South Korean tourists topped the charts in terms of visits to Vietnam in the first five months of this year, followed by China. According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Vietnam welcomed 1.3 million tourists from South Korea between January and May this year. It was followed by China with 400,000 and the US with 300,000. Foreign visitors in Hanoi Taiwan, Japan and Thailand were in the top ten markets with the highest number of arrivals to Vietnam during the January-May period. In the first five months, the tourism sector attracted 4.6 million foreign tourists, up 12.6 percent on-year. However, the figure was a drop of 37 percent against the same pre-Covid-19 period in 2019. The tourism industry served 50 million domestic visitors from January to May. The industry’s total revenues were estimated at VND260 trillion (USD1.11 billion). Experts were upbeat that the country would reach the target of welcoming eight million foreign visitors this … [Read more...] about South Korean, Chinese visitors to Vietnam surge
Vietnam china relations
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
India plans numerous activities to foster ties with Vietnam in 2023: Diplomat
Indian Consul General Madan Mohan Sethi addresses the press conference. (Photo: VNA) HCM City (VNA) – The Indian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City will hold a range of cultural exchange, and trade, investment and tourism promotion programmes in 2023, aiming to foster the ties between India and Vietnam, said Indian Consul General Madan Mohan Sethi at a press briefing in the city on May 30. The diplomat said that last year, the two sides jointly organised many activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries. To further promote the India-Vietnam ties in general and the relations between India and southern localities of Vietnam in particular, the Indian Consulate General in HCM City has planned many other activities to strengthen connections between the two communities, he said. He noted that over the past year, the Indian Consulate General organised 20 trade promotion events with the participation of 600 Indian firms in … [Read more...] about India plans numerous activities to foster ties with Vietnam in 2023: Diplomat
Vietnam, Laos promote technological cooperation, technology transfer
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha (R) receives visiting Lao Minister of Technology and Communications Boviengkham Vongdara. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha received visiting Lao Minister of Technology and Communications Boviengkham Vongdara in Hanoi on May 29. Welcoming agreements signed between the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) and the Lao Ministry of Technology and Communications, Ha expressed his wish that the two sides will actively promote cooperation and technology transfer so that Vietnam and Laos can jointly implement digital and green transformation as soon as possible. With its potential for renewables such as hydroelectricity, wind power and solar power, Laos can become a centre of clean energy, he stated, adding that this is one of the factors that determine the level of attraction for investors in the future. Regarding digital transformation, the Deputy PM appreciated the results that the information and … [Read more...] about Vietnam, Laos promote technological cooperation, technology transfer
Vietnam, Laos boost collaboration in military logistics
Deputy Defence Minister Senior Lieutenant General Vu Hai San (centre, right) receives head of Lao People’s Army’s general department of logistics Khamphet Sisaone in Hanoi on May 30. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - Deputy Defence Minister Senior Lieutenant General Vu Hai San hosted a visiting delegation from the Lao People’s Army’s general department of logistics in Hanoi on May 30. Highlighting the special relations between Vietnam and Laos, San said the countries’ defence cooperation has so far been developed toward effectiveness and practical outcomes in personnel training, delegation exchange, and the sustaining of bilateral dialogue and consultation mechanisms. The official lauded outcomes of joint work between the two maries' general departments of logistics, particularly in professioanl experience sharing, human resources training, and delegation exchange. He said he supports their orientations for cooperation in the near future and requested the sides organise more … [Read more...] about Vietnam, Laos boost collaboration in military logistics
Vietnam’s market becomes ray of hope for South Korean semiconductor manufacturers
According to a recent report by the Bank of Korea (BOK), Vietnam is swiftly becoming a significant market for South Korean semiconductor makers, who have been grappling with lacklustre demand in China. As the rivalry between the United States and China intensifies, the BOK has emphasised the importance of diversifying export markets for industry giants like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. The BOK underlines Vietnam's emergence as a new source of demand for South Korean semiconductors, highlighting its growing status as an international hub for IT device production and potentially positioning it as a substitute for China in the future. Major smartphone manufacturers have established production bases in Vietnam, where South Korean semiconductors play a crucial role as intermediary goods in the production of finished products, the report notes. Vietnam's abundant low-wage workforce and its proximity to the Chinese market are attracting global businesses, including South Korean … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s market becomes ray of hope for South Korean semiconductor manufacturers
Vietnam Airlines increases flight frequency to Singapore
At the same time, the flight frequency on the Ho Chi Minh City - Singapore route is kept at three flights a day for weekdays. On this occasion, the national flag carrier is offering a special incentive program for passengers buying tickets on all of its sales channels from agents, websites, and mobile apps. Specifically, a round-trip ticket between Hanoi and Singapore is from 5.799 million VND (246.9 USD) (including taxes and fees); and that on the Ho Chi Minh City - Singapore route is from 4.971 trillion VND (including taxes and fees). The offer is applied to passengers who buy tickets from now until December 31, 2023, and depart from June 15 to December 31. In addition, Vietnam Airlines offers one free baggage allowance for each passenger who buys an Economy Flex or Economy class ticket from now until July 31, 2023, applicable for the period of departure from June 15 to July 31, 2023. Vietnam Airlines is continuing to promote international flight routes, including opening new … [Read more...] about Vietnam Airlines increases flight frequency to Singapore
Vietnam among top three attractive destinations for RoK visitors
Korean tourists have spent money on travel abroad as soon as COVID-19 prevention measures being lifted. Data from to KB Kookmin Card in January 1 – May 15 showed that in Asia, Taiwan (China), Vietnam, Japan, and Thailand are particularly popular destinations for Korean tourists with the growth rates of 319%, 227%, 193%, and 172%, respectively. Japan and Vietnam - the two countries chosen by Korean tourists to visit the most, still show their attractiveness, with increases of 222% and 163% respectively. The number of air tickets to Vietnam booked by Korean tourists accounted for 12% of the total of air tickets for outbound tours, just after Japan with 52%. According to KB Kookmin Card, the booking rate of air tickets by Korean holiday-makers increased in all regions, with the highest growth recorded for Asia with a year-on-year surge of 192%. Travel agencies, airlines, and duty-free shops in the RoK witnessed respective revenue surges of 409%, 150%, and 88% compared to the … [Read more...] about Vietnam among top three attractive destinations for RoK visitors
Apple’s resilient iPhone sales and Samsung’s dominance amidst declining market
Apple's resilient iPhone sales and Samsung's dominance amidst declining market According to Counterpoint Research, the smartphone market has been impacted by the recent economic difficulties. The report indicates that amidst challenging business conditions, retailers have had to revise their expansion plans and reassess their business strategies. Retail stores have reduced operating hours and lowered salaries due to the reduction in customers since the Lunar New Year. Initially, original equipment manufacturers misjudged the demand, resulting in high inventory levels. Subsequently, realising the actual situation, they rushed to offer discounts to clear the excess stock. All phone manufacturers, except for Apple, experienced a decline in sales in Q1. Glen Cardoza, a senior analyst at Counterpoint Research stated, "The recovery of smartphone demand in Vietnam is expected to be slow in the second quarter of 2023 and will require time while the economy continues to face numerous … [Read more...] about Apple’s resilient iPhone sales and Samsung’s dominance amidst declining market
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