On September 6, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Tim Hughes, Senior Vice President for Government and Global Business at SpaceX, a US-based company valued at approximately $210 billion and a leader in spacecraft, satellite launch, and satellite communications services.
During the meeting, Mr. Hughes shared that SpaceX has been providing its Starlink satellite internet service to nearly 3 million customers in over 100 countries since its launch in the US in October 2020. He expressed SpaceX’s readiness to invest in and provide Starlink services in Vietnam, including in education, training, and disaster prevention. SpaceX is eager to work with Vietnam to prepare the necessary infrastructure and conditions to ensure the project’s high effectiveness and contribute to the country’s goal of providing internet access to 100% of its population.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh appreciated SpaceX’s investment proposals and ideas for cooperation in Vietnam. He requested that SpaceX coordinate with relevant Vietnamese ministries, sectors, and agencies to implement the cooperation project while ensuring compliance with legal regulations and information network security. The Prime Minister also encouraged collaboration in areas such as science and technology, innovation, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh receives Tim Hughes, Senior Vice President for Government and Global Business of SpaceX – Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac (Government Portal)
Previously, during the 2024 Annual General Meeting of Viettel Global (VGI), a shareholder asked about Starlink’s plan to launch 42,000 internet satellites by 2027 and its intention to provide services in Vietnam and other countries. In response, Mr. Phung Van Cuong, CEO of Viettel Global, acknowledged that Starlink would need permission from respective countries to operate and that their services would not be cheap. He assured shareholders that Viettel Global is well-prepared for technological shifts and has plans in place, advising them not to worry about being left behind.
Mr. Cuong emphasized the dynamic nature of the market and how Viettel has always deployed both wireless and wired networks simultaneously, understanding that wired networks have their advantages in terms of stability, capacity, and technological advancements. He reassured shareholders that Viettel’s investment markets are 5-10 years behind Vietnam in terms of technology, and the company is ready for any transitions.
Mitsui & Co.’s Top Executive Visits Tasco: Kicking Off Concrete Collaboration Plans Post-Strategic Shareholding in Tasco Auto
On September 10, 2024, Mr. Tatsuo Yasunaga, Chairman of Mitsui & Co (“Mitsui”), a leading Japanese trading and investment company with a global presence in 60 countries, paid a visit to Tasco Auto in Hanoi. Mitsui has recently become a strategic shareholder of Tasco Auto.
The American Dream: Elevating Vietnamese Exports
The strong demand for “Made in Vietnam” products from American consumers has boosted the country’s export recovery to the US. Exports, which had declined by 21% in the first seven months of 2023, surged to a 24% increase in the same period this year, propelling manufacturing activity to a robust 10% growth.
The Vice Prime Minister Meets with Leading Hong Kong Conglomerates.
On the afternoon of September 10, immediately upon arriving in Hong Kong, China, to attend the 9th Belt and Road Summit at the invitation of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr. John Lee, Vietnam’s Permanent Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Nguyen Hoa Binh, met with leaders of several of Hong Kong’s foremost business groups, which have significant cooperative investments in Vietnam.
The Storm’s Wake: Businesses Battered by Yagi’s Fury
Super Typhoon Yagi, the most powerful storm to hit Asia in 2024 so far, wreaked havoc on Vietnam’s infrastructure and industrial facilities.
Request to Halt Operations on Vulnerable Bridges Amid High Water Levels
The collapse of the Phong Chau Bridge in Phu Tho has prompted the Vietnam Road Administration to take immediate action. They have mandated a temporary cessation of traffic on bridges deemed unsafe due to natural disasters, high water levels, strong currents, or structural weakness. This proactive measure ensures the safety of commuters and highlights the administration’s commitment to maintaining a robust and secure transportation network across Vietnam.
