Although the number of new FDI projects approved in the first quarter this year grew over the same period in 2022, their capital pledges edged down.

Fresh investment capital in HCMC’s export processing zones and industrial parks reached US$90.14 million in the first quarter of the year, growing over 21% year-on-year and reaching 16.39% of the year’s plan.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong spoke on the phone with U.S. President Joe Biden on March 29.

Vietnam’s gross domestic product (GDP) in the first quarter of 2023 has grown by 3.32% year-on-year, the second lowest growth rate since 2011, according to the General Statistics Office.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has signed Document 178 ordering the lifting of hindrances to the real estate market and boosting the development of this sector.

The National Assembly Standing Committee has asked the Government to review a provision in the draft of the revised Housing Law that allows foreigners to own landed houses.

The Government is weighing increasing the duration of visa-free stay for international tourists to 45 days from the current 15 to attract guests from abroad.

Minister of Finance Ho Duc Phoc, deputy head of the National Steering Committee for Prevention of Smuggling, Counterfeit Goods and Trade Fraud has signed a decision setting up an interdisciplinary team for combating the smuggling of goods by air.

Vietnam’s digital economy saw the gross merchandise value (GMV) reaching US$23 billion last year, with e-commerce making up over 60%.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has called for a joint effort to switch off lights and unplug unnecessary electrical devices in response to this year’s Earth Hour event.