Nguyen Thanh Nam has been leading tours in Da Nang for more than a decade and he says most tourists cannot help but be amazed at the beautiful nature of Nam O Reef. “The reefs combine with beautiful sand, clear blue seawater, and green trees to become a must-visit destination for nature lovers when coming to Da Nang,” said Nam. “During spring, when the tide recedes, rocks of different shapes and sizes reveal they are covered with green moss. They look so beautiful, just like green pearls." Born in Da Nang and spending his childhood living near the reef, Nam has been coming to the place since it was just a pristine beach where fishermen in Nam O village made their living. “The name can be referred to as 'The beach located in the south of Chau O', it also means 'southern gate',” said the 35-year-old tour guide. “Nam O Reef is about 500m long jutting out into the sea with a dense layer of rock hidden under the cool blue seawater. There are many rock layers, stacked to form many unique shapes." “By lunar January, when the weather warms up, green moss begins to grow on the rocks. The best time to enjoy this moment is dawn when the sun comes up, the tide recedes, beautiful rocks formed in all shapes are revealed, mixed in the sand and covered with a carpet of green moss," he added. Visitor Anh Thu from Thanh Khe district of Da Nang said: “Da Nang has many beautiful beaches such as My Khe, Pham Van Dong and Man Thai. However, this is the first time my family has gone to Nam O." “The air here is so fresh. At this time of spring, the rocks are covered with a layer of green moss which is so charming. “This is an opportunity for my whole family to experience the life of fishermen in the coastal fishing village. This place is also an ideal destination for photographers,” said Thu. Speaking of photography, nearby the reef, Quang Thanh from HCM City was looking the best camera angles for his photos. “I’m a photographer from Saigon and I come here to capture …
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VIETNAM BUSINESS NEWS FEB. 28
Export value skyrockets over Lunar New Year Vietnam's export turnover during this Lunar New Year saw breakthrough growth, occupying nearly half of the total export-import turnover. The latest data published by the General Department of Vietnam Customs showed that export volume over the seven days (February 10-16) of the Lunar New Year holiday reached $730 million, rising 79 per cent on-year and accounting for about 44 per cent of the $1.67 billion export-import turnover. The main export articles include mobile devices and components valued at $332 million; computer and electronic products worth $251 million. The two categories accounted for 80 per cent of the total export value. This Lunar New Year saw exports going to 80 markets, seven more than last year. China continues to be the leading export market with a value of $189 million (26 per cent). Following are the US ($152 million), South Korea ($67 million), and Hong Kong ($57 million). According to statistics from the General Department of Vietnam Customs, there were 960 import-export businesses, up 59 per cent on-year. Nevertheless, importers still outnumbered exporters with an import turnover of $940 million, up 37 per cent on-year. Thus, from early this year to February 16, the total export-import turnover reached $74.51 billion, up 31 per cent on-year. Of this, exports hit $38.57 billion, up 36 per cent on-year while imports reached $35.94 billion, up 26 per cent, resulting in a trade surplus of $2.63 billion. Drug market forecast to grow by 15 per cent in 2021 The pharmaceutical industry grew by just 2.8 per cent last year, much lower than its average 11.8 per cent growth in the last five years. It is expected to recover and grow by 15 per cent this year, mainly due to a rapidly ageing population and increasing incomes, analysts at SSI Securities Corporation said. Last year there was a short supply of active pharmaceutical ingredients from China and India due to social distancing and …