According to Chairman of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) Nguyen Trung Khanh, the VNAT has joined hands with domestic and international partners to apply advanced technologies in tourism promotion activities. Two years ago, the tourism authority in collaboration with Google to launch the online exhibition project “Wonders of Vietnam,” an online exhibition project as part of Google Arts & Culture (GA&C) that allows everyone to explore art, history and the wonders of the world. Featuring 35 stories and over 1,300 sumptuous photos of iconic sites, historical heritage, nature, cuisine and culture of Central Vietnam, the project is a unique way for hungry travelers to virtually explore. It is also an important part of Google’s overall support of the local tourism industry, which has been badly affected by pandemic-related travel restrictions. With initial support from Google, it continues to carry out a communications campaign with a series of videos themed … [Read more...] about Digitization drives tourism recovery
Leading digital
Veggie, fruit exports to China enjoy double-digit growth
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in the first eight months of this year, Vietnam’s revenue from vegetable and fruit exports reached 3.45 billion USD, up nearly 60% year-on-year. China continues to be Vietnam’s primary destination for vegetable and fruit exports , accounting for 65% of the total revenue. The Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association highlights the significant potential for Vietnamese fruits, such as durian and jackfruit, to enter the Chinese market, as these tropical fruits cannot be cultivated to the same quality standards within China . The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development projects that if the current growth trajectory is sustained, Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports could reach a remarkable 5 billion USD in 2023, surpassing the target two years ahead of schedule./. VNA … [Read more...] about Veggie, fruit exports to China enjoy double-digit growth
Saigon win fourth consecutive basketball title in overtime
In the five-game series, defending champions Saigon won the first two games and Nha Trang won game 3. With a 2-1 lead, Saigon had a chance to secure the title in game 4 on Thursday. After a slow start, the score was 36-41 in favor of Nha Trang after the first two quarters. But Saigon made a comeback in the third quarter and led 57-50. In the fourth quarter, Nha Trang equalized 67-67 and sent the match into extra time. Saigon then took advantage of their opponent's mistakes to end the game with an 81-76 victory. Kentrell Barkley, the star of Saigon Heat, was named the MVP of game 4 with 33 points and 16 rebounds. The American player was also named the MVP of the finals, with an average of 28.8 points, 14 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 4 rebounds per game. This is the fourth year a player from the Heat was named MVP of the finals. The previous three titles belonged to Tavarion Nix (2019), Joshua Keyes (2020) and Madarious Gibbs (2022). This year's VBA season had seven participating … [Read more...] about Saigon win fourth consecutive basketball title in overtime
Vietnamese itching to take leisure trips overseas
80% of 1,500 Vietnamese survey respondents planned to have an overseas holiday, just slightly behind Thailand at 86% and Singapore at 85%, and ahead of the Philippines at 69%, Malaysia at 64% and Indonesia at 56%. The survey shows that intent to travel remains strong across the region. Of those surveyed, 72% plan to travel abroad at least once in the next 12 months, jumping from just 39% when borders reopened in 2022, indicating intent to travel has climbed by 84% in just one year. While Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia lead the way in terms of destinations within Southeast Asia, Vietnamese put Japan, South Korea and China at the top list of countries they are planning to explore. Some 77% of those planning leisure trips are planning to travel two or more times in the next 12 months. Families represent one of the most significant audience segments for 2023 travel with Vietnam sharing this pattern. Nearly three in five respondents from Vietnam said they plan to travel with … [Read more...] about Vietnamese itching to take leisure trips overseas
Former health minister charged for receiving $2.25M bribes in Covid test kit scandal
Long, along with his former secretary Nguyen Huynh, former director of the Hai Duong Center for Disease Control Pham Duy Tuyen, former head of the Department of Health Equipment and Works Nguyen Minh Tuan, former head of the Department of Financial Planning Nguyen Nam Lien, former head of the Department of Science and Technology Trinh Thanh Hung, were charged with receiving bribes by the Supreme People's Procuracy. Pham Xuan Thang, former Hai Duong Party Secretary, was charged with power abuse. Phan Quoc Viet, general director of the Viet A Company, as well as his subordinate Vu Dinh Hiep, were charged with giving bribes and bidding violations that lead to serious consequences. Phan Ton Noel Thao and Ho Thi Thanh Thao, finance advisor and treasurer of Viet A, were charged with giving bribes. Chu Ngoc Anh, former Minister of Science and Technology, and Pham Cong Tac, deputy minister, were charged with violations regarding the management and use of state-owned property that lead … [Read more...] about Former health minister charged for receiving $2.25M bribes in Covid test kit scandal
Hanoi photographer honored at International Photography Awards 2023
Photographer Viet Van is the winner of another photography award in America, the latest addition to his collection of 80 international photography awards. Hanoi-based photographer Tran Viet Van of Lao Dong (Labor) newspaper was among the honorable mentions at the 20th International Photography Awards (IPA) 2023 in the US. Van's entry, which consists of nine color photos with the theme Nhip dap thoi gian (The Rhythm of Time), was recognized in the Press Photo category. His photos depict the daily life and activities of Cuban people in Old Havana, Trinidad, during his visit to the Latin American country in November 2022. Photographer Viet Van's winning photo. Some of the images in this series have previously won an Honorable Mention in the Press Photo category at the World Master of Photography Awards in Austria and a Third Prize at the Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year in the UK - the world's leading award recognizing the art and diversity of … [Read more...] about Hanoi photographer honored at International Photography Awards 2023