Vietnam news in brief - February 12

Prime Minister orders extra features in VNeID social security app

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has issued a directive asking government agencies and ministries to soon provide additional features for the VNeID application and make it more user-friendly.

Agencies are expected to integrate more functions into the app, such as crime reporting, fire prevention and notification, environmental protection, and residential registration. The app will also be programmed to facilitate access to cashless payments, health, education and utilities for the underprivileged.

Fast boat operators cut fares to boost Phu Quoc tourism

Tourists on Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang Province. Photo: Huu Tuan/The Hanoi Times

Passengers travelling on high-speed boats from Ha Tien and Rach Gia cities to Phu Quoc Island in Kien Giang Province can now enjoy lower fares as local businesses try to boost tourism on the island, Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reported. The lower fares will be valid until 31 March. The number of active boats will also increase during this period.

According to the report, Phu Quoc Express will reduce the fare by VND45,000 ($1.84) for adults and VND27,000 ($1.11) for the elderly and children. Meanwhile, Superdong has slashed its ticket price by VND5,000-6,000 ($0.20-0.25) for adults, the elderly, children and people with disabilities.

Bilateral trade between Vietnam and Kazakhstan to hit US$2 billion: Ambassador

Bilateral trade between Vietnam and Kazakhstan could increase by 50-100% to US$1.5-2 billion in 2024, Kazakh Ambassador to Vietnam Kanat Tumysh told Cong Thuong (Industry and Trade) newspaper. The Vietnam-Kazakhstan Business Council will be established to facilitate better cooperation between the two countries' business communities.

Vietnam and Kazakhstan will also seek to finalize the agreement between the two chambers of commerce and industry. Kazakhstan will ease conditions for Vietnamese export transport to Europe, Turkey and the Caucasus markets.

Online sellers predict better online market in 2024: Sapo

Three-quarters of the 15,000 sellers on virtual marketplace Sapo expect Vietnam's online trade to recover in 2024. They are also expected to continue exploring multi-platforms to expand their sales networks and optimize their marketing spend.

In addition, shopping integrated with education and entertainment will drive customer behavior through creative, groundbreaking approaches. Cashless payment using QR codes will also become more popular, according to Sapo.