1. Party Central Committee convenes 10th meeting
The tenth meeting of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee (CPVCC) opened in Hanoi on January 5.
At the meeting, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong stressed that the importance of the political report sent to the Party’s 12th Congress, which should be thoroughly studied, discussed and commented on.
He also stressed the importance of the socio-economic report, which should be thoroughly discussed with objective and scientific evaluations, and results in implementing the 2011-2015 socio-economic development plan with priorities in curbing the inflation, stabilising the macro-economy, and ensuring social welfare and reasonable growth.
2. Government seeks to achieve growth of 6.2% in 2015
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has issued a resolution on measures to implement the socio-economic development plan and budget for 2015 with the aim of achieving 6.2% growth.
Under Government Resolution 01/NQ-CP, Vietnam is aiming to reach an export growth of 10%, keep inflation at around 5%, reduce the poverty rate by 1.7-2%, bring the bad debt ratio down to less than 3% and create 1.6 million jobs in 2015.
3. Attack on Charlie Hebdo barbaric, unacceptable: Deputy Spokesperson
Vietnam condemns terrorist activities in all forms, and the January 7 attack on Charlie Hebdo is considered as a barbaric and unacceptable act, Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said.
The deputy spokesperson made the statement when responding to a reporter’s question about Vietnam’s viewpoint on the attack, which claimed the lives of 12 people in Paris, at a regular press conference in Hanoi on January 8.
Vietnam considers the attack a barbaric and unacceptable act and expects instigators of the attack will be brought to justice, Hang said. Vietnam offers its profound condolences to the French Government and people, as well as to the victims’ families, she added.
4. Banks increase foreign exchange rate
In response to the State Bank’s decision to increase the inter-bank average exchange rate by one percent on January 7, numerous banks have increased the US dollar exchange rate.
The selling prices range from VND21,420 to VND21,450 and purchasing prices were set between VND21,510 and VND21,520 to one US dollar at commercial banks including Vietcombank, Vietinbank, Eximbank and Techcombank. This is the first time this year the State Bank has adjusted the exchange rate, a move aimed at actively leading the market in line with the international and domestic financial market climate, and stabilising the foreign exchange market.
5. Technological innovation vital to increase competitiveness
Technological innovation is important to help Vietnamese businesses enhance their competitiveness and create new, high-quality products and services, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said.
He was addressing a ceremony in Hanoi on January 8 to launch the National Technology Innovation Fund, which was established by the Ministry of Science and Technology.
With the chartered capital of VND1 trillion (US$46.7 million), the fund aims to promote businesses’ creation of new products and services that have a high level of technology and added value.
6. National Assembly TV Channel launched
The National Assembly Television Channel was launched in Hanoi on January 6, with Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung in attendance.
The National Assembly TV channel will serve as the legislature’s official organ providing comprehensive coverage of the activities of the top legislative body and local People’s Councils. It will help voice voters’ opinions and aspirations swiftly and fully, while acting as a bridge connecting the NA with voters and as a forum for them to exchange ideas in order to increase the NA’s operational efficiency, he added.
7. Vietnam listed in world's best retirement havens in 2015
Vietnam has entered the list of world's 25 best retirement locations in 2015 as selected by the InternationalLiving website.
The list is built based on eight categories: cost of living, fitting in, health care, climate, buying and renting, benefits and discounts, infrastructure, and entertainment and amenities. According to the website, Vietnam ranks 25th with a total score of 67.3/100. Notably, the country received a top score of 100/100 in the cost of living.
8. Tran Ngoc Lan Khue crowned Miss Ao Dai Vietnam 2014
Tran Ngoc Lan Khue from Ho Chi Minh City was crowned the first Miss Ao Dai Vietnam 2014 on the final night of the pageant, which concluded in Ho Chi Minh City on January 6.
With this title, Lan Khue will represent Vietnam at the Miss World 2015. She was also awarded VND100 million in cash and a crown worth VND1 billion. Miss World 2011 Ivan Sarcos from Venezuela, came to Vietnam to present the crown to Lan Khue.
