Vietnam’s steel industry has high potential to reach a production growth rate of 22 per cent and expand export markets this year. Steel sector has potential for 22pc growth, illustration photo - source: vnsteel.vn However, this will be possible only if it overcomes difficulties such as trade defence lawsuits and high imports, according to the Vietnam Steel Association (VSA). The sector faced 30 trade defence lawsuits from other countries in 2017, many of which have continued into 2018. These include anti-dumping cases for cold-rolled stainless steel, steel plates and H-shaped steel as well as trade defence cases related to pig iron, long steel and colour-coated steel sheet. By March 2018, Vietnam had exported 446,000 tonnes of steel products for US$321 million, up 38 per cent in volume and 63 per cent in value compared to the same period last year. The quality of Vietnamese steel has met the demand of choosy markets, such as the United States, Australia and … [Read more...] about Steel sector has potential for 22pc growth
Saudi king to launch ’entertainment city’
Viet Nam News RIYADH — Saudi King Salman will launch the construction of an "entertainment city" near Riyadh on Wednesday, authorities said, part of a series of multi-billion dollar projects as the kingdom seeks to diversity its oil-reliant economy. The 334-square kilometre project in Qiddiya, southwest of Riyadh, would rival Walt Disney and include high-end theme parks, motor sport facilities and a safari park, officials say. The facility highlights a "relentless effort to develop giga-projects that will help achieve many direct and indirect economic returns", project official Fahd bin Abdullah Tounsi was quoted as saying in a government statement on April 22. Qiddiya chief executive Michael Reininger said he expects the project will draw foreign investors in entertainment and other sectors, but did not specify the total cost of construction. Such projects are the brainchild of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a self-styled liberal change agent who is the chief … [Read more...] about Saudi king to launch ’entertainment city’
Power project to begin operations ahead of schedule
Viet Nam News HÀ NỘI — The US$1.75-billion Vĩnh Tân 1 thermal power project will begin operations ahead of its schedule owing to concerns about the risk of power shortage in the southern provinces in future. This is the largest project in the country made with Chinese investment and involvement. According to latest reports, the first unit of the project will begin commercial operations in July 2018, five months earlier than its schedule. Phan Ngọc Cẩm Thành, deputy director of Vĩnh Tân 1, told the National Steering Committee for Power Development that after 1,025 consecutive construction days, the project was 93 per cent complete. “We target to push forward the date for commercial operations,” he said. On April 18, the first unit of Vĩnh Tân 1 successfully connected to the national grid for the first time and met all standards during a test. Đinh Thế Phúc, member of the National Steering … [Read more...] about Power project to begin operations ahead of schedule
Unstoppable Ronaldo the sole survivor of Real’s ‘BBC’
Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema were once the untouchable trio, but only one of Real Madrid's feted "BBC" can be sure of their place against Bayern Munich on Wednesday (Apr 25). Goal glut: Cristiano Ronaldo AFP/JAVIER SORIANO Ronaldo has dragged Real into the Champions League semi-finals with, even by his standards, an astonishing goal glut that includes 22 in 12 games, and at least one in each of his last 11 matches in Europe. "It's impossible to completely stifle Ronaldo, we can only stop him as a team," Bayern defender Jerome Boateng said on Monday. "An attacker can not be more complete than him - left foot, right foot, head, he controls everything and in front of the goal, he's a machine". But while Ronaldo has enjoyed a fresh spurt in his new role of predatorial centre-forward, his two partners have found their responsibilities reduced ahead of the first leg at the Allianz Arena. Bale's decline began first. After returning from injury earlier this year, … [Read more...] about Unstoppable Ronaldo the sole survivor of Real’s ‘BBC’
Scientist at centre of Facebook data scandal faces MPs
Cambridge Analytica has maintained it did not use Facebook data in the Donald Trump campaign, but its now-suspended CEO boasted in secret recordings that his company was deeply involved in the race AFP/Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS Aleksandr Kogan, who teaches at Cambridge University, will appear before the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee to explain his relationship with CA, the British-based firm accused of improperly accessing data. Kogan, a senior researcher in the university's department of psychology, claims he is being targeted by Facebook and CA, saying he did not know his app would be used in political campaigns. Cambridge Analytica has maintained it did not use Facebook data in the Donald Trump campaign, but its now-suspended CEO boasted in secret recordings that his company was deeply involved in the race. "I'm being basically used as a scapegoat by both Facebook and Cambridge Analytica," Kogan said last month. "We were assured by Cambridge Analytica that … [Read more...] about Scientist at centre of Facebook data scandal faces MPs
At least 18 dead in China karaoke lounge fire, arson suspected
A fire tore through a karaoke lounge in southern China on Tuesday (Apr 24), killing 18 people and injuring another five, according to state media. Deadly fires are common in China, where fire safety regulations are widely flouted and enforcement is often lax (File photo: AFP) The blaze took place after midnight in a three-storey building in Qingyuan City, Guangdong province, and was put out shortly before 1am local time, according to the police. A preliminary investigation found that the fire was caused by arson, the Qingyuan public security department said on its Weibo social media account. "The public security authorities are stepping up their investigation," the authorities in Qingyuan said. The suspect got into an argument, then used a motorcycle to block the building's door and lit the fire, state broadcaster CCTV said, adding that the suspect was on the run. The police statement did not describe the location of the fire but state media said it occurred in a small KTV … [Read more...] about At least 18 dead in China karaoke lounge fire, arson suspected
Malaysia’s newspaper hails beauty of Nha Trang
Clear blue skies and cobalt seas at Nha Trang Bay, Vietnam. Nha Trang is an increasingly popular destination in Asia (Source: https://www.star2.com) Blissful beaches Stretching over 6km of powdery white sand, the crescent-shaped Nha Trang Beach overlooks one of the most beautiful bays in the world – Nha Trang Bay – and it is easily accessible by foot from the bustling heart of the city. Stroll along the palm tree-lined promenade, have a picnic on the beach and idle the afternoon away people-watching. Come sunset, retire from the beach and take the lift up to the Skylight Nha Trang. Located on the 45th floor of Havana Hotel, the rooftop bar presents an uninterrupted view of the entire city via the 360° Skydeck and is also home to the tallest lighthouse in Vietnam. Alternatively, set out on a day trip excursion to Da Lat. Nicknamed “The Little Paris”, this charming French-colonial retreat offers a cool respite from the humid weather. Popular with outdoor … [Read more...] about Malaysia’s newspaper hails beauty of Nha Trang
PM urges quick disclosure of electronic toll collection roadmap at BOT projects
PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc urged the Ministry of Transport to quickly make public the roadmap for installation of non-stop toll collection systems at Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) road projects. PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc asks for quick publication of the roadmap for installation of electronic toll collection systems at BOT projects- Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu The Government chief stressed the point on Monday at a meeting attended by representatives of several relevant ministries and localities. PM Phuc also tasked the Ministry of Transport to work with the Ministry of Finance and other competent agencies to calculate appropriate fee rates for non-stop toll collection stations. The Government encouraged all BOT projects to install non-stop toll collection systems following public rage over unreasonable toll booths and high fees. He emphasized the necessity to continue mobilization of financial resources from non-state sectors for transport infrastructure development amid financial constraints. … [Read more...] about PM urges quick disclosure of electronic toll collection roadmap at BOT projects
Over 2.5 million go on pilgrimage to ancestral land
Some 2.5 million people flocked to the northern midland province of Phu Tho to celebrate the annual Hung Kings Temple Festival as of April 23 (the eight day of the third lunar month), said the organising board. The palanquin and offering procession was organised by seven communes and wards surrounding the Hung Kings Temple Complex During the last three days, a huge number of people of all ages and religions arrived in the Hung Kings Temple Complex to pay tribute to their ancestors and enjoy cultural activities held in the framework of the festival. On April 23, a palanquin and offering procession was organised by seven communes and wards surrounding the Hung Kings Temple Complex namely Chu Hoa, Hung Lo, Kim Duc, Van Phu, Hy Cuong of Viet Tri city, and Tien Kien and Hung Son of Lam Thao district. The procession was led by lion dancers, followed by groups carrying national flag and festive flags and others playing ritual drums and gongs. Meanwhile, another group carried … [Read more...] about Over 2.5 million go on pilgrimage to ancestral land
Festival promotes Sri Lankan culture in Hanoi
The Sri Lanka Cultural Festival will take place at the Vietnamese Women’s Museum (VWM) in Hanoi from April 27-29, featuring diverse activities, according to Sri Lankan Ambassador to Vietnam S.H.U Dissnayake. Festival promotes Sri Lankan culture in Hanoi The diplomat told a press conference in Hanoi on April 23 that the event marks the 70th anniversary of Independence Day of Sri Lanka (February 4) and the 48th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Sri Lanka (1970-2018). The event will be jointly held by the Sri Lanka Embassy in Vietnam, the VWM and the Hanoi Association of Small-and Medium-sized Enterprises. The first-ever festival is expected to serve as a bridge between small-and medium-sized enterprises of the two countries. Visitors to the festival will have a chance to get an insight into the island nation as well as the relationship between Sri Lanka and Vietnam through sketch and photo exhibitions, booths and a fashion show. Vietnam and Sri Lanka … [Read more...] about Festival promotes Sri Lankan culture in Hanoi