Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in a recently-signed dispatch ordered the adoption of urgent measures to alleviate goods congestion and facilitate the export of agro-products along the border with China. The dispatch was issued at a time when border gates in the northern border province of Lang Son have seen an upsurge in the number of container trucks carrying farm produce for export, resulting in a prolonged customs clearance process and limited clearance capacity. Several fruits, meanwhile, are now ready to harvest in the country. This could pose a higher risk of congestion at the border gates as more container trucks transporting fruits for export to China will head to these areas. Therefore, PM Chinh urged the authorities in northern border provinces and relevant agencies to review regulations on the import and export of farm produce between Vietnam and China. They were told to work with the Chinese side to streamline the customs clearance process, extend … [Read more...] about Vietnamese PM orders emergency measures to ease farm produce congestion border with China
C china travel
Vietnam tourism forecast to see robust growth as visa restrictions relaxed: HSBC
"With the approaching summer holidays and potential easing of visa restrictions, which are under considerations by the National Assembly, Vietnam will likely see a punchier boost from international tourism, a much-needed support for its sharply slowing economy," HSBC said in a report. Vietnam has received 4.6 million international tourists so far this year, around 60% of this year’s target of 8 million. In May alone, it received over 916,000 foreign tourist arrivals. Despite falling slightly from April’s figure, Vietnam has seen its inbound tourism recovery reach around 70% of pre-pandemic levels. Tourists from China, the biggest feeder market of Vietnam’s tourism before the pandemic, have recovered to 35% of pre-pandemic levels. Legislators will vote on new bill on June 24 that seeks to extend the validity of e-visas from 30 days to a maximum of three months and allow multiple entries, and triple to 45 days the duration of visa-free stays for tourists from certain … [Read more...] about Vietnam tourism forecast to see robust growth as visa restrictions relaxed: HSBC
Chinese teen starves herself to death after crush chooses thinner girl
The girl, identified by the pseudonym Xiaoling, had been diagnosed with severe anorexia nervosa and passed away after more than 20 days in a deep coma, South China Morning Post reported Wednesday. She was trying to gain the attention and affection of a boy she had a crush on, who had reportedly fallen for a girl thinner than her. A girl drinking water. Illustration photo by Unsplash After going for 50 days from January to mid-March consuming nothing but water, Xiaoling fell into unconsciousness and was hospitalized. "She is as light as a quilt. We are not sure if she can regain consciousness," an unnamed doctor said in the video documenting Xiaoling’s treatment, which went viral on social media. The situation lasted for 20 days before her parents came to the heartbreaking decision to stop the treatment and let her go. Chinese netizens were left questioning the country’s rigorous beauty standards. … [Read more...] about Chinese teen starves herself to death after crush chooses thinner girl
Vietnam’s exports to hit $618 billion by 2030
The Southeast Asian country holds tremendous potential to be a global trading hub. Vietnam is likely to earn US$618 billion in exports by 2030, with an annual growth rate of 7%, according to Standard Chartered. "Vietnam will be a key driver of this global trade growth, outpacing the global average of 5% by a significant two percentage points," said the research report titled "Future of Trade: New opportunities in high-growth corridors". Vietnam will be a key driver of this global trade growth. Photo: dinhvuport.com.vn The UK-based bank projects that global trade will reach $32.6 trillion with a growth rate of 5% by 2030. Trade corridors anchored in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East will outpace the global trade growth rate by up to four percentage points, driving combined trade volume to $14.4 trillion to account for 44% of international trade by 2030. Mainland China, South Korea, and the US are expected to be Vietnam’s key trade partners in the … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s exports to hit $618 billion by 2030
New Quang Binh adventure tour
Quang Binh Province, famous for cave tours, is offering a new travel experience that allows tourists to slide down a 600-metre-long line amidst a hidden valley inside Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Quang Binh, home to UNESCO heritage site Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, is famous for its pristine caves and beautiful tourism sites. Along with famous places such as Thien Duong Cave, Chay River - Dark Cave, Nuoc Mooc Stream, Ngoc Bich Valley in Phong Nha-Ke Bang has become an emerging tourist destination. Ngoc Bich is located in Chay Lap Village, Phuc Trach commune, Bo Trach District. Covering 12 hectares, the valley is surrounded by high mountains, green jungle with Chay River flowing through, creating a beautiful natural landscape in the heart of Quang Binh. The most ideal time to visit Ngoc Bich Valley is in the summer. Due to its location right next to Dark Cave, the valley has a section of the Chay River flowing … [Read more...] about New Quang Binh adventure tour
Myanmar extends COVID-19 restrictions until end of June
Illustrative photo (Photo: thestar.com.my) Hanoi (VNA) – Myanmar ’s Central Committee on Prevention, Control and Treatment of COVID-19 on May 30 announced that the country will extend COVID-19 preventive measures until June 30. According to the committee, the extension includes all COVID-19 restrictions that were set to expire on May 31, excepting some that will be gradually eased, China's Xinhua News Agency reported on May 31. The extension applies to all orders, announcements and directives issued by relevant government organisations and ministries in their efforts to curb the spread of the pandemic. Official data showed that as of May 30, Myanmar recorded 638,818 COVID-19 cases. The death toll from COVID-19 in the country reached 19,494 and 617,774 patients have recovered./. VNA … [Read more...] about Myanmar extends COVID-19 restrictions until end of June
Vietnam to consider downgrading COVID-19 to flu-like status
Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan has said that Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh would chair a meeting of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control this weekend to deliberate the downgrading of COVID-19 from its current placement in Class A infectious diseases down to Class B. Lan told the National Assembly that on May 29 that the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced that COVID-19 no longer constituted a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, the designation that was attached to the viral disease more than three years ago, but the pandemic is not over yet. In accordance with the guidance of the Government leader, the Ministry of Health was also coordinating with other ministries and agencies to review the legal regulations, consult the experience of other countries, and review practical measures for the prevention and control of COVID-19 in Vietnam, Lan noted. The Ministry … [Read more...] about Vietnam to consider downgrading COVID-19 to flu-like status
Ho Chi Minh City celebrates International Children’s Day
Activities and programs honoring the International Children's Day (June 1) are taking place across Ho Chi Minh City from Thursday through the weekend. Among the activities being held to celebrate the occasion are a book garden program at the zoo, a southern fruit festival at Suoi Tien Theme Park in Thu Duc City, and several theatrical performances. Fees waived for children at Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens In honor of the International Children's Day, the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens in downtown Ho Chi Minh City allows children under 1.3 meters tall to enter and participate in activities free of charge. The zoo has also opened a book garden so that children can enjoy an outdoor reading space surrounded by over 1,000 children’s books. Free admission is offered to kids under 1.3 meters tall at the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Ho Chi Minh City on the International Children's Day , June 1, 2023. Photo: Bach Nam / Tuoi Tre Students … [Read more...] about Ho Chi Minh City celebrates International Children’s Day
Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang opens its doors in Viet Nam
A view of Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang hotel, Hilton's first beachfront hotel in Viet Nam. — Photo courtesy of the company Global hospitality company Hilton on May 31 announced the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang, the perfect getaway for leisure and business travellers alike in central Da Nang City. Conveniently situated just four kilometres from the city centre and located along the renowned My Khe Beach, all 234 rooms at Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang come with cerulean beach views, promising a warm and inviting stay for guests to unwind, relax, and rejuvenate. “Viet Nam continues to be one of the most dynamic travel destinations in Asia. To cater to the needs of the growing midscale segment seeking comfort and value, we are delighted to open the doors of Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang and welcome guests to Hilton’s first beachfront property in the coastal city. This opening speaks to our strong growth momentum in South East Asia and contributes to our ambition to double our footprint … [Read more...] about Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang opens its doors in Viet Nam
Ha Noi’s Thach That District strives to better connect craft villages with OCOP
Participants at a recent workshop on promoting Ha Noi's handicrafts and OCOP products in Thach That District. — VNA/VNS Photo In recent years, craft villages in Ha Noi's Thach That District have played an important role in economic restructuring, job creation, and income increase for workers. To help craft villages promote their effectiveness, Thach That District has supported them in participating in the One Commune One Product (OCOP) Programme to promote brands and improve the quality and value of their products. Kieu Duc Hoc from Dai Viet Arts Export Co in Binh Phu Commune, Thach That District said local bamboo and rattan craft villages have a long history and are famous for hundreds of products with beautiful and exquisite designs. Many of them have been recognised as OCOP products, such as his firm's Binh Phu rattan and bamboo products which have been exported to many countries such as Japan, China, South Korea, the Netherlands, and Germany thanks to their high … [Read more...] about Ha Noi’s Thach That District strives to better connect craft villages with OCOP