Vietnam news in brief - February 6

Government to have minimum wage hike in July

Local workers at a job fair in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: VNA

The National Wage Council is proposing a 6% increase in the minimum wage, based on labor market conditions and the projected GDP for 2023. The proposed monthly minimum wage will be VND200,000 (US$8.2)-VND280,000 (US$11.5) higher than the current level, and the hourly minimum wage will increase by 6%, ranging from VND16,600 (US$0.06) to VND23,800 (US$0.97).

South Australia suspends admission of students from Nghe An, Ha Tinh and Quang Binh

Vietnamese students from Nghe An, Ha Tinh and Quang Binh provinces are no longer eligible to apply to public schools in South Australia until further notice, the local Department of Education told the online newspaper VnExpress on February 5. The decision comes after four Vietnamese have reportedly gone missing from their host families since December 2023.

According to South Australian authorities, there is no evidence that the four students are in danger, and they are said to be on the run and avoiding police.

Nearly 13,900 workers and specialists needed for national high-speed railway

State-owned Vietnam Railway (VNR) estimates that a total of 13,880 people will be needed to implement the North-South High-Speed Railway project by 2040. VNR also plans to set up two member companies to maintain the infrastructure, rolling stock and facilities, as well as to operate and attract external investment.

The North-South bullet train project is designed to run at a speed of 350 kilometres per hour. With a track gauge of 1,435 mm, which meets international standards, the railway will pass through 20 cities and provinces. The project is expected to be completed by 2045.

World Bank interested in Vietnam's railway projects

The World Bank's (WB) East Asia and Pacific (EAP) Regional Director for Infrastructure will visit Hanoi in mid-February to discuss the WB and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank's announced commitments to support the development of Vietnam's railway industry, including co-financing of one or two projects. Kathy Whimp, WB Operations Manager for Vietnam, shared this information during a meeting with Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Danh Huy on February 5. The World Bank hopes to exchange information with the Ministry of Transport to clarify details of the Eastern Ring Railway project in Hanoi, the Bien Hoa-Vung Tau railway project, the Ho Chi Minh-Can Tho railway project and the railway safety project.

Hue allows free entry to relics sites during Lunar New Year

The Imperial City of Hue. Photo: Hue Monuments Conservation Center

The Hue Monuments Conservation Center announced on February 5 that all the relics in the Hue Monument Complex will be open to visitors, both domestic and foreign, free of charge during the Lunar New Year from February 10 to 12. The center will also organize many cultural and artistic activities, folk games and royal traditions at the Hue Imperial Citadel for visitors.

Vietnam becomes Argentina's top agricultural buyer

Vietnam has overtaken China to become the largest importer of Argentine agricultural products by volume in 2023. Rosario Trade Exchange, Argentina's Infobae newspaper and Acercando Naciones website reported that Vietnam is the largest importer of corn and soybean meal, with a volume of up to 5.3 million tons, more than China (4.6 million tons). Vietnam imported Argentina's soy meal for US$1.2 billion and corn for US$800 million.

Hanoi supports production facilities to participate in handicraft fairs abroad

Hanoi will support its manufacturers to participate in overseas handicraft fairs, including those in Japan and France, as part of the Hanoi People's Committee's 2024 Plan. According to the plan, the city aims to achieve several key goals this year, including: restoring export turnover of handicraft products and achieving an increase of 6-8% per year; creating 650-800 new designs for domestic and foreign markets; supporting 600-650 enterprises to participate in domestic and international fairs; and supporting 10-15 enterprises to invest in modern production equipment.