The most effective competitive advantage for Vietnam's economy is creating a favorable business investment environment free of legal barriers. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has signed a decree to urge ministries and provinces/cities to boost administrative reforms and improve the investment environment to support local enterprises. Electronics production at Katolec Vietnam in Quang Minh Industrial Park, Hanoi. Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times "A conducive investment environment is a fundamental platform helping businesses operate smoothly and drive growth. This, in turn, promotes job creation and contributes to overall socio-economic development," said the decree. Vietnam has been trying to cut administrative regulations and compliance costs as part of its national digital transformation effort. As of May 2023, the country's total number of administrative procedures was 6,422, 376 fewer than the same period in 2020. This is expected to improve the … [Read more...] about PM urges greater efforts to accelerate administrative reforms
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The future of tourism in Vietnam new visa policies and beyond
The fifth plenary session of the 15th National Assembly has discussed and approved a number of important draft bills, including three new amendments to regulations that have significant impacts on the tourism industry in Vietnam. These policies are expected to boost the recovery and development of the tourism sector. Martin Koerner - Chairman EuroCham Vietnam’s Tourism and Hospitality Sector Committee The first law is to extend the visa exemption duration from the current 15 days to 45 days for citizens of countries that currently can travel to Vietnam visa exempt, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Japan, South Korea, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Sweden. This law aims to attract more tourists from these key markets and encourage them to stay longer and spend more here. The second law is to expand the list of countries eligible for e-visa from 46 to 80, including markets such as India, Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina. The e-visa allows visitors to apply … [Read more...] about The future of tourism in Vietnam new visa policies and beyond
Difficulties on way out for Vietnam’s Visa policy
Difficulties on way out for Vietnam’s Visa policy The short duration of stay, along with complicated factors related to the visa application procedure, have been causing headaches for foreign tourists. However, the Minister of Public Security has submitted to the National Assembly a draft amendment and supplement to a number of articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam at the end of May. The new draft has proposed to increase the duration of e-visas from no more than 30 days to a maximum of three months, valid for one time or multiple times. At the same time, the scope of e-visa issuance would be expanded to more than 80 countries and temporary residence would rise from 15 to 45 days. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism also proposed to consider supplementing the pilot regulation of issuing visas at border gates for international tourists. This proposal also requires a clearer regulation of the extension of visa-free entry for … [Read more...] about Difficulties on way out for Vietnam’s Visa policy
Legal synchronisation can unlock agro-tourism potential
At a conference on solutions to develop and promote investment in real estate for agricultural tourism in Vietnam on May 25 in Hanoi, an action programme was discussed to create motivation for agro-tourism and rural development. Legal synchronisation can unlock agro-tourism potential Organised by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism and the Vietnam National Real Estate Association (VNREA), it was the first time that a large-scale event discussed such issues. Nguyen Van Khoi, chairman of VNREA, said that the development of agricultural tourism is gradually becoming a trend in rural areas, especially in agricultural economy countries like Vietnam. It not only benefits the industry but also contributes to increasing the value of the land, raising opportunities for economic development, and improving the lives of local people. “In order to increase the value of the land through the development of agricultural and rural tourism, a sustainable development … [Read more...] about Legal synchronisation can unlock agro-tourism potential
Stunning wind farm in Bac Lieu province
There is a wind farm located in the coastal area of Vinh Trach Dong commune, more than 10km from Bac Lieu city centre. This was Vietnam’s first wind power project, built in 2010 with investment in the trillions of VND. With a landscape as beautiful as a European sky, the area quickly became a tourist attraction. The arrangement of the turbines combined with local roads makes travel easy, and visitors can go from one area to another without any problems. The most suitable time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, when you can enjoy the sunrise and sunset over the sea. Bac Lieu’s wind power area has been recognised by the Mekong Delta Tourism Association as an outstanding tourist destination in the Delta, with nine typical tourist attractions./. VNA … [Read more...] about Stunning wind farm in Bac Lieu province
Eco-industrial park development targets net zero emissions
A view of Nam Cau Kien Eco-Industrial Park in Hai Phong. — VNA/VNS Photo Tran Viet The development of eco-industrial parks is considered an effective solution to contribute to completing the net zero emission target by 2050 in Viet Nam. However, there are still many problems with the mechanism. In a report on the development of industrial parks and economic zones conducted by the Ministry of Planning and Investment, by 2030, 40-50 per cent of localities will have plans to convert existing industrial parks to eco-industrial parks, and 8-10 per cent of localities have orientations to build new ecological industrial parks. This will contribute to the concretisation of the net zero commitment by 2050. However, many experts and businesses believe that it is necessary to have the determination of the businesses to achieve this goal, along with preferential policies and mechanisms. Now, Viet Nam has more than 400 industrial parks, but few of those industrial parks have strategies to … [Read more...] about Eco-industrial park development targets net zero emissions
New apartment buildings must have life span: Hanoi Party Chief
The amended Housing Act lacks provisions on the life span of condominiums, which may cause problems for the authorities when it comes to renovating the buildings. The secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, Dinh Tien Dung, suggested on May 5 that there should be an expiration date for the ownership of apartments. An old apartment building in Thanh Xuan Bac Ward of Thanh Xuan District. Photo: Thai San/The Hanoi Times Commenting on the amended Housing Law, he said the expiration date would make the Government responsible for maintaining and repairing deteriorating apartment buildings in time. "The Government is responsible for protecting people, and moving them out of dilapidated buildings is for their good," said Dung, who heads Hanoi's delegation to the National Assembly. Many people in Hanoi now live in degraded apartment buildings. There is a lot of pressure on the capital to relocate these people so that authorities can renovate the … [Read more...] about New apartment buildings must have life span: Hanoi Party Chief
Vietnam’s industrial rents are rising swiftly
Currently, land rents in IPs in Vietnam are roughly 20 per cent less than in Thailand and Indonesia, according to Vu Minh Chi, senior manager of Industrial Services at Colliers Vietnam. "The reason is the quality and diversity of this market is inadequate," remarked Chi. Land tax has been reduced by 30 per cent this year, and it is proposed that the VAT rate be reduced to 8 per cent to support production enterprises. All showcase the appealing qualities of industrial real estate in Vietnam. Vietnam is still considered an attractive investment destination. According to the Foreign Investment Agency, the total registered foreign investment capital in Vietnam reached nearly $8.88 billion in April, representing an increase of 82.1 per cent on-year. The figure includes750 new projects receiving investment registration certificates, with a total registered capital of more than $4.1 billion. In addition, 386 projects were registered to modify investment capital, an increase of 19.5 per … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s industrial rents are rising swiftly
Efforts to preserve rare animals in Ben En National Park
The Management Board of Ben En National Park in the north central province of Thanh Hoa has been working on plans on preserving and developing a number of rare animals with high-economic values in the park in the 2022 – 2024 period, towards conserving rodent species. A view of the Ben En National Park (Source: https://cand.com.vn/) According to Vice Director of the Ben En National Park Management Board Nguyen Dinh Hieu, forest rangers of the unit have focused on conducting surveys and assessments related to the distribution and the habitat of, and identifying threats to rodent species within local forests. They have also collaborated with relevant units to take photographs and collect samples of rare species to serve the investigation and monitoring work. Training courses and conferences to improve capacity and awareness of biodiversity conservation for officials and residents have been organised, he said. Forest rangers distributed 1,500 leaflets introducing … [Read more...] about Efforts to preserve rare animals in Ben En National Park
PM calls for early finalisation of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with UAE
PM Pham Minh Chinh (R) and UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi at the meeting in Hanoi on June 5. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Hanoi on June 5, calling on the UAE to work closely with the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade to soon finalise talks on the bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The host leader hailed the two sides’ efforts to promote negotiations on the CEPA, especially when the two countries are celebrating the 30th founding anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations in 2023. He affirmed Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation of external relations, and being a good friend, trustworthy partner, and responsible member of the international community. The country is also working to develop an … [Read more...] about PM calls for early finalisation of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with UAE