The fifth plenary session of the 15th National Assembly has discussed and approved a number of important draft bills, including three new amendments to regulations that have significant impacts on the tourism industry in Vietnam. These policies are expected to boost the recovery and development of the tourism sector. Martin Koerner - Chairman EuroCham Vietnam’s Tourism and Hospitality Sector Committee The first law is to extend the visa exemption duration from the current 15 days to 45 days for citizens of countries that currently can travel to Vietnam visa exempt, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Japan, South Korea, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Sweden. This law aims to attract more tourists from these key markets and encourage them to stay longer and spend more here. The second law is to expand the list of countries eligible for e-visa from 46 to 80, including markets such as India, Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina. The e-visa allows visitors to apply … [Read more...] about The future of tourism in Vietnam new visa policies and beyond
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Vietnam, China exchange market management experience
At the talks (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Dang Hoang An held talks with deputy head of the Chinese State Administration for Market Supervision (SAMR) Pu Chun in Hanoi on June 5, during which they exchanged information and experience regarding market management. The meeting is expected to mark a start for cooperation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) and the Vietnam Directorate of Market Surveillance (DMS), and the SAMR, said An. Pu Chun, for his part, said the MoIT is the first agency a SAMR leader has visited since its establishment in 2018, expressing his willingness and wish to partner with the MoIT and its DMS, especially in food safety inspection and management. Tran Huu Linh, head of the DMS, suggested the two sides increase the exchange of information about counterfeit goods, particularly food of unknown origin, and soon sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation between the MoIT … [Read more...] about Vietnam, China exchange market management experience
Viet Nam does not face challenge from Cambodia pepper exports to China: experts
About 90-95 per cent of Cambodia's pepper output has been exported to Viet Nam. — Photo nld.com.vn Viet Nam's pepper exports are not challenged by Cambodia being issued a licence to export its pepper to China directly, according to experts. The Viet Nam Trade Office in Cambodia quoted Khmer Times sources saying that Cambodian pepper would be available in China directly after the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) approved Cambodia’s export proposal. Accordingly, the GACC approved seven packaging factories and 28 growing facilities for pepper exports in Cambodia. Le Viet Anh, head of the Viet Nam Pepper Association's office, Cambodia exporting pepper directly to China was not a challenge for Viet Nam's pepper exports immediately because the pepper volume exported from Cambodia to China was not much. “About 90-95 per cent of Cambodia's pepper output have been exported to Viet Nam, then processors in Viet Nam have re-exported the volume to other countries, … [Read more...] about Viet Nam does not face challenge from Cambodia pepper exports to China: experts
PM urges greater efforts to accelerate administrative reforms
The most effective competitive advantage for Vietnam's economy is creating a favorable business investment environment free of legal barriers. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has signed a decree to urge ministries and provinces/cities to boost administrative reforms and improve the investment environment to support local enterprises. Electronics production at Katolec Vietnam in Quang Minh Industrial Park, Hanoi. Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times "A conducive investment environment is a fundamental platform helping businesses operate smoothly and drive growth. This, in turn, promotes job creation and contributes to overall socio-economic development," said the decree. Vietnam has been trying to cut administrative regulations and compliance costs as part of its national digital transformation effort. As of May 2023, the country's total number of administrative procedures was 6,422, 376 fewer than the same period in 2020. This is expected to improve the … [Read more...] about PM urges greater efforts to accelerate administrative reforms
IMF highlights rising debt risks for Asian companies
Asia’s increased borrowing in recent decades has augmented the region’s exposure to rising interest rates and heightened market volatility, said the International Monetary Fund (IMF). According to the IMF’s latest report on May 25, over 18 per cent of Vietnamese enterprises were found to have an interest coverage ratio (ICR) below one, indicating a high risk of default as of June 2022. Additionally, 18.32 per cent of companies had an ICR between 1-4, making them vulnerable to increased borrowing costs, while 63.36 per cent had an ICR of four, signalling a good debt repayment capacity. The report attributes the heightened risks to the rising cost of borrowing, as central banks tighten monetary policies and increase interest rates to combat inflation. Despite maintaining growth rates, companies face significant pressure due to higher borrowing costs, reducing their ability to repay debts. As of mid-2022, 17 per cent of Asia’s corporate debt was held by firms with interest … [Read more...] about IMF highlights rising debt risks for Asian companies
Government support helps aquaculture industry weather difficulties
Illustrative image (Photo: laodong.vn) Hanoi (VNA) - Although the aquaculture industry have been facing many challenges, it continues to receive support from the Government, Director in charge of communications of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers ( VASEP ) Le Hang told Lao dong newspaper. According to Hang, the Prime Minister has demanded the State Bank of Vietnam effectively manage credit operations to ensure the suitable provision of credit capital, and continue to reduce interest rates to support businesses, especially those in aquatic export . The bank has been required to implement supportive and preferential policies, including proposing a credit package worth 10,000 billion VND (over 425.4 million USD) to support businesses operating in forestry and aquatic production and processing industries. Credit programmes should be prioritised for the fisheries sector, towards creating favourable conditions for businesses involved in the … [Read more...] about Government support helps aquaculture industry weather difficulties
Vietnamese delegation active at 20th Shangri-La Dialogue
At the meeting between Deputy Minister of Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien (second, left) and General Robert Brieger, Chairman of the EU Military Committee. (Photo: qdnd.vn) Singapore (VNA) – The Vietnamese delegation to the 20th Shangri-La Dialogue, led by Deputy Minister of Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien, attended plenary sessions, the official banquet and bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the event, which took place in Singapore from June 2-4. At the meeting between Chien and General Robert Brieger, Chairman of the EU Military Committee, the two sides shared delight at the bilateral defence cooperation over the years on the foundation of the EU-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Framework Agreement (PCA) and the EU-Vietnam Framework Participation Agreement (FPA). Brieger thanked Vietnam for sending two officers to work as lecturers at the EU training mission in the Central African Republic, and affirmed that the EU will continue to … [Read more...] about Vietnamese delegation active at 20th Shangri-La Dialogue
FM’s France visit to reaffirm common perception of vision of bilateral ties: Ambassador
Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son . (Photo: VNA) Paris (VNA) – Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang has said Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son’s attendance at the 2023 Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) and official visit to France from June 5-8 would provide an opportunity to reaffirm the common perception of the vision of the bilateral relations and the determination to promote deeper and closer connections between the two countries, particularly in meeting their requirements in the new context. In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s resident correspondents in Paris, Thang said it is the first visit to France by a Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs since the two countries upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership a decade ago. It is also meant to celebrate the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties and the 10th … [Read more...] about FM’s France visit to reaffirm common perception of vision of bilateral ties: Ambassador
Difficulties on way out for Vietnam’s Visa policy
Difficulties on way out for Vietnam’s Visa policy The short duration of stay, along with complicated factors related to the visa application procedure, have been causing headaches for foreign tourists. However, the Minister of Public Security has submitted to the National Assembly a draft amendment and supplement to a number of articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam at the end of May. The new draft has proposed to increase the duration of e-visas from no more than 30 days to a maximum of three months, valid for one time or multiple times. At the same time, the scope of e-visa issuance would be expanded to more than 80 countries and temporary residence would rise from 15 to 45 days. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism also proposed to consider supplementing the pilot regulation of issuing visas at border gates for international tourists. This proposal also requires a clearer regulation of the extension of visa-free entry for … [Read more...] about Difficulties on way out for Vietnam’s Visa policy
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