Vietnam

Cháy chung cư ở Hong Kong: Ít nhất 44 người thiệt mạng

Bao Dien Tu | Local Language | News | Nov. 28, 2025 | Accidents

A large fire broke out on November 26 at 14:51 local time in a residential complex in Hong Kong, spreading rapidly to 7 of the 8 buildings due to strong winds and the presence of bamboo scaffolding and protective netting. The complex, consisting of towers over 30 stories high and housing approximately 4,000 residents, was undergoing renovation and covered with bamboo scaffolding and green netting. The fire caused thick black smoke and serious damage, prompting Hong Kong authorities to deploy 128 fire engines, 57 ambulances, and nearly 800 firefighters, while raising the fire alert to the highest level 5.

As of November 27, at least 44 people have died in the incident. Injuries mainly include respiratory problems, burns, and carbon monoxide poisoning, with many patients requiring intensive care. Nine hospitals activated emergency protocols to treat the injured, and the Tai Po district office set up temporary shelters for 900 affected residents, supported by relief teams from all 18 districts of Hong Kong. The Chief Executive, John Lee, confirmed that firefighting efforts were gradually bringing the blaze under control.

Three individuals linked to the engineering company responsible for repairs and maintenance of the buildings have been arrested, including two directors and one technical advisor. Investigations revealed that the protective netting and plastic panels on the building's exterior did not meet fire safety standards. A joint task force from the Police and Fire Services Departments is examining the cause of the fire and whether the scaffolding materials contributed to the rapid spread. Authorities are also progressing with inspections as bamboo scaffolding, although common in Hong Kong, is being phased out following previous fire concerns.

The housing complex, Wang Fuk Court, established in 1983 under a local government support program, had approved a renovation project worth over 42 million USD last year. The exact cause of the fire remains undetermined, but the materials used on scaffolding combined with strong winds are suspected factors in the extensive damage and casualties.

ASL Law Firm | English | AcademicThink | Nov. 28, 2025 | Regulation

On 27 October 2025, Vietnam’s Minister of Industry and Trade initiated an anti-circumvention investigation under case code AC03.AD20 targeting certain hot-rolled steel products originating from China. A detailed questionnaire has been issued to domestic producers and importers to collect information on production, imports, and trade practices that may indicate circumvention of existing trade remedy measures.

The questionnaire is accessible online through official electronic systems, with a submission deadline of 17:00 Hanoi time on 24 December 2025. Respondents must follow the specified online procedures and provide complete and accurate information, as failure to comply may be regarded as non-cooperation under trade remedy regulations. Importers are also advised to coordinate with their foreign suppliers to ensure necessary information is submitted.

Guidance on completing the questionnaire, including document format and submission instructions, is provided within the questionnaire itself. Stakeholders are encouraged to thoroughly review these instructions and seek assistance from specialized legal firms such as ASL Law, a top-tier Vietnamese law firm specializing in anti-dumping and trade remedy, to safeguard their interests during the investigation.

Hà Nội cấm xe máy xăng trong vành đai 1 theo khung giờ từ 1/7/2026

VN Express | Local Language | News | Nov. 28, 2025 | Regulation

On November 26, the Hanoi People’s Council unanimously approved a Resolution on low-emission zones under the Capital City Law 2024. The Resolution introduces restrictions on petrol-powered motorcycles and app-based hired vehicles within designated low-emission zones during specific time slots or in particular areas. Cars not meeting emission standard level 4 will also face time- or route-based restrictions, with an emphasis on transitioning commercial vehicles from fossil fuels to green energy. From July 1, 2026, taxis must be electric or use green energy, and all motorbikes must complete their conversion by 2030. Further restrictions on vehicle circulation will be decided by the City People’s Committee starting January 1, 2035.

The low-emission zones will initially pilot in wards within Ring Road 1 from July 1, 2026, including Hai Bà Trưng, Cửa Nam, Hoàn Kiếm, Ba Đình, and others. By January 1, 2028, the zone will expand to include the entire Ring Road 1 and parts of Ring Road 2. From January 1, 2030, the low-emission zone will cover all wards within Ring Road 3. Additional measures include banning new registrations of fossil fuel vehicles for organizations and prohibiting petrol- or diesel-powered trucks over 3.5 tons from entering these areas. Local communes outside the designated rings are tasked with drafting their own plans for low-emission zones.

The shift to time-slot bans rather than full-time restrictions is designed to accommodate infrastructure readiness, social conditions, and residents’ travel habits. Air pollution, driven predominantly by traffic emissions with motorbikes as the main contributors, has been a longstanding problem in Hanoi. Data shows particulate matter levels (PM2.5 and PM10) exceed national standards, with traffic responsible for 58–74% of emissions. Hanoi currently hosts over 8 million vehicles, including nearly 7 million motorbikes, and faces significant through-traffic daily. The low-emission zones will be prioritized based on environmental protection needs, congestion levels, and recent air quality data.