Construction of a solar power plant worth over 3.55 trillion VND (152.7 million USD) began in Duyen Hai township in the Mekong Delta province of Tra Vinh on January 19.

Vietnam and Hong Kong should promote investment, trade and service flows between the two sides to take advantage of a diversion of trade from China amid escalating tensions between the US and China, a banking official said.

Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) and Federation of Thai Industries introduced in Ho Chi Minh City on January 18 a series of exhibitions on air-con and electronics to be held in this year.

Nestle, the world’s largest food and beverage company, has committed to close relations with its Vietnamese partners to create shared value, said the company’s General Director for Vietnam Ganesan Ampalavanar.

Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue has stated that no group interests have been found in the equitisation and divestment of State-owned enterprises (SOEs) following inspections.

Property developer FLC Group has proposed to Hanoi authorities to invest in a large scale sports-tourism-entertainment complex, which includes a 100,000-seat stadium, in the capital’s suburbs.

The Vietnam Sustainability Forum 2019 took place in Hanoi on January 18 following the successful organisation of the first event last year.

Provinces and cities in the Mekong Delta have set ambitious targets this year with a focus on high-quality agriculture combined with eco-tourism, services and industry.

In 2019, Vietnam’s wood and forestry industry aims to gross 10.5 billion USD in exports, up 1.2 billion USD compared to the previous year.

Vietnam has experienced a year of socio-economic achievements. For example, economic growth continues at a high level; the macroeconomic environment remains stable; inflation is under control; the trade surplus is at record levels; and the State budget deficit is stable.

Ho Chi Minh City plans to provide greater support to large firms and solicit investment in infrastructure this year, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong has said.

Vietnam has been urged to reduce its use of coal-fired energy and develop renewable energy to proactively respond to climate change and ensure energy security, heard a panel discussion of the Vietnam Economic Forum 2019 in Hanoi on January 17.

Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue required ministries, sectors and localities to control the consumer price index (CPI) between 3.3-3.9 percent in 2019 while chairing a conference of the National Steering Committee on Price Management in Hanoi on January 17.

The State Bank of Vietnam again raised the daily reference exchange rate on January 18 after adjusting it down on January 17, setting the rate at 22,862 VND/USD, up 7 VND from the previous day.

The Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) has been listed in the top 50 of the 500 largest enterprises in Vietnam (VNR500) in 2018.

The State Treasury of Vietnam mobilised 11 trillion (474.3 million USD) through Government bond auctions on the Hanoi Stock Exchange (HNX) on January 16.

Vietnam Airlines Corporation (Vietnam Airlines) has been named one of 10 best companies on the Top 50 Vietnam: The Best in 2018 list for the third consecutive year.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on January 17 urged the industry and trade sector to continue speeding up reforms so as to surpass all targets set by the National Assembly, thus creating a long-term and firm foundation for national economic development.

National Assembly (NA) Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan had a working session with the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) in Hanoi on January 17, promising to handle difficulties in terms of policies and laws facing this sector.

The APEC workshop on harnessing digital trade for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is underway in Hanoi, aiming to realise one of Vietnam’s initiatives during APEC Year 2017 on facilitating trans-border e-commerce.