Vietnam was recently named amongst the top three Asia-Pacific countries where people have regained their confidence in travel. According to the Travel Confidence Index, a report commissioned by leading online travel company Booking.com, the Vietnamese population is the second most confident in travel, with 85 percent of Vietnamese travelers sharing that they intend to travel at some point in the next 12 months. Numbers one and two on the list were India (86 percent) and China (79 percent). The online survey, which polled 11,000 travelers from 11 countries and territories across Asia and Oceania between April and May 2022, aimed to track the impact of geopolitical and societal diversities in the region, as well as the varied response to the COVID-19 pandemic, on overall confidence levels when it comes to travel. The result indicated that, among Asia-Pacific travelers, Vietnamese are very much willing to put up with and/or overlook travel deterrents, including disruptions and … [Read more...] about Vietnam ranks amongst most optimistic tourism communities in Asia-Pacific
Vietnam stock market index
Wet market 4.0 model launched in Da Nang
A Viettel staff instructs buyers to use QR code to pay at a wet market. (Photo: VNA) Da Nang (VNA) – Traders at wet markets in the central city of Da Nang are now able to go cashless as they can use e-wallet mobile app Viettel Money under a 4.0 wet market model introduced on April 8. The new model was launched by the municipal Department of Industry and Trade and the Da Nang branch of military-run telecom group Viettel, aiming to accelerate digital transformation and use of the non-cash payment method at the city’s wet markets and provide more opportunities for local residents to experience modern payment services. Owners of over 1,000 stalls at Da Nang’s three major wet markets – Con, Han and Dong Da – have been provided with a QR code enabling users to make online payments through access with 37 banks and Viettel Money . As payments now only require scanning of the QR code, with no cash nor changes involved, they become very fast and convenient, said Khuc … [Read more...] about Wet market 4.0 model launched in Da Nang
Energy-efficient buildings on the rise in Vietnam
Headquarters of Viettel Group in Hanoi. Vietnam should have a strategy to promote the development of green buildings, a vital part of achieving the country's environmental goals. (Photo: kinhtedothi.vn) Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Developing energy-efficient buildings is an inevitable trend for Vietnam to achieve its environmental objectives. The energy used by high-rise buildings in Vietnam accounts for around 35-40 percent of the country’s total energy consumption . A survey by real estate service firm Cushman & Wakefield (CWK) showed that around 40 percent of gas emissions came from real estate. According to the Vietnam Green Building Council, there are about 200 green buildings across the country. At the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2021 (COP26), Vietnam committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. To achieve the environmental goals, Vietnam needs to develop more energy-saving buildings that are high quality to reduce the negative … [Read more...] about Energy-efficient buildings on the rise in Vietnam
JICA urges funding for operator of Ho Chi Minh City’s first metro line
The Vietnam Office of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has asked the Vietnamese government to consider promptly giving funds to Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railways No. 1 Company Limited (HURC 1), which is at risk of halting operation. In his recent letter to Tran Van Son, Minister-Chairman of the Government Office, Shimizu Akira, Chief Representative of the JICA Vietnam Office, mentioned some issues related to the city’s Metro Line No. 1, including the urgent need of providing a budget to HURC 1 so that it can maintain operations. HURC 1, the operator of the city’s first metro project, is facing a big problem as its initial charter capital has been used up to pay for operating expenses in the past time and is now facing the risk of suspension due to lack of funds, the JICA said. Earlier in January this year, JICA sent an official letter to the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Finance requesting early allocation of funding to the company. … [Read more...] about JICA urges funding for operator of Ho Chi Minh City’s first metro line
Tax people based on how many properties they own: Party decree
It said in a new decree that low-income and ethnic people should get land-use tax and fee cuts. Information about property be publicized and transaction should increasingly be made cashless to ensure a healthy market and prevent speculation, it said. The decree only allows land acquisition after a plan to relocate and support inhabitants is approved. It stipulates that relocation areas should be built first and relocated people should have an equal or better quality of life in the new area. It abandons the use of official land prices, and said instead they would be determined by the market. … [Read more...] about Tax people based on how many properties they own: Party decree
Saigon Newport Corporation hailed for effective digital transformation
Minister Tra made the praise during her meeting with the corporation’s cadres and employees on June 23. At the meeting, Senior Colonel Ngo Minh Thuan, Saigon Newport Corporation’s General Director reported on the company’s outcomes in military-defense and production task performance over the past time. Particularly, Saigon Newport is currently the largest and most modern seaport operator in Vietnam, accounting for about 54% of the country's port operation market share. In addition, it is in the Top 19 port clusters with the largest goods throughput in the world. Notably, it has won national brand awards for six consecutive times and its prestige and brand have been highly appreciated by partners, customers and shipping lines. In the first half of this year, the corporation’s production and business activities have remained smooth. Especially, the company has met all of its growth targets and exceeded its set plans. On touring Cat Lai Newport and the production operation center, … [Read more...] about Saigon Newport Corporation hailed for effective digital transformation