Vietnam news in brief - December 3

World Economic Forum, Ho Chi Minh City to build Industry 4.0 Center

The World Economic Forum (WEF) is working with the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee to develop a center for the fourth industrial revolution, President Borge Brende told Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at a meeting within COP28 in the United Arab Emirates on December 2 (local time). According to the WEF president, the center would be a member of the organization's global network. He also praised Vietnam for its progressive economic growth amid the global recession.

Brende also invited Prime Minister Chinh to attend the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on January 15-19, 2024.

Vietnam named world's leading heritage destination

Son Doong cave in Quang Binh province. Photo: Oxalis Adventure

Vietnam was named the World's Leading Heritage Destination 2023 at the World Travel Awards 2023 gala ceremony held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on December 1. This is the fourth title for Vietnam in this category, following the previous three in 2019, 2020, and 2022.

The World Travel Awards 2023 also honored provinces, cities, and businesses in Vietnam, including Hanoi, Phu Quoc Island, the Tam Dao Mountains in Vinh Phuc Province, Danang, and the ancient town of Hoi An. To view the list of winners, visit worldtravelawards.com/winners/2023. 

Toothpick map of Vietnam sets national and world records

The Vietnam Record Association (VietKings) on December 2 awarded a map of Vietnam for having the largest number of authors. The map, designed by architect Hoang Tuan Long using more than 115,000 toothpicks, is the product of nearly 12,000 people. The map was also recognized as a world record.

The map construction project started in April 2023 in Ho Chi Minh City, with the support of contributors from other parts of the country. The final product will be sold to raise money for orphans.

Russian travel agencies to bring more tourists to Khanh Hoa

Several Russian travel companies have started selling their tour packages to the central coastal province of Khanh Hoa in the winter of 2023-2024. According to Russian Travel Digest, Fun&Sun plans to take its customers to Khanh Hoa Province with two flights every week until March 2024. The company brought about 3,000 Russians to Vietnam last winter.

Russian people's demand for international travel has increased sharply in 2023. In January-September, the number of Russians traveling abroad increased by 12.4% year-on-year.

Hanoi determined to keep market stable during national holidays

The Hanoi People's Committee has issued a plan to ensure sufficient supply for the local market during the end of 2023 and the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday in 2024. Accordingly, the city government requests local departments, authorities, producers, retailers, and distributors to implement a price stabilization program in all markets. Related parties are requested to monitor the delivery.