1. Energy Security: A Lever to Strengthen Vietnam’s Competitiveness: Resolution No. 70-NQ/TW emphasizes the crucial role of energy in the economic security and sustainable competitiveness of Vietnam until 2030 and beyond. Experts from M&G Investments highlight the importance of maintaining a stable, high-quality energy system aligned with international ESG standards to attract long-term foreign direct investments in high-tech sectors like semiconductors and data centers. With significant potential in wind and solar energy and a strategy to reduce coal dependency, Vietnam emerges as an attractive destination for clean energy investments in Southeast Asia, enhancing investor confidence and modernizing the national value chain.
2. China: Solar Energy to Surpass Coal Power: China National Power Grid Corporation predicts that the country’s solar energy production capacity will exceed coal energy production for the first time in 2026, marking a significant milestone in the shift towards green energy.
3. EU Demands Google to Open Android Operating System to AI Competitors: The European Commission calls for Google to open its Android operating system to rival AI services to promote competition under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Google warns of potential unnecessary costs and privacy concerns while the EU threatens fines up to 10% of its global revenue if Google fails to comply.
4. Japan Maintains Interest Rates Amid Geopolitical Instability: The Bank of Japan (BoJ) opts to keep its policy rate at 0.75% at the April 28 meeting due to geopolitical risks in the Middle East and rising energy prices. BoJ raises its core inflation forecasts to 2.8% but lowers economic growth projections to 0.5% due to negative impacts of global crude oil markets.
5. Low-Cost Carriers Cut Flights Due to Fuel Costs: Airlines like Ryanair, Transavia, and Volotea reduce flights after facing significant losses following rising jet fuel prices post the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. AirAsia X hikes fares up to 40%, Lufthansa cancels 20,000 flights, with experts warning of worsening conditions for airlines struggling to absorb cost increases under their economic model.
6. US-Iran Tensions Affect Fed’s Monetary Policy: The Federal Reserve is expected to maintain interest rates between 3.5% and 3.75% amidst ongoing tensions between the US and Iran disrupting supply chains. The Brent crude oil price surge by 50% fuels US inflation above target, raising concerns over labor market weakness.
