Vietnamese e-wallet MoMo has partnered with Apple to introduce Apple Installments, which allows users to own Apple products through flexible payment plans ranging 6-24 months. The US tech giant launched an online store in Vietnam in May. Optimism rises for fintech development opportunities, illustration photo/ Le Toan Do Quang Thuan, senior deputy director in charge of financial services at MoMo, said, “As we seamlessly integrate into the online Apple Store, we present Vietnamese users with an unparalleled range of payment options. It’s a gateway to unlocking their dreams of Apple ownership while maintaining a firm grip on their financial equilibrium.” The landscape has become increasingly competitive in Vietnam, driving innovation and advancements in digital payment solutions. Breaking new ground in the Vietnamese market, MoMo is also the first local partner to offer cashless payment options for YouTube Premium. The strategic collaboration brings added convenience … [Read more...] about Optimism rises for fintech development opportunities
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Vietnamese, Cambodian front organisations forge cooperation
Secretary of the Party Central Committee and President of the VFF Central Committee Do Van Chien (6th from right) receives the Cambodian delegation. (Source: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – A delegation of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee held talks with representatives from the National Council of the Solidarity Front for the Development of Cambodian Motherland in Hanoi on May 29. At the talks, Vice President and Secretary General of the VFF Central Committee Nguyen Thi Thu Ha affirmed the fruitful relations between the two sides, with the signing of cooperation documents. The two sides briefed each other on operations of their front organisations, and compared notes on cooperation orientations and contents in the time ahead. Nhem Valy, Permanent Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the National Council of the Solidarity for the Development of Cambodian Motherland, held that the talks will help the two front organisations better understand each other, thus helping … [Read more...] about Vietnamese, Cambodian front organisations forge cooperation
Socio-economic matters main topic at NA session on May 31
At a NA working session. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – The National Assembly (NA) will spend the whole day of May 31 – the ninth working day of its fifth session – looking into supplementary assessments of the implementation of the socio-economic development plan and State budget in 2022 and the first months of 2023. The working session will be broadcast live on television and radio channels. According to the Government report submitted to the NA, Vietnam fulfilled 13 out of 15 targets in 2022, with GDP growth of 8.02% (the initial reported figure was 8%), GDP per capita of 4,109 USD (the initial figure was 4,075 USD), CPI growth of 3.15% (initially around 4%), and State budget collection of 1.81 quadrillion VND (77.07 billion USD), 201.4 trillion VND higher than the figure reported to the legislature earlier. The country posted export-import revenue of 371.3 billion USD and ran a trade surplus of over 12.4 billion USD, also exceeding the numbers reported … [Read more...] about Socio-economic matters main topic at NA session on May 31
Vice President receives Cambodian front delegation
Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan (R) and Nhem Valy, Permanent Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the National Council of the Solidarity for the Development of Cambodian Motherland. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan hosted a reception for a delegation of the National Council of the Solidarity Front for the Development of Cambodian Motherland in Hanoi on May 30. Xuan congratulated Cambodia on its successful chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly ( AIPA ) in 2022, and its successful organisation of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 32) in May. The Vice President expressed her hope that the neighbouring country will successfully organise its general election in July and the 12th ASEAN Para Games in June, thus contributing to raising its role and position in the region and the world, and building the ASEAN Community of peace, stability, solidarity and prosperity. The host … [Read more...] about Vice President receives Cambodian front delegation
Ho Chi Minh City targets zero-emission public transportation
Ho Chi Minh City may start its transition to zero-emission public transportation in the outlying district of Can Gio, where the city seeks to achieve the 100-percent adoption and usage of electric vehicles (EV), said a local transport official. At its ongoing fifth session on Tuesday, the lawmaking National Assembly was discussing a draft resolution on pilot special mechanisms and policies for the development of the southern city. The resolution, once approved and put into action, is expected to boost the city’s economic growth as well as make it greener and closer to or on a par with major cities in the world, said Tran Quang Lam, director of the municipal Department of Transport. Special policies would be key to the city’s transition toward zero-emission public transport, he said. An electric bus is seen traveling along Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street in downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre The municipal Party Committee previously issued a … [Read more...] about Ho Chi Minh City targets zero-emission public transportation
Vietnam’s Reunification Express named world’s most incredible rail journey: Lonely Planet
Being one of the best-loved railways in Southeast Asia, Vietnam's North-South Railway, with two ends at Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, attracts many travelers. Lonely Planet, the world-renowned travel guide, named Vietnam National Railway the most incredible rail trip in the world. The 1,730-kilometer journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City offers breathtaking views of the country's diverse landscapes, making it a must-see for foreigners coming to Vietnam, the magazine said. "Some railways rattle through historic cities; others swoosh beside spectacular coastlines. A few have an epic history, and one or two are remarkable for the colorful characters onboard. The Reunification Express line, known as the North–South Railway, fulfills all these criteria," it stated. The railway is one of Southeast Asia's best-loved railways and the world's most epic overnight train journeys. It's also one of Vietnam's tourism highlights that attracts many international visitors. … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s Reunification Express named world’s most incredible rail journey: Lonely Planet
Kick-off of the UNESCO-recognized Saint Giong Festival
One of Hanoi's most fascinating and historic events, the festival is a tribute to Saint Giong, one of Vietnam's four immortals. The 2023 Giong Festival kicked off last week at Phu Dong Temple in Hanoi's suburban Gia Lam district. The festival's opening ceremony also marked the recognition of Phu Dong Commune as a new rural area. The opening ceremony of the Giong Festival at Phu Dong Temple in Phu Dong Commune of Gia Lam District. Photo: Hoang Quyet/The Hanoi Times Speaking at the ceremony, Nguyen Duc Hong, Vice Chairman of Gia Lam District People's Committee, said the district is an ancient land of cultural convergence of Thang Long (original name of Hanoi) and Kinh Bac (an old name designating the northern provinces of Bac Ninh and Bac Giang) and the holy place where Saint Giong was born. "The festival is in commemoration of Saint Giong, or Heavenly King of Phu Dong, who led the country against foreign invaders during the reign of the Sixth Hung King. The … [Read more...] about Kick-off of the UNESCO-recognized Saint Giong Festival
Hanoi’s second metro line delayed again to 2027
In a decision issued by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Tuesday, the completion of the capital's second metro line has been pushed back five years later than previously planned. The decision was in line with a recent proposal by the Hanoi People’s Committee to postpone the project’s completion date. The total investment for the project is now over VND34.8 trillion, with VND3.9 trillion more coming from the city budget, and VND2 trillion less coming from Official Development Assistance (ODA). The committee will be responsible for the accuracy of information and statistics regarding the project, including the resolution of potential issues, the decision stated. Hanoi will also be responsible for the delay's extra costs, which will be paid for with funds from the city's 2021-2025 public investment plan. If the project fails to meet its new deadline by the end of 2025, the capital city would have to utilize other sources of funding to complete the project. In April, the … [Read more...] about Hanoi’s second metro line delayed again to 2027
Vietnam’s ‘ultra-rich’ population doubles over five years
The annual Wealth Report by Knight Frank said there were 1,059 "ultra-rich" people in Vietnam in 2022, up from 538 in 2017, an 82% increase. An ultra-rich person is defined by Knight Frank as someone with a net worth of at least $30 million, minus loans. By 2027, the number of ultra-rich people in Vietnam is projected to hit 1,300, a 22% increase from 2022, and a 122% increase over the span of a decade, according to the company’s report. Vietnam’s number of high-net-worth individuals, defined as those with assets worth at least $1 million, has also increased by 70% over the last five years, from 40,971 people in 2017 to 70,000 in 2022. The report projected there would be over 112,200 high-net-worth individuals in Vietnam by 2027, a 173% increase over a decade. The report said the rapidly rising number of wealthy individuals in Vietnam aligns with general trends in Asia, where similar patterns have been seen in countries like Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. In the … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s ‘ultra-rich’ population doubles over five years
T&T Group and DB Group form strategic partnership to fuel investment opportunities
A delegation from Vietnam’s T&T Group, led by chairman of the board Do Quang Hien, embarked on a visit to the headquarters of DB Group, a prominent economic powerhouse in South Korea, on May 25. Under this comprehensive accord, T&T Group and DB Group will support each other's endeavours with the shared goal of becoming leaders in Vietnam's thriving insurance sector. Additionally, the two groups have committed to jointly exploring and executing ventures across multiple other industries. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Do Vinh Quang, vice chairman of the Board of Directors and Deputy CEO of T&T Group, highlighted the shared vision of both companies to excel in Vietnam's insurance sector. Recognising the potential in other areas such as finance, asset management, IT, and real estate, Quang emphasised the importance of leveraging these strengths to achieve sustainable growth for both conglomerates. He expressed confidence, stating, “This strategic collaboration will … [Read more...] about T&T Group and DB Group form strategic partnership to fuel investment opportunities