Vietnam news in brief - April 23

Ho Chi Minh City takes measures to combat drought and water shortage

The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee has urged locals to use water efficiently amid concerns about droughts, water shortages and saltwater intrusion. The city government has also asked local authorities to address areas needing fresh water and take necessary measures to ensure supplies to people and businesses.

Rainfall in April and May is forecast to be lower than the average for recent years in the southern region, while it is expected to increase in June. Temperatures during these three months are forecast to be well above average.

Danang International Airport goes smart with AI cameras

Passengers check in at Danang International Airport. Photo: plo.vn

FPT Software and Danang International Terminal Investment and Operation JSC signed a project agreement on  April 22 to turn the airport into an intelligent facility. The airport will be equipped with AI cameras to help identify congested areas and provide real-time solutions.

Under the agreement, Danang International Airport will also develop an application to help passengers keep track of their flights, speed up check-in and flight preparation, and develop an intelligent website to improve customer satisfaction. The project will start in Q2 and be completed in October 2024.

Moc Chau becomes national tourism site

On April 22, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism granted national status to the Moc Chau tourism area in the northern mountainous province of Son La. The site covers a total area of 206,150 hectares in the Moc Chau and Van Ho districts.

The area is home to 11 national cultural heritages, including four tangible and seven intangible. It was voted the world's best natural destination for 2022-2023 by the World Travel Awards.

Ho Chi Minh City to host Trinity Forum 2024 in November

The Trinity Forum 2024, one of the most prestigious international events in the aviation and retail tourism sector, will be held in Ho Chi Minh City in November, promising numerous opportunities for the city to achieve its goal of becoming a major shopping and commercial center in the region. It is an occasion for the city to showcase its unique cultural identity and investment potential.

The Moodie Davitt Report, Airports Council International - ACI World, ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, Airports Corporation of Vietnam and the Indo-Pacific Group (IPPG) signed a commitment on  April 22 to organize the forum.

More trains for Hanoi-Haiphong food tour during holidays

The Hanoi Railway Transport Joint Stock Company will increase the number of trains on the Hanoi-Haiphong route during the Reunification Day (April 30) and Labor Day (May 1) holidays in anticipation of the increasing number of food tour tourists to the port city. Train tickets for the Hanoi-Haiphong route will be sold through ticket sales websites, apps, e-wallets and telephone bookings.

Ticket prices during this period range from approximately VND125,000 (US$4.9) to VND150,000 (US$5.9) per ticket per trip, depending on the travel date, seat location and type of carriage.

First Vietnamese racer to compete in F3

Alex Sawer Hoang Dat, a 16-year-old racer, will compete for the Finnish KIC Evans GP team in the FRECA 2024 European Formula Three (F3) Championship. He is racing for the BlackJack Racing team in the Chinese F4 Championship.

The rider is now second in the standings with 35 points, two points behind Chinese rider Jiang Fukang. There are 18 races remaining in the 2024 season, to be held in May, June, September, October and November.

Hanoi pilots QR code payment through VNeID application

Hanoi issued 370 court records cards via the VNeID e-identification application on the first day (April 22) of pilot implementation. The system allows citizens to monitor and update the processing status of applications, speeding up administrative procedures.

Khanh Hoa promotes investment and cooperation in two American cities

The Khanh Hoa Provincial Department of Planning and Investment plans to send 16 senior officials and experts to the US cities of San Diego, California and Boston, Massachusetts to promote cooperation between the two sides.

The central coastal province of Khanh Hoa is also inviting American investment funds to partner with Vingroup to build a global intelligence center in Cam Lam District.