Vietnam News Highlights for July 13, 2023

Stepping up promotion of Vietnamese tourism in Japan

Delegates attend the signing ceremony at the conference. Photo: Saigontourist Group

Some Japanese airlines and hotels joined the Vietnam Tourism Promotion Conference held in Tokyo, Japan, on July 12. Japanese leading firms, including ANA, Pea In Tour, JTB, APEX, and others, were interested in Vietnam's resort tours, beauty care, and golf tourism.

At the event, dozens of agreements on tourism development were signed between Vietnamese firms Saigontourist Group and Vietnam Airlines with Japanese partners such as the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA), the Japan Tourism Promotion Agency (JNTO), ANA, Peace In Tour and MS Tour.

Promoting "Make in Vietnam" digital technology products abroad

This year's "Make in Vietnam Digital Technology Product Awards" will honor outstanding digital technology enterprises which promote their products abroad. The move aims to encourage them to continue expanding globally.

Launched on July 12, the 4th award allows enterprises to submit applications online at giaithuong.makeinvietnam.mic.gov.vn before the end of October 12, 2023.

Phan Thiet to launch exhibition on Vietnam's islands

An exhibition on Vietnam's island heritage will be held in Phan Thiet City, the central province of Binh Thuan, from August 27 to September 3. The event is one of the activities related to the National Tourism Year 2023, which will honor the heritage and outstanding tourism products of Vietnam's seas to the market and strengthen people's love for Vietnamese islands and maritime sovereignty awareness.

The exhibition will involve 23 cities and provinces across the country.

Israeli city of Asdod celebrates Vietnam-Israel diplomatic ties

Asdod, Israel's sixth largest city, and the Vietnamese Embassy in Israel unveiled a plaque on July 12 (local time) to mark 30 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Located on the Mediterranean coast, Asdod expects to establish close partnerships with Vietnamese localities in the future, according to Alexander Oberfeld, a member of the city council.

The two nations have strengthened their mutual relations over the past 30 years. Two-way trade between Vietnam and Israel reached US$2.2 billion in 2022.

VAMA car sales up 15% in June

VAMA’s members sold a total of 137,327 units in the first half of this year. Photo: Vingroup

Sales of all types of automobiles in Vietnam rose 15% in June from May to 23,800 units, the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA) said on July 12.

The increasing sales were mainly driven by passenger cars, which rose by 20%, and commercial vehicles, up by 4%. Sales of domestically-assembled vehicles rose 28%, while imports were down 4% month-on-month.

VAMA members sold 137,327 units in the first half of this year, down 32% year-on-year, with special vehicles accounting for the largest share (65%).

HCM City to hold first river festival to promote tourism

Ho Chi Minh City unveiled its first River Festival on July 12 to promote products, services, and cultural values and boost the local tourism sector. The festival, held from August 4 to 6, will include various activities at popular sites in the city, such as Sai Gon Port, Bach Dang Port, Nhieu Loc-Thi Nghe Canal, and Suoi Tien Entertainment Park.

The highlight of the festival will be the Gala Night on August 6, which will tell the city's 300-year history in five episodes with the participation of about 700 performers.

Vietnam among the shortest teams at the Women's World Cup

With an average height of 1.6057 meters, Vietnamese female footballers are the second shortest at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, behind Zambia (1.5939 meters). On the other hand, the Danish players are the tallest, with an average height of 1.7348 meters, followed by Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Norway.

The Women's World Cup will be held in New Zealand and Australia from July 20 to August 20. Vietnam will play in the group stage with the USA, the Netherlands and Portugal.