Vietnam news in brief - January 26

President of Samsung Vietnam Complex awarded Friendship Medal

Choi Joo Ho, President of Samsung Vietnam Complex, at the Samsung Solve for Tommorow event. Photo: Samsung Vietnam

Choi Joo Ho, President of Samsung Vietnam Complex, has been awarded the Friendship Medal by the State of Vietnam for his contributions to the development of friendly relations between Vietnam and South Korea. This is a Vietnamese distinction awarded to individuals and foreign organizations who have made efforts to the establishment, consolidation and development of friendship between Vietnam and other countries in the world.

Choi Joo Ho is praised for his contributions in establishing Samsung's top R&D center in Vietnam, elevating Vietnam's position from a global manufacturing hub to a strategic R&D hub for Samsung worldwide.

Dak Nong invites Indian partners to invest in 555km railway line

The Central Highlands province of Dak Nong is inviting Indian partners to invest in a 555km railway line running through the provinces of Danang - Kon Tum - Gia Lai - Dak Lak - Dak Nong - Binh Phuoc. The focus is on exploring investment cooperation for the construction of the 67 km Dak Nong - Chon Thanh railway line. The proposal was presented at a meeting with Indian partners in India on January 25.

Malaysian newspaper praises Vietnam's open visa policy

The Malaysian newspaper News Straits Times has credited Vietnam's open visa policy for its success in attracting international tourists. Vietnam expanded the scope of e-visa eligibility in August 2023 to simplify the process for tourists, while increasing the validity period from 30 to 90 days. The government also extended visa exemption for citizens of 13 countries, including Germany, South Korea, France, England, Italy and Spain, increasing the visa-free stay from 15 to 45 days. In 2023, Vietnam is expected to welcome around 12.6 million foreign visitors.

Finance ministry working on new rules to allow share sales and issues among SOEs

The Ministry of Finance is studying a new rule to allow state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to sell their stakes in loss-making members. The move will allow SOEs, in which the government owns half, to offload their assets in affiliates and joint ventures to improve their financial health. The ministry is also considering allowing state-owned companies to issue additional shares from their after-tax profits instead of paying cash dividends to shareholders. The move is aimed at increasing their capital to finance their existing and future projects.

Vietnam's first school to build zero-emission toilets

Representatives of UNICEF and Masterise attend classes under the Innovation for Children project during the trip to the southern province of Soc Trang in November 2023. Photo: UNICEF Vietnam

Long Phu C Primary School in the southern province of Soc Trang is the first to have a zero-emission toilet powered by clean energy from solar panels. Wastewater can be treated into safe, bacteria-free water that can be reused to flush toilets, helping to solve problems caused by drought and saltwater intrusion. The developments are part of the "Innovation for Children" project implemented by Masterise Group and UNICEF to improve the living environment and quality of education for children amid the impacts of climate change.

Dong Nai invests US$40 million in forest tourism

The Dong Nai Provincial People's Committee will build 51 tourism facilities within the Dong Nai Culture and Nature Reserve for about VND1 trillion (US$40 million). The province expects to attract non-state investors to contribute about 97% of the total cost of the project. The cultural and natural reserve covers a total area of 100,000 hectares and includes many attractive sites such as Cat Tien National Park, Bau Sau Ramsar and the wetlands of Tri An Lake.

Foreign English teachers required to complete training before working in Vietnam

Foreigners from English-speaking countries must complete an 11-component training program set up by the Ministry of Education and Training to teach English in Vietnam. Ten of the 11 components are designed to provide trainees with professional skills and an understanding of English education in Vietnam. They are required to join local schools and work as interns to gain practical experience. Trainees are also required to adapt to different working and cultural environments in Vietnam and to comply with Vietnamese laws and regulations.

Vietnam’s last Covid-19 treatment facility shut down

Field Hospital No. 13 in Ho Chi Minh City's Binh Chanh District, the last Covid-19 treatment facility in Vietnam, was officially closed on January 25 after nearly 2.5 years of operation in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. The facility was set up on August 17, 2021 amid a rising number of infected cases in the southern hub city. With around 1,500 beds, the field hospital was one of the busiest treatment facilities and was one of three centers to admit patients in critical condition.