Vietnam New Highlights for May 18, 2023
Stay informed about the latest events in Vietnam.
Hue introduces Vietnam's first electric garbage trucks
| An electric garbage truck in Hue. Photo: UNDP |
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam delivered six electric garbage trucks to the imperial city of Hue in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue on May 17, making it the first city in Vietnam to use such vehicles for waste collection. The initiative is part of the "Promoting Sustainable Energy Transition to Electric Mobility in Vietnam" project, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by promoting electric and green transportation at the national level.
The pilot program will replace manual garbage collection and diesel-powered trucks with four-wheeled electric vehicles.
Wonderful Vietnam to promote aviation and tourism in Seoul
A sales launch event to promote aviation and tourism under the slogan "Wonderful Vietnam" was held in Seoul, South Korea, on May 17, attracting 80 Vietnamese representatives from travel agencies and organizations to introduce quality products and services to potential partners and seek business cooperation. The second event, jointly organized by three major enterprises, Vietnam Airlines, Sun Group and Caravelle, is expected to promote Vietnam as an attractive and safe travel destination and strengthen travel cooperation between Vietnam and South Korea.
Chinese manufacturers seek business in Vietnam: YiCai Global
Chinese manufacturing companies are moving their production lines to Vietnam to avoid trade barriers and reduce risks, Chinese media outlet YiCai Global reported. Lower labor costs and tax exemptions support their Vietnamese operations, but similar utility costs and a lack of industrial and supply chain integrity are major obstacles.
Despite the challenges, many Chinese manufacturers are forming partnerships to establish industrial parks in Vietnam, and some are now able to fulfill all their international orders from their Vietnamese plants.
Kon Tum struck by several earthquakes in May
The central highland province of Kon Tum was hit by two earthquakes with magnitudes of 3.3 to 4.0 on the night of May 17, according to the Institute of Geophysics. The tremors did not pose a natural disaster risk.
The province experienced 12 earthquakes between May 12 and 16. On May 16, Kon Tum was hit by three-morning tremors with a maximum magnitude of 3.7, which also rattled several neighboring provinces, including Quang Ngai and Gia Lai.
Vietnam's fastest-growing companies honored
A ceremony was held on May 17 to honor the 500 fastest-growing enterprises in Vietnam, including VPS Securities, Vantage Logistics, VietCredit, Dolphin Sea Air Services, Bee Logistics, and Mirae Asset Vietnam Securities.
Amid global uncertainties and difficulties, these companies have been the key players in their sectors, contributing to the sustainable development of Vietnam's economy and society. The companies have provided high-quality products and services and demonstrated resilience in adversity.
Half of Vietnamese workers believe AI will take their place
Some 54% of Vietnamese contract workers surveyed worry artificial intelligence (AI) will take over their jobs, according to Microsoft's latest Work Trend Index 2023 report. However, 90% of respondents want AI to take over their tasks to reduce their workload, as they are comfortable using AI applications.
More than one-third of executives believe AI will add value to the workplace rather than replace employees. Almost all executives believe their employees must acquire new skills to prepare for the global adoption of AI applications. Meanwhile, four-fifths of Vietnamese employees are not competent enough to do their jobs.
