Vietnam news in brief - August 7

Vietnam-Philippines trade turnover to exceed US$8 billion in 2024

Trade turnover between Vietnam and the Philippines may reach US$8.1-8.3 billion this year, up 3.9-6.4% year-on-year, according to the Vietnam Trade Office in the Philippines.

Among Vietnam's exports, rice stood out with a turnover of $1.2 billion, up 40.9% year-on-year, accounting for 41% of Vietnam's total from this market.

Rice remains the most important commodity in the Vietnam-Philippines trade exchange. Photo: VnEconomy

Ho Chi Minh City hosts GenAI Summit 24

GenAI Summit 24, with the theme "New Horizons," will be held in Ho Chi Minh City on August 18. As the first conference focused on Generative AI in Vietnam, the summit will help the nation delve deeper into a new era of Artificial Intelligence. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest innovations in Generative AI and discuss how these technologies can reshape industries, inspire creativity, and drive economic growth.

Train tickets on sale for National Day holiday

The Vietnam Railway Corporation (VNR) has announced that more trains will be put into service on the North-South railway line in anticipation of increased public travel during the upcoming National Day holiday (September 02).

Rail travelers could receive a 5% discount on round-trip tickets and a 7% discount for group bookings of 20 or more. Group bookings of more than 11 passengers will receive a 4% discount, and round-trip tickets will have a 10% discount on the return trip. VNR continues to offer discounts for social policy beneficiaries such as Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, war invalids, Agent Orange victims, persons with severe disabilities, the elderly, children and students.

Hanoi's business registration up 20% in July

Hanoi authorities granted business licenses to 3,007 enterprises in July, up 20% year-on-year, with a total registered capital of VND24.1 trillion ($959 million), up 4%.

Nearly 18,000 new businesses were established in the capital in the first seven months of 2024, representing a 2% decrease in the number of businesses compared to the previous year.

Many rare wild animals voluntarily surrendered in Quang Binh Province

The Center for Rescue, Conservation and Development of Wildlife under the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park Management Board in the central province of Quang Binh has received 27 wild animals voluntarily surrendered by organizations and individuals since the beginning of 2024.

The center has released 17 rare animals back into the wild after successful rescues. In July and early August alone, four people turned in three rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta), which are on the list of protected primates, a python (Python molurus), and a pygmy slow loris (Nycticebus pygmaeus).

Ho Chi Minh City Agricultural Hi-tech Park to provide millions of hybrid seeds

The aeroponic vegetable growing model was featured at the expo. Photo: VnExpress

The Ho Chi Minh City Agricultural Hi-tech Park (AHTP) celebrated its 20th anniversary on August 6. Every year, it supplies 1-3 million seedlings and 100 kg of seeds, increasing productivity with disease-resistant varieties. The park has built a gene pool of 800 varieties, including ornamental fish, medicinal plants and flowers, increasing yields by 30-35%. Key hybrids include melon, cucumber, chili, and bitter melon. Future plans include strengthening research, technology transfer, and regional cooperation.

Cultural festival to showcase northeastern ethnic groups in Lang Son

An exhibition titled "Cultural Characteristics of Northeastern Ethnic Groups in the Vietnamese Ethnic Community" will be held from November 2 to 4 as part of the 11th Northeastern Ethnic Groups Culture, Sports and Tourism Festival in Lang Son. The event will showcase traditional festivals, cultural products and cuisines to preserve and promote the region's cultural heritage.

Vietnam launches film series to mark national independence

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has announced a film series to commemorate the 79th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19, 1945 - August 19, 2024) and National Day (September 2, 1945 - September 2, 2024). The series will show films such as "915", "Lawyer Vu Trong Khanh" and "Hero of Mount Tan" from August 19 to September 5.

Quang Ninh hosts OCOP Northeast Region Fair

The OCOP Northeast Region - Quang Ninh 2024 Fair will be held from August 29 to September 3 in Ha Long and Mong Cai. The event aims to connect, promote and sell  OCOP products through more than 250 booths. In addition, the Quang Ninh Autumn-Winter OCOP Fair will be held in Mong Cai from November 14 to 18, showcasing both local and international products with 200 booths.