Vietnam news in brief - February 26

Vietnam and Egypt promote cooperation in various fields

Vietnam and Egypt expect the provinces of Luxor and Ninh Binh to enhance cooperation in agriculture, education and tourism, according to an agreement reached at a trade seminar entitled "Vietnam-Egypt Business Opportunities" between the Vietnamese Embassy in Egypt and the leadership of Luxor Province on February 25 in Luxor, Egypt.

Both sides agreed to create favorable conditions for tour operators from the two provinces to establish representative offices and promote tourism activities in each other's territories. Luxor and Ninh Binh will review and complete the contents of their cooperation agreement in order to sign an extension of this document soon. Luxor is expected to strengthen cooperation not only with the northern province of Ninh Binh, but also with other localities in Vietnam.

Vietjet Air launches new route between Ho Chi Minh City and Vientiane

The first passengers departed Ho Chi Minh City for Laos' capital, Vientiane, on  February 25. Photo courtesy of Vietjet

Low-cost carrier Vietjet Air launched a direct route between Ho Chi Minh City and Laos' capital of Vientiane on February 25 to promote economic, people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two nations.

There will be four return flights between the two cities on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Passengers will spend 1.45 hours traveling each way. The new route not only shortens the journey between Ho Chi Minh City and Vientiane but also increases connectivity between the Lao capital and other regions of Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City to host international textile and garment exhibition

From 28 February to 1 March, Ho Chi Minh City’s Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) will host the first-ever Vietnam International Apparel, Textile and Textile Technology Exhibition and Trade Fair 2024 (VIATT 2024). VIATT 2024 will feature more than 500 booths showcasing products from over 400 domestic and international companies representing 16 countries and territories worldwide, including the UK, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the US, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong (China), Taiwan (China), Thailand, Indonesia, India, Pakistan and China.

Phu Yen plans 11 high-tech agricultural zones

The central coast province of Phu Yen will develop 11 high-tech agricultural zones with an estimated total area of over 10,000 hectares, according to Decision No. 1746 issued by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Under the plan, the areas for high-tech agricultural applications include approximately 1,700 hectares for rice cultivation, 900 hectares for corn biomass, 700 hectares for sugarcane cultivation, 600 hectares for vegetable and mushroom farming, and others.

Vietnam sells 12,000 tons of tea internationally, up 85% year-on-year

Vietnam exported 12,000 tonnes of tea in January-February, earning more than US$21 million from tea exports. The figures were up 85% year-on-year in both volume and value. Export prices ranged from $1,300 to $1,600 per ton, according to the Vietnam Tea Association.

Exports to Pakistan remained the largest, with Pakistani buyers purchasing 4,500 tons of tea worth $9.2 million. Taiwan (China) was the second largest destination, followed by the USA and Poland.

Seaport container volumes up 27% y/y to 4m TEUs in Jan-Feb

The total volume of containers in January and February is estimated at 4.05 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), up 27% year-on-year, according to the Vietnam Maritime Administration. The volume of containers has increased by 40-60% year-on-year in all seaports such as Haiphong, Ho Chi Minh City and Vung Tau, while it has surged by 49-144% year-on-year in others such as Danang, Cantho, Dong Nai and Nghe An.