Vietnam news in brief - February 24
Stay up to date with the latest news on Vietnam.
Vietnam mulls Face ID for tourists to enter the country
| A pilot program using facial recognition technology for immigration at Cat Bi International Airport in Hai Phong City, Vietnam. Photo: ACV |
The Ministry of Public Security will study online immigration procedures through facial recognition (Face ID) and electronic passports (e-passports) to facilitate the entry of tourists, according to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's directive on comprehensive, rapid and sustainable tourism development signed on February 23. The ministry will intensify the reforms of administrative procedures, apply scientific and technological advances, and automate the process of handling procedures for foreign visitors entering, staying and traveling in Vietnam. The ministry will also study the pilot issuance of visas at borders based on local staff approval for international tourists and report to the Prime Minister in the second quarter.
Vietnam Airlines to host Int'l Airline Symposium 2024 in Hanoi
The International Airline Symposium (IAS) 2024, hosted by Vietnam Airlines on February 27-29 in Hanoi under the theme "Navigating Aviation in a Never Normal World", will bring high-level experts and influential figures from various fields around the world to Vietnam. It aims to share the latest information in the aviation industry and contribute to promoting the image of Vietnam and its people worldwide.
South Korea seeks opportunities to invest in Thai Binh
South Korean investors are seeking opportunities to invest in the northern province of Thai Binh. This was discussed at a meeting between Chairman of the Thai Binh Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Khac Than and a delegation of South Korean enterprises led by Bae Gun Ki, a consultant from Zenith Group, in the province on February 23. The province invites large domestic and foreign investors, including South Korean enterprises, to explore and cooperate in investment. The local government is accelerating infrastructure investment, reforming administrative procedures and improving the investment environment for enterprises.
Halong Bay ranked 2nd among the world's most beautiful natural destinations
| Halong Bay, Quang Ninh Province. Photo: Tripadvisor |
Halong Bay, situated in the northern province of Quang Ninh, is Vietnam's only representative and has been honored as the second most beautiful natural destination in the world in the Travelers' Choice Best of the Best Destinations 2024 ranking by TripAdvisor. The ranking highlights Halong Bay as a renowned destination. TripAdvisor suggests various activities in the bay, such as taking a cruise and staying overnight, kayaking, visiting famous caves and enjoying seafood. The selection criteria are based on factors such as stunning natural scenery, grandeur, ease of immersion in nature, and providing a delightful experience for tourists.
Strong increase in real estate demand
According to data from Batdongsan.com, nationwide real estate sales in January increased by 66% compared to the same period last year, and the number of real estate listings also jumped by 52%. In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, land and project plots received more attention than apartments. The search volume for land in Hanoi surged by 110% compared to the same period last year. Demand for land under development also rose sharply by 77% in the same period. In Ho Chi Minh City, the demand for both land and land under development saw a significant increase, ranging from 71% to 73% year-on-year. On the other hand, the demand for apartments experienced a comparatively lower growth of 59%.
Binh Dinh to host two investment promotion conferences in March
The conference "Canada - Gateway for Vietnamese Businesses to Access the North American Market" and the Investment Promotion Conference in 2024 will be held on March 28-29 in the city to formalize the establishment of the Vietnam Exhibition and Product Introduction Center in Vancouver, Canada, to provide guidance on registration to promote Vietnamese goods in Canada, as well as procedures for joining the Vietnam-Canada Business Association. These events are expected to lay the groundwork for investment activities and expand cooperation between Binh Dinh Province and foreign investors.
