Vietnam news in brief - February 15

Argentina's La Nacion newspaper recommends Vietnam as a top destination for investors

Vietnam is a good destination for Argentine investors, La Nacion newspaper reported, citing recommendations from Argentine businessmen. The leading newspaper in Argentina praised Vietnam for its potential and diverse opportunities in many sectors, as well as stable political and economic conditions.

Speaking to the newspaper, the Argentine investors advised their colleagues to come to Vietnam as the Vietnamese government is open to foreign investment. They suggested studying the culture and developing long-term plans for the Vietnamese market.

214 fatal accidents, 29,000 DUI cases in 7 days of Tet

The National Traffic Safety Committee reported that during the 7-day Tet holiday (February 8-14), there were 541 traffic accidents nationwide, resulting in 214 deaths and 504 injuries. Meanwhile, according to the Traffic Police Department, during the same period, 29,000 drivers were handled for driving under the influence, 21,000 higher than the same period last year, equivalent to a 277% increase.

Hoi An customs showcased at Hanoi Museum of Ethnology

A special event hosted by the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology on 17 and 18 February will take visitors on a tour to explore the local customs of the ancient city of Hoi An by participating in handicraft activities, playing folk games and singing, and tasting special dishes of Hoi An.

The event will also feature a recreation of Hoi An's nightlife, which will run from 5.30pm to 9.00pm on the two days, giving visitors a glimpse of local handicraft production.  

Aerial view of the ancient city of Hoi An in Quang Nam province. Photo: Thu Trang/The Hanoi Times

Xuong Giang Festival listed as national intangible cultural heritage

The Bac Giang City People's Committee has organized a festival to commemorate the 597th Xuong Giang Victory over the Chinese Ming invaders and to celebrate its inscription on the list of National Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Xuong Giang Victory Festival is underway between February 14 and 16 (from the 5th to the 7th day of the first lunar month) and features Quan Ho singing performances, photo exhibitions, cultural market spaces, and sports exchanges.

Ho Chi Minh City and Son La join UNESCO's Global Network of Learning Cities

Vietnam's southern economic hub, Ho Chi Minh City, and the city of Son La [in the northern province of the same name] have been recognized as members of UNESCO's Global Network of Learning Cities, it was announced on February 14 at a ceremony where the list of 64 cities from 35 countries was made public.

To be a member of the Global Network of Learning Cities, cities must commit to creating lifelong learning opportunities for all residents. In Vietnam, cities have joined the network, including Hai Duong, Sa Dec, Vinh (Nghe An Province) and Cao Lanh (Dong Thap Province).

Increase in the ceiling price of domestic air tickets from March 1, 2024

According to the Ministry of Transport's decision, the ceiling price of domestic air tickets will be increased starting April 1, 2023. The price for routes under 500 km would not exceed US$65.46 per one-way ticket to remote and backward areas, while it would be US$69.55 for other routes of the same distance. Tickets for air distances from 500 km to less than 850 km will also witness a price ceiling increase from US$90 to US$92.05 per one-way ticket and from US$114.14 to US$118.23 per one-way ticket for distances from 850 km to less than 1,000 km.