HCMC allocates US$710,000 for creative and innovation support

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) plans to allocate nearly VND17 billion (US$710,000) from its budget for fostering creative and innovation projects.

According to a proposal submitted to the Standing Committee of the City People's Council, the city will also prioritize financial support for startup initiatives based on criteria such as innovation, organizational capacity, economic efficiency or social impact, potential market, technology application, and business model.

IELTS average score for Vietnamese people is 6.2

The IELTS average score for Vietnamese people in 2022 was 6.2, ranking 23rd among 40 countries and territories, according to the global IELTS test taker performance 2022 report.

Specifically, Vietnamese test takers' average scores for listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills were 6.4, 6.4, 6.0, and 5.8, respectively. Compared to the global average, Vietnamese test takers achieved higher scores in reading and writing but lower scores in listening and speaking. The most common score achieved by Vietnamese candidates was 6.0, accounting for 22% of the total certificate recipients. 

VNR proposes upgrading two railway stations 

VNR proposes upgrading two current stations. Photo: VNA

Vietnam Railway Corporation (VNR) has proposed to the Ministry of Transport to invest in the upgrade of two major railway stations, Song Than (the southern province of Binh Duong) and Cao Xa (the northern province of Hai Duong). 

The corporation also proposes renovating and constructing office and customs service buildings, a 1,000 m2 warehouse, and a 10,000 m2 cargo yard at the Cao Xa railway station, with a total investment of VND61 billion (US$2.5 million). The firm will continue to study and invest in upgrading and completing the Cao Xa station complex.

Vietnam's IT revenue declines by 5% in Jan-Aug

The total revenue of Vietnam's information technology industry in the first eight months of 2023 was estimated at nearly US$86.8 billion, a 5% year-on-year decrease.

According to the Ministry of Information and Communications, the decline stems from the export value of hardware, electronics, computers, and components. The global economy facing difficulties directly affected Vietnam's export market for goods, services, and IT products. 

Over 94,000 social housing units completed in the 1-million-unit program

The Ministry of Construction reported the completion of approximately 94,390 apartments in 181 social housing projects under the program to build 1 million units of affordable housing for low-income workers in industrial zones for 2021-2030. 

The program is jointly implemented by the ministry, the State Bank of Vietnam, other ministries, sectors, and localities. 

Groundbreaking for 4 industrial clusters in Dong Anh 

Delegates attend the groundbreaking ceremony of the event. Photo: The Hanoi Times

The groundbreaking ceremony for four industrial clusters specializing in wood processing, civil woodworking, artistic carving, and lacquer painting was held on September 5 in Dong Anh District. These clusters include the Thiet Binh Industrial Cluster with an investment capital of approximately VND491.7 billion (US$20.5 million), the Lien Ha 2 Industrial Cluster (VND426.8 billion ($17.8 million), the Duc Tu Industrial Cluster (VND336.8 billion ($14 million), and the Thuy Lam Industrial Cluster (VND326.2 billion ($13.6 million).