Vietnam news in brief - December 26
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Hoan Kiem pedestrian street opens for four days during New Year holiday
| Local and foreign visitors enjoy many activities in the pedestrian zone around Hoan Kiem Lake. Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times |
Hoan Kiem District's authorities have announced that the pedestrian area around Hoan Kiem Lake and its surroundings will be in operation from 19:00 on Friday, December 29, 2023 to 0:00 on Monday, January 1, 2024. Pedestrian streets in Hanoi's Old Quarter will operate from 7:00 pm to 12:00 am on Friday, Saturday, Sunday (December 29-31, 2023) and Monday (January 1, 2024).
Extending the operating hours of pedestrian areas in the district aims to provide convenience for residents and tourists to celebrate the New Year.
Le Figaro: French tourists prefer Vietnam
Vietnam, together with Japan and Thailand, is the top choice for French tourists during the 2023 Christmas and 2024 New Year holidays, according to Le Figaro newspaper. Despite economic difficulties, the French are unwilling to give up their passion for travel.
Vietnam to use biometrics in aviation security and facilitation in 2024
The Ministry of Transport is expected to approve the application of biometrics in passenger identification. In 2024, it plans to deploy biometric authentication technology and advanced equipment at Phu Bai International Airport, Cat Bi Airport, and Dien Bien Airport.
Ho Chi Minh City to operate double-decker water buses
| Saigon River double-decker water bus. Photo: VNA |
"Saigon River Sightseeing", Saigon's double-decker waterbus service, will be launched in Ho Chi Minh City at the end of December. Route changes will help tourists enjoy magnificent architectural works such as Nha Rong Wharf, Bitexco Building, Landmark Building, Ba Son Bridge, and famous places along the Saigon River.
Singaporean and Chinese companies eye wind power projects in Huong Hoa
Singaporean and Chinese companies are seeking to invest and acquire shares in several wind power projects in Vietnam's central province of Quang Tri, Truong Chi Trung, Director of Quang Tri Province's Department of Planning and Investment, said on December 25. Trung clarified that this was a proposal from the investors and no official decision had been made by the authorities.
Shopee maintains leading position in Vietnamese online shopping market
According to YouNet ECI's November 2023 report, Shopee continues to lead the Vietnamese online shopping market share, with revenue accounting for 78.3% of the total market, equivalent to VND90.4 trillion (US$3.7 billion). It is followed by TikTok Shop, Lazada, and Tiki with 11.1%, 9.7% and 0.9% market share, respectively. The report shows that the total revenue of sellers from these four platforms is VND115.4 trillion (nearly $5 billion), up 1.6 times compared to the revenue of the entire third quarter of 2023.
