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Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered state agencies to prepare grand events and ensure safety with many foreign tourists expected to flock to one of the country's biggest festivals, Bangkok Post reported. Some 20 million people are expected to travel around the country between April 13 and 15 when the New Year is celebrated. The police have urged both Thai and foreign tourists to install their mobile app called "Tourist Police i lert u" to file complaints or call in an emergency. During Songkran, which falls in mid-April annually, crowds pack the streets for boisterous celebrations, which involves spraying water guns and hurling water off pick-up trucks. But to contain Covid, the government canceled celebrations for the last three years. … [Read more...] about Thailand expects 20 million travelers during Songkran holidays

The fire broke out shortly before midnight at the National Migration Institute (INM) facility in Ciudad Juarez, prompting the mobilization of firefighters and dozens of ambulances. An AFP journalist saw forensic personnel remove a dozen bodies from the INM's parking lot, where several other bodies were laid and covered with blankets. "The National Migration Institute (INM) of the Interior Ministry regrets the deaths -- so far -- of 39 foreign migrants, caused by a fire," an INM statement said. A rescuer, who asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to speak to the media, said there were about 70 migrants, mostly Venezuelans, at the center. Numerous migrants have been detained in the center in recent days after local authorities rounded up street vendors, some of whom were foreigners, from the area. A Venezuelan woman who gave her name as Viangly stood outside the immigration center, desperate for information about her 27-year-old husband who had been detained … [Read more...] about At least 39 killed in fire at Mexico-US border migrant center

In 2022, two-way trade between Yunnan (China) and the bordering provinces of Vietnam is expected to reach US$3.25 billion. The provincial authorities of Vietnam's Lao Cai and China's Yunnan agreed on March 28 to take necessary measures to lift their comprehensive ties, especially trade. A truck that links Lao Cai and Yunnan Province passes the Kim Thanh II International Border Gate. Photo: The Hanoi Times "The comprehensive partnership between Lao Cai and Yunnan has improved tremendously in recent years, but it has not reached its full potential," said Hoang Quoc Khanh, permanent vice chairman of the Lao Cai Provincial People's Committee. Khanh suggested that Yunnan authorities further relax regulations and facilitate cross-border trade and travel between the two nations to improve bilateral relations. The Lao Cai official said Chinese authorities should restore trade and travel activities to pre-pandemic levels. He also urged the Chinese government to … [Read more...] about Lao Cai and Yunnan provinces agree to strengthen bilateral ties

Locals and visitors to Hanoi in mid-April will be able to immerse themselves in traditional French culture and enjoy exquisite dishes, fine wines, and fresh fruits from France. Vietnam's largest French food festival - Balade en France, or Walk in France - will hold a special edition from April 14 to 16, according to the French Embassy in Vietnam. The poster of the “Balade en France” Festival 2023 This year's festival will be co-hosted by the Embassy and the Hanoi People's Committee, following the success of its two previous editions in 2018 and 2020. It will occur at the Ly Thai To Square and the surrounding area, Speaking at the press conference on March 28, Nicolas Warnery, French Ambassador to Vietnam, said that this large-scale public event is part of celebrating the 50th anniversary of French-Vietnamese diplomatic relations, showcasing French gastronomy. "To celebrate the important milestone of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and France, which … [Read more...] about Balade en France gastronomic festival – Walking in France in the heart of Hanoi

Local authorities will maintain inspection works at key areas, including Noi Bai International Airport, Yen Vien train station, ports, wholesale markets and shopping malls. Hanoi’s Steering Committee for Combating Smuggling, Commercial Fraud and Counterfeit Goods, known as Steering Committee 389, has announced its plan to intensify efforts to combat smuggling and trade frauds before, during and after the 2021 Lunar New Year holiday. Local authorities would maintain inspection works at key areas. Under the plan, the city’s Steering Committee 389 will enhance inspection works at key areas, including Noi Bai International Airport, Yen Vien train station, ports, wholesale markets, and shopping malls. The committee is set to mobilize personnel and resources to set up checkpoints at roads, railways, airports to prevent movement of smuggled, fake and low-quality products into the country. This is particularly important for the control of banned items or items that … [Read more...] about Hanoi intensifies efforts to combat smuggling and trade frauds ahead of Tet holiday

The fact that Asanzo only assembled products with components made by other companies but then labeled them as “Made-in Vietnam” is not an offense. The lack of specific criteria for “Made-in-Vietnam” products as well as for products assembled and then sold domestically means electronic firm Asanzo has not committed trade fraud, according to the conclusion the Anti-corruption, Economic crimes and Smuggling Department, aka C03, under the Ministry of Public Security. Electronic firm Asanzo is concluded not to commit trade fraud. As a result, the fact that Asanzo only assembled products with components made by other companies but then labeled them as “Made-in Vietnam”, “Manufactured in Vietnam”, or “Origin from Vietnam”, is not an offense, said C03. C03 requested the General Department of Vietnam Customs to check components and parts imported by Asanzo after they had been cleared by the customs authorities to ensure the firm’s compliance with laws on … [Read more...] about Vietnam electronic firm Asanzo not committed trade fraud

Property developers should focus on social housing and workers’ housing instead of high-end properties, according to the Prime Minister, who added that "real estate companies should restructure their products and market segments to lower housing and land prices." PM Chinh asked ministries to clear away legal obstacles facing property projects, especially those that issue corporate bonds, use bank loans, or mobilize capital from home buyers. He urged the State Bank of Vietnam to quickly implement an approved credit package of VND120 trillion (US$5.1 billion) for the development of social housing and housing projects for workers, and the renovation of old apartment blocks. Under the package, loan interest rates for buyers or developers of social housing projects and worker housing projects will be 1.5-2% lower than average bank lending rates. The central bank has also been tasked with lowering interest rates at commercial banks. The increasing costs of land, materials, labor, … [Read more...] about Prime Minister calls for more affordable housing

Press conference on March 28 to announce the organisation of 19th Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Fair (Photo: qdnd.vn) HCM City (VNA) – The 19th Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Fair will be held in the southern metropolis from April 6-9, organisers announced on March 28. The annual event will see a wide range of cultural, artistic and sport activities, and this year's edition will be one among the activities in response to the Visit Vietnam Year 2023 hosted by the south-central province of Binh Thuan. Notably, the tourism stimulation space will have nearly 100 booths, including 46 of other cities and provinces. Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, deputy director of the municipal Department of Tourism , said that the fair’s activities will seek to improve the quality of tourism services and promotion work./. VNA … [Read more...] about 19th Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Fair to take place next month

MoMo is the only Vietnamese representative in the list of Top 10 Global Platforms 2023. (Photo courtesy of MoMo) HCM City (VNA) - MoMo, Vietnam’s leading super app, has been named among the Top 10 Global Platforms by TABInsights, the research arm of The Asian Banker magazine. MoMo also won the award for “Best Platform for Financial Services in Vietnam” at the Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards from The Asian Banker on March 16. The only Vietnamese representative in the list of Top 10 Global Platforms 2023 ranks seventh in the list that includes behemoths like Alipay, Apple Pay and Paypal. TABInsights assessed the leading 20 global platforms and ranked them based on a six-dimensional balanced scorecard covering capabilities across six key dimensions: customer, coverage and service scope, usage and engagement, financial performance, strategy, and leadership. “The best platform demonstrates exceptional efforts to bring together a wide variety of integrated … [Read more...] about MoMo among Top 10 global financial service platforms

Tourists experience making clay arrows on the opening ceremony of  the Hanoi Tourism Festival 2023 on March 24 (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnam International Travel Mart (VITM) themed “Cultural tourism” will take place on April 13-16 at the Cultural Friendship Palace in Hanoi, featuring 450 pavilions from over 50 localities nationwide, and 15 countries and territories aroundthe world. The event is expected to attract over 60,000 visitors, and representatives from 2,500 businesses, that are interested in seeking cooperation opportunities and partners. Speaking at a press conference in Hanoi on March 28 to announce the event, Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association Vu The Binh said this year’s event aims to encourage travel firms to invest in developing new tourism products through making the most of unique traditional culture and culture heritage values of Vietnam. The difference in culture, customs, production activities, and daily life of 54 ethnic groups … [Read more...] about Vietnam International Travel Mart 2023 to spotlight cultural tourism