BRUSSELS — The European Union (EU) always attaches importance to its relationship with Việt Nam, and considers the country an important partner in the region, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said.

Vietnam’s national assembly approved on Wednesday (Jul 6) a plan to cut environment tax on fuel by half for the second time in three months as soaring energy prices put pressure on inflation, state television reported.

Vietnamese automaker VinFast, which expects to launch two electric vehicles in Europe and the U.S. market this year, is partnering with Taiwanese battery startup ProLogium Technology on solid-state EV batteries for delivery as early as 2024, VinFast said in a statement.

National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue had a meeting in London on June 30 (local time) with UK Cabinet Office Minister and President for 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) Alok Sharma who expressed impression at Vietnam’s determination in transition to green and renewable energy.

Vietnam plans to cut its Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff on gasoline to 12% from 20% to help ease inflationary pressure, the government said on Thursday.

A workshop themed “Vietnam as your Green business opportunities destination” was held by the Belgian Vietnamese Alliance (BVA) and the Flanders International Technical Agency (FITA) in Brussels on June 22 to introduce Vietnam’s potential in renewable energy and sustainable port development.

Experts say an exclusive focus on renewable energy, accounting for 27 percent of total power supply, will not be enough to help Vietnam reach its “net-zero” emissions target by 2050.

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched a US$36 million clean energy investment scheme in Vietnam. USAID launched the project as it seeks to increase private sector investment and improve operational performance in Vietnam’s energy sector.

Although there is less sunshine in northern Vietnam than in other regions, some Hanoi residents are still happy with the electricity their rooftop solar power systems produce. Statistics from the Vietnam Energy Association showed the north enjoys only 1,500-1,700 hours of sunshine a year compared to 2,000-2,600 hours in the central and southern regions.

Vietnamese officials affirmed the country’s consistent efforts to guarantee nuclear safety and security and to apply atomic energy in service of sustainable development during a recent meeting with representatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).