Vietnam news in brief - December 19

President Vo Van Thuong meets Special Forces in Hanoi

State President Vo Van Thuong visited the Special Forces in Hanoi on December 18 to assess their training and combat readiness on the occasion of the 79th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People's Army and the All People's National Defense Festival, both of which fall on December 22.

The President praised the historic achievements of the force and stressed its role in advising the military, counter-terrorism operations and party building, urging it to be prepared for national security and defense events, support the people and contribute to poverty alleviation, development and disaster relief.

"I love Phu Quoc" campaign launched to improve island tourism

Phu Quoc Island at night. Photo: Huu Tuan/The Hanoi Times

The tourist destination of Phu Quoc Island launched a campaign called "I love Phu Quoc" on December 18 to restore the quality of products and services and win back the affection of tourists. The island's authorities have set up a 33-member inspection team from local government agencies to monitor the quality and prices of local products and services. The local authorities also plan to publicize a helpline number for travelers to lodge complaints.

On this occasion, the island's authorities also introduced a code of conduct for local businesses and households, which consists of 11 rules.

Vietjet offers "zero dong" flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Vientiane

In line with the year-end festive atmosphere that inspires travel enthusiasts to "fly to the world", Vietjet is launching ticket sales starting at just zero dong for direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Vientiane - the capital of Laos.

Regular flights will begin on February 25, 2024 with four flights a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Hanoi to ban for-profit events around Hoan Kiem Lake

The Standing Party Committee of the Hanoi People's Committee has decided to ban all for-profit travel, sports and culinary events in and around the Hoan Kiem Lake pedestrian area. Only city and state-level political and cultural events will be allowed.

The move aims to ensure that Hanoi maintains its position as an important political, socio-economic and cultural center of the country.

Vietnam women's football team finishes 2023 world ranking at 37th place

The Vietnam women's national football team has finished the 2023 world ranking with a total of 1,611.3 points, ranking 37th in the world, according to world football's governing body FIFA. In 2023, the team played in several international competitions, including its first appearance in the World Cup.

Vietnam is the sixth best team of the year in Asia and continues to lead Southeast Asia, followed by the Philippines and Thailand.

Vietnam meets commitment to reduce consumption of ozone-depleting substances

Vietnam has successfully met its commitment to reduce its consumption of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), ozone-depleting substances, by 35% from 3,600 tons per year to 2,600 tons per year in the period 2020-2024, Tang The Cuong, Director of the Department of Climate Change, announced at the closing workshop on "Vietnam HCFC Phase-out Management Plan Stage II" on December 18.

This level of consumption meets the requirements of the Montreal Protocol.

ADB urges Vietnam to enhance competitiveness to attract foreign investment

Vietnam needs to continue improving its competitiveness to attract foreign investment, stressed Shantanu Chakraborty, Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director for Vietnam, at the Dialogue Session on "Attracting High-Quality Investment towards Local Green and Sustainable Development Goals" held on December 18 as part of the 21st National Conference on Environment and Development.

He said that Vietnam should improve its capacity and formulate clear legal frameworks for green finance and the application of green technologies.

Vietnam transfers 5G private technology to India

Viettel High Tech and QuadGen successfully transferred private 5G to an Indian partner on December 18, just five months after signing a service agreement in India. The event also marked the signing of a strategic technology collaboration between Ai20X, QuadGen and Viettel High Tech to drive 5G innovation and growth in India.

The collaboration leverages the expertise of these leading companies to capitalize on 5G network business opportunities and drive mutual growth.