Vietnam Newswire

Ninh Thuan: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on April 28 attended a hybrid ceremony in the south central province of Ninh Thuan to inaugurate the Cam Lam-Vinh Hao expressway and open the Dien Chau-Bai Vot expressway in the north central province of Nghe An to traffic. They are the two components of the North-South Expressway project. The 78.5km Cam Lam - Vinh Hao Expressway, running through the three coastal provinces of Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, and Binh Thuan, was invested with over 8.92 trillion VND (nearly 352 million USD) in the form of public-private partnership (PPP) and has a designed maximum speed of 90km per hour. It shortens the travel time from Ho Chi Minh City, the country's largest economic hub, to Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa) to about 5 hours by car, instead of 8 hours as before. Meanwhile, the 50.5km Dien Chau-Bai Vot section runs through the two central provinces of Nghe An and Ha Tinh. The 11-trillion-VND expressway can shorten the travel time from Hanoi to Vinh city of Nghe An to just over 3 hours b y car. The two new roads help increase the total length of the currently operational expressway to 1,226 km out of the planned 2,064 km length of the North-South Expressway from Huu Nghi border gate in the northern province of Lang Son to Nam Can town in the southernmost province of Ca Mau. Addressing the event, the Prime Minister emphasised that developing a synchronous and modern infrastructure system is one of three strategic breakthroughs, receiving special attention and direction from the Party and State. In particular, the expressway system plays a very important role, especially in connecting and improving transportation capacity to serve production, business and daily life, thus helping attract investment, and boost socio-economic development, and ensure national defence and security for localities, regions and the whole country. He requested the Ministry of Transport to preside over and coordinate with ministries, sectors and localities to guide the operation and exploitation of expressways to en sure safety and efficiency. On the same day, the Government leader visited Labour Hero Ho Thi Luom, born in 1932 in Phuoc My ward, Phan Rang - Thap Cham city - a resilient and creative person who helped the salt production team at the Vinh Ngoc Salt Factory (Nghe An) always exceed output and have the highest productivity in the salt industry./. Source: Vietnam News Agency

Seoul: Lotte Mall West Lake Hanoi, invested by the Republic of Korea (RoK)'s Lotte Group, welcomed 6 million visitors from its inauguration in September, 2023 to late March, the RoK's Dong-a Ilbo newspaper reported. This mega commercial complex took only 122 days to surpass the 100 billion KRW (72.5 million USD) mark in revenue. Currently, an average of 30,000 people come to this shopping center every day on weekdays and more than 50,000 at weekends. The inauguration of the Lotte Mall West Lake Hanoi, which brings together 233 famous foreign and Korean brands, has taken advantage of the influence of the "Korean wave" (Hanllyu) to quickly attract Vietnamese youth, thereby contributing to economic development and cultural exchanges between the two countries, the newspaper wrote. Vietnam, as a potential consumer market, is increasingly attractive to international brands. Mordor Intelligence, a global market research company, predicts that Vietnam's retail market will grow at an average annual rate of 12.1% s tarting this year to reach about 435.6 billion USD by 2028. The Lotte Group started constructing the 787-billion-KRW centre in 2018, with a purpose of establishing a Lotte Town in Vietnam, and providing Vietnamese citizens with a premier shopping destination and an unparalleled Asian shopping experience. The Korean group began its supermarket business in Vietnam and Indonesia in 2008. To date, it has had 64 stores throughout Vietnam and Indonesia, and is planning to expand its system to Malaysia, Singapore and Cambodia./. Source: Vietnam News Agency

Nonthaburi, Minister of Commerce is pleased with "Golden Banana" Korat exports to Japan. Order the commercial team to expedite the export of agricultural products. Help Thai farmers have sustainable income Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, revealed that he had given the policy to the commercial team. Proactively follow up on performance results Coordinate with all sectors To promote Thai entrepreneurs to increase income into the country. Recently received a report from Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Commerce Office By Mr. Jirasak Sriphet, Commerce Officer, Nakhon Ratchasima Province Regarding the success in pushing the export of Thai golden bananas to Japan. of the company's large plot of Thong Sukpaiboon bananas, Seng Sang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, which is the first export of the company. arising from public and private cooperation Work together until we can continue to promote export entrepreneurs until they are successful. Which the company has a large p lot of Banana Hom Thong Sukpaiboon. The goal is to export 120 tons/month and plans to increase the export volume to 8,000 tons/year in the future. Japan is a country where bananas are very popular. Because the fruit has delicious taste and high nutritional value. And it is very inexpensive, easily accessible and can be used to transform into many types of desserts. Meanwhile, Japan grows only a small amount of bananas. Due to the unfavorable climate Therefore, each year more than 1 million tons of bananas must be imported for domestic consumption, but a small amount is still imported from Thailand. Thailand and Japan have an economic partnership agreement between Thailand and Japan (Japan - Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement). ) also known as JTEPA, which has been in effect since 2007, with Japan granting a special tax exemption on banana imports from Thailand in the amount of 8,000 tons, but in the past the right has not been fully exercised. Ministry of Commerce Therefore, we are accelerating to promo te the export of Thai bananas to the Japanese market. However, this time it was also the result of successful integration. Working in every sector Especially the arrangement Activities for pre-ordering fruit products before the products are released. Ministry of Commerce through the Department of International Trade Promotion organized And today, Thai entrepreneurs and farmers are gradually sending products according to those orders. This confirms the work of the Ministry of Commerce with concrete results. Thanks to Provincial Commerce Foreign commercial ambassador Government agencies, entrepreneurs, farmers and all related people. that helps push exports for agricultural products and Thai SMEs products. After this, the Ministry of Commerce Will accelerate proactive work to increase export figures. and create additional income for Thai farmers I want farmers and entrepreneurs to help control quality. and adapt to the new world trade order. that emphasizes the environment Product origin green and health In or der to continue to grow sustainably. Source: Thai News Agency

Nonthaburi, Minister of Commerce Signed to move forward with FTA talks between Thailand and Bangladesh Accelerate the expansion of Thailand's new potential markets in South Asia. Mr. Bhumitham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, and Mr. Ahasanul Islam Titu, Minister of Commerce of Bangladesh, signed a letter of intent to begin negotiations on a free trade agreement. (FTA) Thailand-Bangladesh by 2024, moving forward to create a handicap for the Thai private sector to enter the Bangladesh and South Asian markets. After discussion, both sides signed a letter of intent to begin negotiations on a Thailand-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by 2024 in the morning of April 26, 2024 at Government House. During the official visit of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh (Mrs. Sheikh Ashina) from 24-27 April 2024, the joint signing of the Letter of Intent is considered an important step in enhancing trade and relations. Mutual investment by Bangladesh is interested in opening negotiations to es tablish an FTA with Thailand as the first country in ASEAN. Thailand sees Bangladesh as a strategic country for trade and investment for Thailand in the South Asian region. With the potential in market size, labor, and resources that facilitate business expansion of the Thai private sector in South Asia. as well as connecting to the Middle East and Africa markets . Bangladesh is a large buyer and consumer market with potential. Because it is a country that depends on importing goods from abroad. In addition, it has a population of 172 million people, the 8th largest in the world, and has a continuously high economic growth rate, averaging 6 percent per year, as well as being a large Halal market. It has the world's 4th largest Muslim population. From now on, the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand and Bangladesh will hold an Exploratory Discussion meeting to exchange information and expectations. and concerns regarding the preparation of FTAs ??between each other, including conducting related internal processes In order to be able to begin negotiations on the Thailand-Bangladesh FTA within this year , however, he and the Minister of Commerce of Bangladesh emphasized on creating an environment conducive to doing business and trade. They will work together to resolve trade barriers, both tariff and non-tariff aspects. to expand trade and investment between them. Currently, several Thai companies have invested in doing business in Bangladesh in the food, construction, and hotel industries. Bangladesh has also expressed interest in importing agricultural products and essential products from Thailand, such as sugar. Sand, vegetable oil and various nuts To prevent the risk of shortages Thailand is willing to support and be a source of food security for Bangladesh . Bangladesh is Thailand's number 2 trading partner in South Asia. After India, in 2023, trade between Thailand and Bangladesh was worth 1,185.39 million US dollars. Divided into Thai exports to Bangladesh worth 1,091.45 million US dollars. with important expor t products such as refined oil plastic cement pellets artificial fibers and fabrics, and Thai imports from Bangladesh valued at US$93.94 million, with important imported products such as ready-made clothing. Other metal ores, fresh, chilled, frozen, processed and semi-finished aquatic animals, chemicals, and scientific and medical equipment. Thailand has a trade surplus of 995.54 million US dollars. Source: Thai News Agency

Bangkok, "Chunlapan" confirms BAAC's stable position and is ready to submit a decree. Alleviating doubts about borrowing 172 billion baht, preparing to suspend farmers' debt in Phase 2, covering all groups of debtors. Mr. Chulaphan Amornvivat, Deputy Minister of Finance As Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), said the Ministry of Finance The steps forward have been prepared in detail. To push the project to top up 10,000 baht via Digital Wallet according to the target. For questions or concerns. Borrowing money through quasi-fiscal measures, Section 28 of the Fiscal Discipline Act, borrowing 172 billion baht from the BAAC. It is already within the executive power of the government. This mechanism has been used by many governments to take care of farmers. But when still in doubt Therefore, he is ready to submit the matter to the Royal Decree for consideration. And the government is ready to explain every issue. As for the source of money from th e budget for both 2024 and 2025, it has been clearly concluded. As a result, the total source of funds is 500 billion baht to be used in the project, so there is no problem. 'In the past, there has been opposition to the digital wallet project. It is considered normal. The government is ready to listen to everything. and explain every matter But when being responsible to the people through elections Therefore, we must move forward as announced in the council. Ready to improve, edit, change, and find other mechanisms to supplement. Following the advice of all parties all along. The use of money from the BAAC is therefore ready to submit the matter to the Royal Decree for consideration again. The Ministry of Finance is confident in its financial position. and liquidity of BAAC is very stable. Therefore used to help in this project. and are ready to issue additional measures soon to take care of liquidity,' Mr. Chulphan said. For moving forward with the digital wallet project Various subcommittees will proceed with meetings to prepare the project. and cooperation with many other related ministries. As for the BAAC, in order to submit a matter to inquire about the decree, it will present to the BAAC board the matter of using liquidity, Section 28 of the Disciplinary Act. Finance and Finance: After that, it is expected that in October 2024 it will be presented to the Cabinet for consideration. At this time, it will take another 5-6 months to push the project forward. Mr. Chulphan added that After issuing measures to suspend debt payments to small farmers Outstanding debt not exceeding 300,000 baht. Open to 1.85 million people who want to join the measure through the application of BAAC BAAC Mobile. Outstanding debt amount 257,000 million baht. Debt suspension contracts for 1.39 million people, or more than 90 percent of Those who report the intention to join the measure And there are 130,000 people who have attended the vocational rehabilitation course under the concept of "Leading markets, additional innovations, a nd increasing income." The bank will provide vocational rehabilitation to 300,000 customers by September 2024. BAAC has prepared to expand assistance measures. Small farmers go through the debt payment moratorium project, Phase 2, during the next 1 month. This allows debt suspension to help customers cover all groups. and will also benefit from the reduction of interest on MRR loans by 0.25% to support the recovery of vulnerable groups. and additional phase 2 debt suspension groups. Source: Thai News Agency

Rayong, Mobilize forces for cooling. Using water and F-500 substances at the hot spot where the fire at Win Process Factory was found, only the third warehouse was left with smoke. Fire incident at Winprocess hazardous chemical waste storage factory before Prime Minister Settha Thavisin will go to the area to monitor the situation and resolve the fire this afternoon. Officials from many sectors continue to mobilize to provide cooling services in the Winprocess factory area. That caught fire in the middle of the night on April 22nd. Today is the 6th day and the overall situation has been greatly improved. To date, no outbreak of fire has been found. But officials still have to cool the areas where heat is found or hot spots using water and F-500, especially in Warehouse No. 3, which has aluminum drips. by using heat-sensing drones to survey There were still some spots where the temperature was higher than 200 degrees Celsius, and smoke was also found coming up from the aluminum pile. Officials had to use F- 500 to inject continuously to reduce the temperature. To control the temperature below 100 degrees Celsius to prevent fires from erupting. As for Warehouse 4 and Warehouse 5, the fire was all extinguished. Looking with the naked eye, there was no smoke rising up. From inquiring with the operating staff, it is known that Today's plan remains to keep the temperature in the fire area below 100 degrees Celsius, and today there will be a meeting to come up with a plan to separate the large pile of aluminum DOS. To control and prevent fires from occurring again. After yesterday we tried to use lime to seal the aluminum drop pile in Warehouse 3, but it was not as effective as expected. Because the area has high heat. The bottom has a high temperature and is melted into a liquid by the fire. until collapse occurs Therefore unable to Seal over uncombustible aluminum drop piles. It is important to consider the structure of the roof. Because at the third warehouse, the roof has now collapsed in half. The remaining par t has not yet collapsed because it is supported by pieces of an aluminum box. If the pile is moved incorrectly, the rest of the roof structure may collapse completely. It will make work even more difficult. Source: Thai News Agency

Bangkok Thonburi University, Thai Electric Vehicle Association-EGAT-Bangkok Thonburi University Organized the 3rd Electric Motorcycle Modified Competition for Future Business to compete for the Prime Minister's Trophy. Join us in continuing our mission towards carbon neutrality. Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT) in collaboration with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and Bangkok Thonburi University Organize the 3rd EVAT x EGAT Electric Motorcycle Conversion Contest for Business Opportunity competition between 26 - 27 April 2024, with Mr. Kritsada Uttamote, President of the Electric Vehicle Association. Thai Mr. Somsak Prangthong, Director of Energy Use and Environment Management Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and Associate Professor Dr. Duangrit Benjathikul Chairungruang, Member of the House of Representatives. (Representative of the President of Bangkok Thonburi University) along with related partner agencies attended the event at Bangkok Thonburi Un iversity. There were a total of 43 teams competing in this competition, divided into 31 teams from educational institutions and 12 teams from the general public. The results of the competition Type of educational institution group First place: Team S27 PTL EV received a trophy engraved with the name of the Prime Minister. and a prize money worth 100,000 baht. The first runner-up is Team S15 CHARAWAN RACING 2024, who receives a prize money worth 50,000 baht and a trophy. And the second runner-up prize goes to team S07 UTCC, receiving a prize money worth 30,000 baht and a trophy. As for the general public group type First place winner: Team G08, Engineers, Central Region, received a trophy engraved with the name of the Prime Minister. and a prize money worth 100,000 baht. The first runner-up is Team G03 Phraya Phichai EV Bike, who received a prize money worth 50,000 baht and a trophy. And the second runner-up prize goes to Team G04, Singburi Electric Railway. Receive a prize money worth 30,000 baht along with a trophy. This year there are also 2 special innovation awards: the Battery Innovation Award and the Driving Safety Innovation Award (Safety). The team that won the said award received: Team S23 ME Electric Bike RMUTT Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi and Team S06 Lion Dynamic Rajamangala University of Technology Isan Khon Kaen Campus Along with receiving a prize worth 30,000 baht per team. The first day of the field competition was divided into 3 main stations to open the vehicle testing station: E1, technical inspection station, E2, insulation inspection station, and UNR 136, and E3, water testing station. There was also a competition field testing point. To allow competing teams to test and distribute energy measurement equipment by allowing each team to borrow such equipment to test energy values. There will also be a test run around the competition field, a large distance of 1 km per round, and in the competition on April 27, points will be collected using various checkpoint systems befor e entering the competition field, a total of 4 checkpoints. Mr. Somsak Prangthong, Director of Energy Usage and Environment Management, EGAT, revealed that EGAT has studied and developed advanced energy efficiency criteria for electric motorcycles. Leading to the label number 5 being given to electric motorcycles. And for the project to compete in modified electric motorcycles for future businesses, EGAT has used the knowledge gained to expand the results of EGAT's electric motorcycle modifications and expand the results of developing skills in modification and maintenance for Interested citizens as well For this third activity, EGAT is pleased and ready to support the activity. and sees that it is a good opportunity to be a part of driving and supporting students, including the general public Has shown engineering and safety potential in the production of modified electric vehicles. To further develop electric vehicle technology in the future As well as creating a business model for the electric vehicle ind ustry within the country. This contributes to the development of the circular economy and the BCG business model that will help develop the electric vehicle industry sustainably. Associate Professor Dr. Duangrit Benjathikul Chairungruang, Member of the House of Representatives (Representative of the President of Bangkok Thonburi University) revealed that organizing the 3rd Electric Motorcycle Competition for Future Business is very important for the development of skills, academics, and readiness of human resources. To support the growth of the electric vehicle industry It also helps push Thailand towards becoming a production base for electric vehicles and important parts in the world. In accordance with the policy of Bangkok Thonburi University To promote and develop cooperation with the public and private sectors related to the development of technological advancements. Including new innovations To increase opportunities for knowledge development for personnel Including the application of technology for t he future development of society and the nation. It is also a response to the policies of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. for the electric vehicle industry Mr. Kritsada Uttamote, President of the Thai Electric Vehicle Association Said that Thailand has a goal of moving towards Carbon Neutrality or carbon neutrality. The transportation sector is another dimension that plays an important role. The government has therefore accelerated the policy to support the use of electric vehicles according to the 30@30 policy, which aims to produce vehicles that emit zero emissions (Zero Emission Vehicle: ZEV) to make up at least 30 percent of total vehicle production within the country. Year 2030, organizing a modified electric motorcycle competition for this future business. It arose from the idea of ??wanting to promote and support the conversion of motorcycles that use fossil fuels into electric motorcycles. which in addition to not emitting pollution is environmentally friendly It a lso reduces fuel consumption. This activity is therefore one of the measures that will help Thailand increase the use of electric vehicles. and achieve the goals set by the government sector It is also a platform that provides opportunities for students and the general public. proposed ideas and innovations in the development of modified electric motorcycles To promote and drive potential development along with producing personnel with knowledge and expertise in electric vehicles Entering the automotive industry which is undergoing a transition to modern technology. This is in line with the Thai government's goal of making the country a center for producing electric vehicles for the world market. Source: Thai News Agency

Bangkok Thonburi University, Thai Electric Vehicle Association-EGAT-Bangkok Thonburi University Organized the 3rd Electric Motorcycle Modified Competition for Future Business to compete for the Prime Minister's Trophy. Join us in continuing our mission towards carbon neutrality. Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT) in collaboration with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and Bangkok Thonburi University Organize the 3rd EVAT x EGAT Electric Motorcycle Conversion Contest for Business Opportunity competition between 26 - 27 April 2024, with Mr. Kritsada Uttamote, President of the Electric Vehicle Association. Thai Mr. Somsak Prangthong, Director of Energy Use and Environment Management Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and Associate Professor Dr. Duangrit Benjathikul Chairungruang, Member of the House of Representatives. (Representative of the President of Bangkok Thonburi University) along with related partner agencies attended the event at Bangkok Thonburi Un iversity. There were a total of 43 teams competing in this competition, divided into 31 teams from educational institutions and 12 teams from the general public. The results of the competition Type of educational institution group First place: Team S27 PTL EV received a trophy engraved with the name of the Prime Minister. and a prize money worth 100,000 baht. The first runner-up is Team S15 CHARAWAN RACING 2024, who receives a prize money worth 50,000 baht and a trophy. And the second runner-up prize goes to team S07 UTCC, receiving a prize money worth 30,000 baht and a trophy. As for the general public group type First place winner: Team G08, Engineers, Central Region, received a trophy engraved with the name of the Prime Minister. and a prize money worth 100,000 baht. The first runner-up is Team G03 Phraya Phichai EV Bike, who received a prize money worth 50,000 baht and a trophy. And the second runner-up prize goes to Team G04, Singburi Electric Railway. Receive a prize money worth 30,000 baht along with a trophy. This year there are also 2 special innovation awards: the Battery Innovation Award and the Driving Safety Innovation Award (Safety). The team that won the said award received: Team S23 ME Electric Bike RMUTT Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi and Team S06 Lion Dynamic Rajamangala University of Technology Isan Khon Kaen Campus Along with receiving a prize worth 30,000 baht per team. The first day of the field competition was divided into 3 main stations to open the vehicle testing station: E1, technical inspection station, E2, insulation inspection station, and UNR 136, and E3, water testing station. There was also a competition field testing point. To allow competing teams to test and distribute energy measurement equipment by allowing each team to borrow such equipment to test energy values. There will also be a test run around the competition field, a large distance of 1 km per round, and in the competition on April 27, points will be collected using various checkpoint systems befor e entering the competition field, a total of 4 checkpoints. Mr. Somsak Prangthong, Director of Energy Usage and Environment Management, EGAT, revealed that EGAT has studied and developed advanced energy efficiency criteria for electric motorcycles. Leading to the label number 5 being given to electric motorcycles. And for the project to compete in modified electric motorcycles for future businesses, EGAT has used the knowledge gained to expand the results of EGAT's electric motorcycle modifications and expand the results of developing skills in modification and maintenance for Interested citizens as well For this third activity, EGAT is pleased and ready to support the activity. and sees that it is a good opportunity to be a part of driving and supporting students, including the general public Has shown engineering and safety potential in the production of modified electric vehicles. To further develop electric vehicle technology in the future As well as creating a business model for the electric vehicle ind ustry within the country. This contributes to the development of the circular economy and the BCG business model that will help develop the electric vehicle industry sustainably. Associate Professor Dr. Duangrit Benjathikul Chairungruang, Member of the House of Representatives (Representative of the President of Bangkok Thonburi University) revealed that organizing the 3rd Electric Motorcycle Competition for Future Business is very important for the development of skills, academics, and readiness of human resources. To support the growth of the electric vehicle industry It also helps push Thailand towards becoming a production base for electric vehicles and important parts in the world. In accordance with the policy of Bangkok Thonburi University To promote and develop cooperation with the public and private sectors related to the development of technological advancements. Including new innovations To increase opportunities for knowledge development for personnel Including the application of technology for t he future development of society and the nation. It is also a response to the policies of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. for the electric vehicle industry Mr. Kritsada Uttamote, President of the Thai Electric Vehicle Association Said that Thailand has a goal of moving towards Carbon Neutrality or carbon neutrality. The transportation sector is another dimension that plays an important role. The government has therefore accelerated the policy to support the use of electric vehicles according to the 30@30 policy, which aims to produce vehicles that emit zero emissions (Zero Emission Vehicle: ZEV) to make up at least 30 percent of total vehicle production within the country. Year 2030, organizing a modified electric motorcycle competition for this future business. It arose from the idea of ??wanting to promote and support the conversion of motorcycles that use fossil fuels into electric motorcycles. which in addition to not emitting pollution is environmentally friendly It a lso reduces fuel consumption. This activity is therefore one of the measures that will help Thailand increase the use of electric vehicles. and achieve the goals set by the government sector It is also a platform that provides opportunities for students and the general public. proposed ideas and innovations in the development of modified electric motorcycles To promote and drive potential development along with producing personnel with knowledge and expertise in electric vehicles Entering the automotive industry which is undergoing a transition to modern technology. This is in line with the Thai government's goal of making the country a center for producing electric vehicles for the world market. Source: Thai News Agency