Vietnam news in brief - January 1
Read The Hanoi Times for updates about Vietnam.
Cantho City celebrates 20th anniversary of first-tier status
On December 31, the southern city of Cantho held a ceremony to commemorate the 20th anniversary of its promotion to a first-tier metropolis. In his speech, State President Vo Van Thuong encouraged the city government and local authorities to take drastic measures to improve socioeconomic growth, apply science and technology in production, and develop a circular and digital economy.
The President also urged the city to create new growth momentum and improve competitiveness in domestic and international markets.
Son Tay Town kicks off national tourism year 2024
| Daily life in the ancient village of Duong Lam in Son Tay Town, Hanoi. Photo: Pham Ngoc Diep |
West Hanoi's Son Tay City kicked off the National Tourism Year 2024 on December 31, pledging to continue to provide quality products and services and explore new tours in the city and surrounding areas.
Son Tay has attractive tourist sites, including the ancient village of Duong Lam and the ancient Son Tay Fortress. In 2023, the city welcomed a record 1.1 million visitors.
Dien Bien Tourism Year to feature 300 events
The northern mountain province of Dien Bien's National Tourism Year 2024 will feature nearly 300 national and provincial events. The Dien Bien National Tourism Year kicked off on December 31 with a festival featuring the ninth Thai People's Canoe Race and the fourth National Skydiving Championship.
The festival, which ends on January 4, offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy local culture, cuisine, and popular sites in Muong Lay Town, such as a trip to the Son La Hydropower Plant reservoir and exploration of Ban Bac Cave.
Vietnam on track to become 21st largest economy by 2038: CEBR
The London-based Center for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) has forecasted that Vietnam's economy could rise to 21st place on the World Economic League Table (WELT) in 2038 from its current position of 34th. Vietnam is credited with increasing labor productivity and efficiently absorbing capital for both public and private investment.
According to the CEBR, Vietnam could become a high-income economy by 2045, surpassing many others, such as Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia.
Vietnam earns $4.8 billion from rice exports in 2023: Ministry
Vietnam exported a total of nearly $4.8 billion worth of rice in 2023, up 38.4% year-on-year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Total rice output in 2023 increased slightly by 1.7% year-on-year to 43.4 million tons.
According to Vietnamese rice exporters, Vietnam's 5% broken rice was $653 per ton last week, down from $660-665 in the previous week. In 2023, the price of 5% broken rice increased by 44%.
