricity at scale," said Gregory Nemet, a professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a lead author on that report. Experts hope the high fossil fuel prices and fears over energy security caused by Russia's attack on Ukraine will … [Read more...] about Cheaper, changing and crucial: the rise of solar power

Ngo Khai Hoan, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Industry Agency Ngo Khai Hoan, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Industry Agency: Industrial production recovers strongly With the government’s decision to switch from “Zero COVID-19” to safe and flexible adaptation to the pandemic, industrial production has seen strong recovery and has been restored to pre-pandemic levels, especially the manufacturing and processing sector. The added value of the industrial sector increased by 8.48 percent in the first half of 2022 compared to a year ago. The index of industrial production (IIP) grew by 8.7 percent in the first half of the year, with the manufacturing and processing sector going up by 9.7 percent. Almost all localities saw IIP increases, with high rates recorded in the provinces of Bac Giang, Bac Ninh, Quang Nam and Binh Phuoc. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tran Duy Dong, Director of the Domestic Market Department … [Read more...] about First-half industry and trade highlights

Many programs, fairs, and forums hosted by the city have helped enhance the connection between farmers and hospitality businesses. A conference on ensuring food safety and improving the quality of agro-forestry-fishery products in the 2021-2025 period was held within the framework of cooperation between Hanoi and the northern province of Hoa Binh to promote the consumption of safe agricultural products. Hoa Binh Province's specialties are on display at a trade fair in Hanoi. Photo: TTXVN Nguyen Ngoc Son, the deputy director of Hanoi's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, told The Hanoi Times that the northern province needs to better implement quality management, food security, and technological cooperation plans and programs, as well as develop the supply chain of safe agricultural products and food for the capital city. He stressed that the province should strengthen large-scale production and deploy high-tech and sustainable production … [Read more...] about Hanoi and Hoa Binh join hands to promote agro-produce sale

How optimistic can you be in evaluating the trends of building smarter cities during this turbulent time in the global economy? Governments around the world are tapping into an arsenal of policy interventions and financing measures to support the transformation of sectors, especially energy and industry, improving energy efficiency, and tackling environmental pollution. Many are adopting a stick-and-carrot approach, including green taxes on harmful environmental activities, tighter regulations, and new environmental standards and certifications for energy performance, emissions, and pollution. Subsidies and tax rebates are used to boost demand for green products and services like electric vehicles (EVs), solar panels, and renewable energy. Loans and grants are also provided to promote green investments in sustainable agriculture, renewable or low-carbon energy sources, energy-efficient buildings, transport, and public infrastructure. There is a robust and wide array of green … [Read more...] about A phased approach to smart cities