Vietnam news in brief - April 11

Tourism authority to promote Vietnamese locations in Hollywood

Location in Ninh Binh province for the 2017 film Kong: Skull Island. Photo: znews.vn

The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism is planning to hold an event called "Expo in Hollywood" in Los Angeles, US, in September 2024, inviting American filmmakers to shoot their films in Vietnam. The event is expected to bring together around 200 US movie studios, such as Amazon, Disney and Netflix.  

The event could cost around VND10 billion ($400,000) and major Vietnamese stakeholders are expected to fund the event's organization.

FPT and Vingroup join forces to build a green, sustainable future

Science and technology giant FPT Corporation and conglomerate Vingroup signed an agreement on April 10 to enable their members to form green, sustainable partnerships. Under the agreement, FPT will provide technology solutions to Vingroup's electric vehicle manufacturer, VinFast, while Vingroup and its subsidiaries will prioritize purchasing FPT's products and services.

Under the agreement, the two giants will also launch new projects that will create better value for society and promote green development across the country.

Transport Minister calls for French investment in local transport projects

Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Thang has called on French government agencies and companies to increase their participation in Vietnam’s local transport projects, especially in the railway, highway, aviation and waterway sectors.

According to the minister, Vietnam's major transport projects include the North-South Expressway, Long Thanh International Airport, and 18 urban rail lines in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. He promised to provide French agencies with the best conditions to speed up the implementation of these projects.

Lam Dong launches travel promotion program

The Central Highlands province of Lam Dong announced on April 10 the Lam Dong Golden Travel Week 2024 with the theme "Lam Dong - the gathering of flowers and music". In its third year, the tourism week is expected to promote Lam Dong's travel to domestic and foreign tourists and support the province's socio-economic growth.

The tourism week will run from May 31 to June 6 with activities such as Da Lat Music Night Run 2024, the introduction of local music and culture, and promotional programs.

Vietnam’s central city becomes most affordable tourist destination

Traditional ao dai (long dress) displayed at the Hue Imperial Citadel. Photo: The Hanoi Times

According to the online travel platform Agoda, Hue has the most affordable average room price in Vietnam in April and May at US$43 or VND1.06 million. The ancient imperial city is also the third most affordable destination in Asia after Udon Thani (Thailand) and Surabaya (Indonesia).

This year, Hue Festival 2024 will be a year-long celebration under the theme "Four Seasons". Notable activities include the Summer Festival, which runs from April to June, while local heritage sites will be opened to the public after renovation.

Vietnamese firms to cooperate with Chinese partners in tourism

At a signing ceremony on April 9, two Vietnamese enterprises, including Vietnam Airlines and Saigontourist, signed a series of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Chinese partners worth nearly half a billion US dollars during National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue's official visit to China from 7-12 April.

Under the agreements, Vietnam Airlines and Saigontourist will cooperate with Shanghai Boxi and Beijing Cosmos Travel International to provide charter flight services, organize tourism events, explore new charter flight routes and exchange operational experience. Vietnam Airlines also signed a memorandum of understanding with Shanghai Wanjun Aviation Service for cargo transportation.

Haiphong to establish Vietnam's first green economic zone

The northern port city of Haiphong intends to establish a coastal economic zone in its south as the country's first green economic zone, according to a proposal made by the city's Party Committee Secretary Le Tien Chau, at the Vietnam Connect Forum 2024 on April 10.

The local government is seeking support and facilitation from the government, ministries, departments and other localities for this proposal, including the development of Cat Ba Archipelago into a sustainable eco-tourism destination. Chau also proposes to pilot new economic models that are environmentally friendly and sustainable in the region.

Netflix barred from offering games in Vietnam

The Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information under the Ministry of Information and Communications on April 10 ordered US streaming platform Netflix to stop promoting and offering unlicensed games in Vietnam through its network and other related app stores. Netflix is required to stop publishing video games by April 25.

Netflix has been offering games inappropriate for the Vietnamese market, such as violent games like GTA and dating games rated 16+.