Press digest – March 4

Gov’t determines to achieve universal health insurance

The PM chaired a meeting with Deputy PMs Vu Van Ninh and Vu Duc Dam and other relevant agencies and ministries to listen to the implementation of the Law on Health Insurance and the Master Plan for Universal Coverage in the 2012-2015 phase, with an orientation to 2020.

PM Nguyen Tan Dung has asked for expanding universal health insurance coverage to 75% of the population by 2015 and 80% by 2020. 

The PM asked ministries, agencies and localities at all levels to launch effectively specific action plans and programs to implement universal health insurance as set forth as well as completing mechanisms and policies to facilitate all citizens' participation in health insurance.

Former UK PM vows assistance to VN

Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has promised all possible help to Viet Nam including introducing high-profile investors as strategic partners in the equalization of Vietnamese State-owned enterprises (SOEs).

Meeting with PM Nguyen Tan Dung, Mr. Blair expressed his optimism about the prospect of cooperation between Tony Blair Office and Vietnamese partners, saying that he would continue joint efforts to successfully develop public-private partnership models, overhaul Vietnamese SOEs and stimulate foreign investment.

He also mentioned upcoming activities to nurture coordination across science - technology, and education - training with Viet Nam.

VN, Denmark explore education link

Sixty Vietnamese and Danish universities and colleges explored cooperation prospects during an education forum, which coincided with Danish Minister of Education Christine Antorini’s three-day visit.

Denmark has a strong track record of providing unique and world-class teaching and learning solutions, Antorini said at the event, adding that Viet Nam and Denmark are likely to work together in vocational and business training at the high school level and other fields that meet Viet Nam’s needs.

A number of Danish educational establishments, including Skive Handelsskole, Training Centre South, Niels Brock, and UCC Professions Hojskolen, presented their credentials and training majors, both short-term and long-term, and introduced options for special-need students.

Trade deficit of US$61 million in two months

Viet Nam’s excess of imports over exports in the first two months of 2015 was estimated at US$61 million.

The nation gained US$23 billion from exports over the past two months, a year-on-year increase of 8.6%.

Viet Nam’s import turnover attained US$23 billion in two months, a year-on-year increase of 16.3%.

Exports to Laos up 48%

The exports of iron and steel led Viet Nam’s commodities exported to Laos, bringing home US$13.49 million, up 116.97% against the previous year and accounting for 25% of the total export turnover.

Viet Nam earned US$53.43 million from exports to Laos in January, up 47.96%.

Nghe An reaches investment deals worth almost US$1bln

The central province of Nghe An granted investment licenses to 8 projects and signed 4 deals worth over US$967 million during an annual New Year meeting in Vinh city.

Last year, Nghe An granted investment licenses to 105 projects worth more than VND18.5 trillion (US$880 million), representing increases of 45.83% in number and 43.74% in value against a year earlier. The projects have been put into operation and generated 8,000 jobs.

Dong Nai has 420 firms in support industry

The southern province of Dong Nai currently has 420 enterprises specializing on producing accessories and spare parts for garments & textiles, mechanics and other industries.

By Thuy Dung