Danang hosts international Fireworks Festival Finnish fireworks team Joho Pyro Professional Fireworks were the champions of DIFF 2019. At this year’s event, they hope to bring several elements, including catchy and joyful music such as the song “Circle of Life” from the Lion King soundtrack. The Danang team from Vietnam will tell a story of peace and friendship, divided into three parts. The first part is a combination of music and colours and lights to awaken the audience’s emotions. The second part will use vibrant music combined with fireworks effects, expressing Danang people’s ability to overcome the pandemic. The final part will combine epic, explosive modern music, conveying a wish for the world to have peace, stability, and happiness. The opening night of DIFF 2023 sees artists such as Ho Ngoc Ha, Tung Duong, and beloved young singers such as Lam Bao Ngoc and Anh Tu take part. It was set to be a colourful music and dance party that was impressively choreographed. … [Read more...] about Danang hosts international Fireworks Festival
2019 muslim fashion
Vietnam’s Top 10 international tourist markets
In the first five months of the year, Vietnam welcomed nearly 4.6 million international visitors, 13 times the amount on-year and equal to 63 per cent compared to 2019. The ten largest markets were South Korea, Mainland China, the US, Taiwan, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Australia, and Singapore, providing a combined total of 3.3 million arrivals, accounting for 71 per cent of the total number of visitors. Before 2019, China was Vietnam's largest international tourist market, accounting for about 30 per cent of the total number of visitors. That year, Vietnam welcomed 18 million international visitors, of which China contributed 5.8 million, followed by visitors from Russia, the UK, and France. After the Covid-19 pandemic, South Korea has since risen to be the largest tourist market with 1.3 million arrivals, followed by China in second. Several European markets have also dropped out of the top ten, replaced by the likes of Cambodia and Singapore. According to … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s Top 10 international tourist markets
Vietcombank permitted to raise capital to $2.3 billion
Transactions at Vietcombank. — Photo courtesy of the bank The State Bank of Viet Nam (SBV) just allowed Vietcombank to raise its charter capital from VND47 trillion (US$2 billion) to VND55 trillion ($2.3 billion) by issuing shares to pay dividends from the remaining profits of 2019 and 2020. Previously, the bank’s 2022 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders approved the issuance of 856.5 million dividend stocks at a rate of 18.1 per cent. Once the issuance is completed, its charter capital will increase by nearly VND8.6 trillion to more than VND55.89 trillion, thereby surpassing Vietinbank and BIDV to become the second largest bank, after VPbank. Vietcombank said that the mobilised capital will be spent on expanding the business scale to meet the economy’s requirements, and investing in improving management and operation plans. The bank also plans to issue a maximum of nearly 2.8 billion shares to pay dividends from the remaining profit of 2021 and the remaining profit … [Read more...] about Vietcombank permitted to raise capital to $2.3 billion
Global airlines more than double 2023 profit outlook
"The pandemic years are behind us and borders are open as normal," Willie Walsh, head of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), told IATA's annual summit of some 300 carriers. IATA boosted its industry profit forecast to $9.8 billion from $4.7 billion cheered by strong travel demand and an easing in oil prices. Revenue is expected to grow by 9.7% to $803 billion, inching closer to 2019's pre-pandemic level of $838 billion. But slender profit margins of 1.2% mean repairing damaged balance sheets and offering sustainable returns on investments will continue to be a headache for some airlines, Walsh said. He said airlines on average make $2.25 per passenger, "which is less than the price of a cup of coffee, a subway ticket". The profit forecast, raised from one given in December, reflected a boost in Europe, despite a wave of strikes. Airlines have in recent months reported strong results as they prepare for a busy summer season, with travel demand … [Read more...] about Global airlines more than double 2023 profit outlook
Vietnamese children in need of online safety skills: experts
It's necessary to have joint efforts from all stakeholders, regardless of the Government, families, civil society, experts, and children, to ensure a safe digital environment for youngsters. Children aged 12-17 should be equipped with the essential knowledge to protect them in the digital world, as only 36% of them are taught how to stay safe online in Vietnam. Tran Dang Khoa, Deputy Director of the Information Security Department under the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC), raised the idea for fear that Vietnamese children will face increasing online threats if adults do not pay enough attention to the children. Khoa cited a report by the Ministry of Public Security's Department of Cyber Security and High-Tech Crime Prevention, which said that of 135 cases of online child abuse handled by police in the first quarter of 2023, 116 were related to sexual harassment. In the first three months of the year, the department blocked around 10,000 websites with … [Read more...] about Vietnamese children in need of online safety skills: experts
Norway strengthens support to Vietnam’s sustainable marine aquaculture
Norway has helped Vietnam develop the first Fisheries Law, supported surveys of aquatic resources, and capacity-building projects in the fisheries sector for nearly 40 years. Norwegian partners have intensified their support of Vietnam’s sustainable marine aquaculture through efforts that share expertise from a world-leading producer and exporter of seafood. The seminar on June 5 in the central coastal province of Khanh Hoa is the latest move in the process in which the ocean nation has supported Vietnam over the past four decades . Indeed, the event aims to create a platform for participants from the public, private sectors, and academia to discuss ways for Vietnam to develop marine aquaculture in a sustainable manner and the role of relevant stakeholders in that process. The seminar was organized by the Norwegian Embassy in Hanoi, Innovation Norway, Hanoi, in coordination with the Department of Fisheries (DFish) of the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural … [Read more...] about Norway strengthens support to Vietnam’s sustainable marine aquaculture
Expressway linking HCMC, Mekong Delta to become doubly wide
Officials from the Ministry of Transport's Project Management Board No. 7 said at a meeting with authorities in the Mekong Delta province of Long An Monday that work to expand the 62-km expressway would begin in 2025 and be completed in two years, allowing vehicles to travel at speeds of 120 kph. Connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Tien Giang Province and passing through Long An, the expressway opened to traffic in 2011 with four lanes and two emergency lanes. The only expressway between HCMC and the delta has become increasingly overloaded, especially during holidays such as Lunar New Year when people flock to their hometowns. Currently the maximum speed allowed for vehicles is 100 kph. Since toll collection was stopped in January 2019 it has seen the number of vehicles increase by 30% to 50,000 daily, resulting in frequent traffic snarls and accidents, according to the Directorate of Roads, which manages it. Last April the highway was lengthened by 50 km when the Trung Luong … [Read more...] about Expressway linking HCMC, Mekong Delta to become doubly wide
Australian tourists await loosened Vietnam’s visa policies
Rhonda Nichols from Far North Queensland said he loved Vietnam and had been to the country six times before. Nichols, who usually stays for about two to six weeks, said the government should improve its e-visa system, and remove the $25 fee to apply for a visa on arrival. "Thailand and Indonesia do not charge visa-on-arrival fees and that clearly creates a good impression for tourists," Nichols added. He said that Vietnam should consider extending the duration of stays for tourists because a 30-day e-visa is too short. Vietnam currently offers 30-day e-visa for tourists from 80 countries and territories, including Australia. Grant Wilson, an Australian tourist who has lived in Vietnam for six years, said Australia was in the grips of the worst cost of living crisis on record and were looking to travel to affordable countries in Southeast Asia. He said affordable could be understood as the price of a hotel room of under $100 per night, meals costing $10 and round-trip … [Read more...] about Australian tourists await loosened Vietnam’s visa policies
BASF Vietnam and Think Playgrounds launch seventh public playground in Ho Chi Minh City
Erick Contreras, managing director of BASF Vietnam, handing over the new public playground to the Binh Tan district’s Youth Union representatives on June 3 This collaborative effort aims to provide a safe and enjoyable space for children to engage in creative play, while also promoting environmental sustainability. Situated within the Sports and Culture Centre of Tan Tao Ward, the playground is strategically positioned to benefit the local community, particularly the children of immigrant workers. By offering access to recreational facilities outside of school hours, the playground serves as a valuable resource for the area's youth. What makes this playground truly special is its commitment to eco-friendly practices. Constructed using environmentally friendly materials such as responsibly sourced eucalyptus wood, recycled tyres, and panels made from plastic waste, the facility promotes a strong connection between children and nature. Moreover, it instils in them the … [Read more...] about BASF Vietnam and Think Playgrounds launch seventh public playground in Ho Chi Minh City
Quang Ninh welcomes about 7.1 million tourist arrivals in five months
Illustrative photo (Photo: VNA) Quang Ninh (VNA) – The northeastern province of Quang Ninh attracted about 7.1 million tourist arrivals in the first five months of this year, 1.7 times higher than the figure of the same period last year, according to the provincial Department of Tourism . The province earned 13.14 trillion VND (559.1 billion USD) from tourism activities, 1.83 times higher than that of the same period last year. In June, the province expects to attract 1.76 million holidaymakers. In 2023, Quang Ninh strives to become a "can't-miss" destination in Vietnam. It aims to attract 15 million visitors, 500,000 visitors higher than the figure in 2019 before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic./. VNA … [Read more...] about Quang Ninh welcomes about 7.1 million tourist arrivals in five months