Day: June 27, 2023

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Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and Wega form strategic partnership in Finland

Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners through its CI Advanced Bioenergy Fund I (CI ABF I) today announced that it has signed an agreement with Wega Group OY to establish an advanced bioenergy platform in Finland

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, June 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Under the partnership announced today, CIP and WEGA will join forces to source, develop, and construct advanced bioenergy projects in Finland – primarily focused on technologies such as biogas and gasification. The collaboration brings together CIP’s expertise in financing and developing large-scale green transition infrastructure and Wega’s expertise within renewable energy and sustainable supply chains in Finland.

Once fully established, the platform will seek to develop multiple projects with individual investment sizes of EUR 50m – 200m within the foreseeable future. The projects will produce green molecules (hydrogen and/or ammonia?) which can be used for the transportation sector and hard-to-abate sectors such as heavy industry, contributing to the circular economy and the green transition.

Thomas Dalsgaard, Partner at CIP, says: “We see a strong potential within the advanced bioenergy sector in Finland, and already have visibility on a robust pipeline within biogas and gasification. We look forward to progressing the project and pipeline development with WEGA and contributing to Finland’s further transition to renewable energy.”

CEO of WEGA Niko Ristikankare added: ”At Wega, we all are very excited to start building a new advanced fuels platform together with CIP. We are impressed by their rock-solid expertise and forward looking strategy. We believe that cooperation with strong partner like CIP enables us to grow the Finnish advanced fuels production to the next level.”

About Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners
Founded in 2012, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners P/S (CIP) today is the world’s largest dedicated fund manager within greenfield renewable energy investments and a global leader in offshore wind. The funds managed by CIP focuses on investments in offshore and onshore wind, solar PV, biomass and energy-from-waste, transmission and distribution, reserve capacity, storage, advanced bioenergy, and Power-to-X.

CIP manages ten funds and has to date raised approximately EUR 19 billion for investments in energy and associated infrastructure from more than 140 international institutional investors. CIP has approximately 400 employees and 11 offices around the world. For more information, visit www.cip.com

About Wega Group OY
Founded in 2012, Wega is a detective of better energy for its customers. Wega has specialised in services covering the production and distribution of renewable fuels as well as building reliable and sustainable supply chains. Their solution-focused team investigates energy related questions and issues for small and large companies as well as for municipal operators. Wega employs over 35 energy professionals and has offices in Espoo, Finland. For more information, visit www.wega.fi/en

For further information, please contact:

E-mail: media@cip.dk

Oliver Routhe Skov, Head of Media Relations
Phone: +45 30541227
Email: orsk@cisc.dk

Thomas Kønig, Partner – Investor Relations
Phone: +45 7070 5151
Email: tkon@cip.dk

Toni Hemminki, Partner and Chief Operating Officer
Phone: +358 40 668 4441
Email: toni.hemminki@wega.fi

Niko Ristikankare, Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Phone: +358 50 347 2528
Email: niko.ristikankare@wega.fi

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000827125

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Hoiana Shores Golf Club Earns Coveted Spot in Top 100 Golf Courses in the World 2023

Hoiana Resort & Golf, situated along the 4km pristine coast in Central Vietnam.

HOI AN, Vietnam, June 26, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hoiana Shores Golf Club at Hoiana Resort & Golf is proud to announce its remarkable achievement of being named one of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the world by Golf World Top 100. What sets this recognition apart is that Hoiana Shores Golf Club is not only the sole golf course in Vietnam but also the lone representative from Asia to make it onto this esteemed list.

Renowned and seasoned industry veterans played an instrumental role in evaluating and selecting the winners. The panel consisted of individuals with extensive experience and knowledge in the golfing world. Notable panelists include Chris Bertram, Golf World Top 100 Courses editor, who has played all of the UK, Ireland and Continent’s finest courses, and Darius Oliver, a respected course writer & architect who has played an impressive 2,000 courses worldwide. Joining them were David McLay-Kidd, a celebrated architect with expertise in the UK and America, and Jimmie James, who has personally experienced more than 70 courses on the Golf.com World Top 100 list.

“Hoiana Shores Golf Club being recognized as one of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the world fills us with immense pride,” stated Steve Wolstenholme, President & CEO of Hoiana Resort & Golf. “It serves as a testament to the unwavering dedication, collective effort, and hard work of our entire team. We are committed to providing exceptional service and outstanding amenities, and this recognition further strengthens our resolve.”

Situated in Central Vietnam, Hoiana Shores Golf Club boasts a breathtaking 71-par championship link course. With meticulous attention to detail and a seamless integration with the natural landscape, the 18-hole course offers a challenging yet captivating experience for golfers of all levels. Set against the backdrop of the picturesque coastline, it is an oasis of tranquility and beauty.

The Hoiana Shore Golf Club -The magnificent 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.

Adding to the allure of Hoiana Shores is its exceptional Club House, where golfers can indulge in first-class amenities and services. The Club House is also home to the 1552 Bistro, where guests can relish a delightful fusion of local Vietnamese delicacies and international classic dishes, meticulously crafted by our accomplished culinary team.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed panelists who evaluated the golf courses for the Top 100 list,” expressed Steve. “Their expertise and discerning evaluation process have added significant value to this recognition. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to the pursuit of excellence, further solidifying Hoiana Shores Golf Club at Hoiana Resort & Golf as a premier golf destination.”

Hoiana Shores Golf Club Earns Coveted Spot in Top 100 Golf Courses in the World 2023, offers one of the most compelling golf experiences in South East Asia

Beyond the world-class golf course, Hoiana Resort & Golf offers a comprehensive array of accommodation, dining, and entertainment options within an integrated resort setting. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in luxury, as well as experience an extraordinary golf holiday. To learn more about our exclusive Golf Holidays package and reserve your place on the renowned Hoiana Shores Golf Club, please visit www.hoiana.com or contact our reservations team at +84 235 858 8888.

About Hoiana Resort & Golf:
Hoiana Resort & Golf, Vietnam’s pre-eminent luxurious integrated resort, is located on the pristine coastline near the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Hoi An, Vietnam. In the 2023 Travel+Leisure Asia Pacific Luxury Awards, Hoiana was honored with the prestigious title of “Third Place in the Integrated Resort Category”, making it the only resort in Vietnam to be listed. The stunning 4-kilometer beachfront complex features four luxury hotels – Hoiana Hotel & Suites, offering 141 beautifully appointed suites; New World Hoiana Hotel, with 476 guestrooms; New World Hoiana Beach Resort, boasting 330 elegantly and sustainably designed rooms and suites; and Rosewood Hoi An (opening soon). Additionally, Hoiana Residences provides a home away from home with 270 luxuriously and spaciously appointed apartments overlooking lush gardens or the East Sea.

The integrated resort is also home to more than 10 world-class restaurants serving over 12 types of cuisines, from authentic Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese, and international flavors. It also provides cutting-edge gaming entertainment with over 140 tables and 300 electronic games offering a variety of exhilarating gaming options.

The resort also boasts a magnificent 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the Hoiana Shores Golf Club. The 71-par links course offers one of the most compelling golf experiences in South East Asia and challenges players with a rewarding game. The clubhouse, spanning over 6,000 sq.m., is set to be one of the largest clubhouses in Asia and hosts a comprehensive suite of facilities. The course was awarded “Best Golf Course in Vietnam 2022” and “Top 10 Best Golf Course in Vietnam 2022” by Vietnam Golf & Leisure Awards and recently placed 15th among the ‘Top 100 Golf Courses in Asia’ in an accolade jointly organized by Golf Travel Korea and Golf Travel China, recognizing excellent golf courses and promoting golf culture across the Asian continent. Highly regarded as the “Oscars” of the global golf club industry, the Asian Golf Awards honored Hoiana Resort & Golf as the “Best Golf Resort in Asia Pacific” and awarded Hoiana Shores as the “Best Golf Course in Vietnam” in Nov 2022.

Hoiana has completed its first phase of an overall $4 billion development project, encompassing 1000-hectares of land just south of Hoi An, Quảng Nam. With an ambitious development plan in the pipeline, Hoiana will continue to set a new benchmark for luxurious tourism in Vietnam while balancing its cultural heritage, to bring economic prosperity and opportunity to the central province of Quang Nam.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8c1215e8-62c0-44b1-92b6-5164b309a7c2

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ab777fcc-8b74-4894-b2c8-fa2ec0817ea6

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6b6fada3-c85f-4a7f-9e51-438e19fcec2f

Media contact:
Ms. Michelle Wong
Director, Brand Communications
E: michelle.w@hoiana.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8864947

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Afternoon briefing on June 27

The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.

– Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on June 27 emphasised the importance of global and all-people approaches to and response measures against “headwinds” that are hindering economic growth of the world and Vietnam, while addressing a debate themed “Braving the Headwinds: Rewiring Growth Amid Fragility” within the framework of the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions (AMNC) of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Tianjin, China. Read full story

– Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on June 27 had separate bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Barbados and Mongolia on the occasion of their attendance at the 14th Annual Meeting of the New Champions (AMNC) of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Tianjin, China. Read full story

– Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha held talks with his Dutch counterpart Carola Schouten in The Hague on June 26 as part of his working visit to the Netherlands, during which Ha affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to its comprehensive partnership with the Netherlands. Read full story

– Ten years after its establishment (June 27, 2013 – June 27, 2023), the Vietnam – Indonesia strategic partnership has been consolidated and strengthened across many areas, former Indonesian Ambassador to Vietnam Ibnu Hadi talked to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)’s correspondents in Jakarta on the occasion of the anniversary. Read full story

– The stock market has reportedly shown positive response to recent interest rate cuts. Last week, the benchmark VN-Index rose 2.1%, equivalent to 24 points to 1,129.38 points. The money flows tended to be channeled into bank stocks while some steel and chemical ones also went up thanks to high hopes for the pressure from lending interest rates to be eased.

The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) continued reducing regulatory interest rates on June 19, the fourth cut in a row since mid-March. Read full story

– The number of foreign visitors to Vietnam is predicted to see a 1.5-fold increase following the extension of tourist e-visas from 30 to 90 days from August 15, according to insiders. It is part of the Law on amendments and supplements to a number of articles of the Law on the Exit and Entry of Vietnamese Citizens, as well as the Law on Foreigners’ Entry into, Exit from, Transit through, and Residence in Vietnam, approved by the National Assembly on June 24 at its fifth session. Read full story

– China spent 805 million USD on importing vegetables and fruits from Vietnam in the first four months of 2023, up 29% year-on-year, according to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetables Association (Vinafruit). The neighbour led the top five importers of Vietnam’s vegetables and fruits with exports to the country accounting for 59% of Vietnam’s total export volume. Read full story

– Ho Chi Minh City and the Ile-de-France region have agreed to work together in studying and building specific cooperation programmes in economic development, heritage conservation, and ecological transition during at a June 26 meeting in Paris between the region’s Regional Council and a HCM City delegation headed by Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen. Read full story

– Bach Mai Hospital in collaboration with Medical Excellence Japan (MEJ) and Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) on June 27 organised the 2nd Vietnam- Japan conference on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The conference saw the attendance of leading medical experts from the two countries, who discussed the current situation, challenges, control strategies, and management of NCDs in three plenary sessions and four thematic sessions about cardiology, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory. Read full story

– A workshop on public diplomacy in Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) was held by the Institute for Northeast Asian Studies under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences in Hanoi on June 27. It was part of a research project on the enhancement of public diplomacy towards the Vietnam – RoK comprehensive strategic partnership. Read full story

– Various mass movements implemented across the nation over the past year have produced positive effects, enhancing public awareness about the fine traditional family values of Vietnam, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said on the occasion of the Vietnam Family Day (June 28). Read full story

– More than 1 million candidates arrived at examination venues nationwide on June 27 to complete procedures for their participation in the 2023 National High School Graduation Exam, which will commence the next day.

According to the Ministry of Education and Training, a total of 1,024,063 students registered for the test, an increase of over 20,000 compared to last year. Read full story

– A total of 120 children, including 100 from Japan and 20 from Vietnam, will take part in the upcoming Japan Football Association (JFA) Uniqlo Soccer Kids slated for July 1 and 2 in Vietnam. The event, co-organised by the JFA and the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), is part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations. Read full story./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

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Economic expected to grow at least 4.8%: PM

Briefing the 5th Ordinary Session of the National Assembly’s 9th legislature on Monday, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone expressed his belief that the GDP of the Lao PDR in the first half of 2023 will grow by at least 4.8%.

The first three months of the year recorded an economic growth of 4.8% as the second quarter is expected to record a growth of 4.9%.

Previously, the National Assembly expected the country’s economy to grow by 4.5%, or reaching 234 trillion kip, this year.

As of May 2023, revenue collection reached over 15.1 trillion kip, representing 39% of the annual target set for this year, or up by 41% year on year.

Domestic revenue reached 11.8 trillion kip, 43% of the annual target, as revenue collection in the first half of the year is expected to reach 18.4 trillion kip, accounting for 48% of the annual plan.

“The government has attached attention to addressing fluctuating exchange rates and inflation and narrow the gap in exchange rates between banking system and non-banking system. These efforts included closing exchange shops and authorising commercial banks to open their own exchange kiosks like in other countries. Currently, the commercial banks are focusing on expanding their exchange kiosks and we are piloting authorising commercial banks to trade foreign currencies online through bank accounts and order that all transactions for settling goods or service purchase and investment capital must be made through a banking system,” said Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.

Exports in the first half of the year reached 3.64 billion US dollars, increased by 4.74% year on year. Yet, the exports in the first six months are expected to be 4.27 billion US dollars, rising by 2.49%.

Imports in the previous months were estimated at 2.64 billion US dollars, representing an increase of 1.75%. As a result, the country is expected to record a trade surplus of 998.26 million US dollars.

The government has recorded a positive progress in reforming five strategic state enterprises namely Electricite du Laos, EDL Gen, Lao Airlines, Lao State Fuel, and Agro-Industrial Development and Service State Enterprise, according to the Minister of Planning and Investment Khamjane Vongphosy.

Source: Lao News Agency

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President Thongloun receives Letter of Credence from new India Ambassador

President Thongloun Sisoulith received in Vientiane on Jun 26 a letter of credence from new India Ambassador to the Lao PDR Prashant Agrawal.

The presentation of credentials was followed by a cordial discussion on ways and measures to further strengthen cooperation in various dimensions such as health, technology, and digital infrastructure, as also to realize immense potential in boosting economic, commercial and investment links.

India and the Lao PDR enjoy historically close and warm ties with shared cultural heritage. The two countries have a robust development partnership, with focus on capacity building and training, and implementation of a number of joint projects in areas such as agriculture and power generation and transmission to bring development and growth to the people.

Regular high-level exchanges have imparted renewed momentum to the ties between the two countries.

Source: Lao News Agency

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Drought affects Thailand’s cassava output

Thailand’s exports of cassava and cassava products are estimated at 9 million tonnes this year, down from 11 million tonnes last year due to reduced output caused by drought, according to the Foreign Trade Department under the Ministry of Commerceof Thailand.

Ronnarong Phoolpipat, director-general of the department, said there is high demand for tapioca and tapioca products from Thailand when customers are willing to buy all available quantities, but this year Thai production has been affected by drought conditions, denting output.

He advised farmers not to rush harvesting small cassava roots that are unsuitable for sale during periods of high prices, as it may affect the overall quality.

In the first five months of this year, Thailand exported 4.73 million tonnes of cassava and cassava products valued at USD 7 billion, marking year-on-year decreases of 21% and 19%, respectively.

China remains Thailand’s top export market for cassava products, accounting for 65% of the total.

Thailand is expected to import about 2.4 million tonnes of cassava chips from neighbouring countries, such as Laos and Cambodia, to meet the demand.

Source: Lao News Agency