Vietnam news in brief - January 4
Stay up to date with the latest news from The Hanoi Times.
Prime Minister honors Ho Chi Minh City High Command
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended a ceremony on January 4 to honor Ho Chi Minh City's army units with the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces. This is the third time they have received the prestigious award, which recognizes their outstanding contributions in combating Covid-19 and strengthening national defense.
National Assembly Chairman visits Yen Bai, distributes gifts
Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man visited the northern province of Yen Bai on January 4, distributing gifts to the armed forces, welfare families, and disadvantaged residents. The province has achieved 41 out of 46 socio-economic targets for 2024, with an average income of US$2,300 per person and 77.4% of communes meeting new-style rural standards. He praised the province's achievements and urged continued efforts to meet the 2025 goals, ensure security and promote socio-economic development.
Vietnam boasts criteria for hosting global financial centers
Vietnam meets five key criteria for establishing regional and international financial centers, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh announced at a government conference in Ho Chi Minh City on January 4. He highlighted Vietnam's stable economy, consistent GDP growth, strategic location, global integration through 17 free trade agreements, and strong financial market. The government aims to modernize infrastructure and implement comprehensive policies, with plans extending to 2035, to enhance global financial connectivity.
Ministry of Transport allocates US$176.2 million for railway maintenance in 2025
The Ministry of Transport has allocated VND4,300 billion (US$176.2 million) for railway maintenance in 2025. Of this, the Vietnam Railways Corporation will receive VND4,296 billion (US$176 million) for infrastructure and signalling maintenance. The Vietnam Railway Authority will receive VND3.5 billion (US$143,500) to develop maintenance standards. Both agencies must ensure efficient and cost-effective use of the allocation.
| The Cat Linh - Ha Dong urban railway line. Photo: Pham Cong/The Hanoi Times |
Some 2,000 runners take part in PV GAS - Green Energy Race
More than 2,000 runners took part in the PV GAS - Green Energy Journey race in Ho Chi Minh City on January 4. The event focused on promoting environmental protection, emission reduction and sustainable development, while encouraging sportsmanship and a commitment to health and environmental responsibility.
Family trips dominate Vietnamese travel plans in 2025
A survey of travel trends for 2025 by Agoda reveals that 39% of Vietnamese travellers are planning family trips, with leisure and relaxation at the forefront. Popular choices include amusement parks and exploring new destinations, supported by digital tools and social media. This focus on family travel is in line with broader trends in Asia, driving tourism growth across the region.
Vietnamese players shine in ASEAN Cup first-leg final
Brazilian-born Vietnamese striker Nguyen Xuan Son and right-back Vu Van Thanh lead the nominations for Best Player in the first-leg final of the ASEAN Cup 2024. Xuan Son scored twice in Vietnam's 2-1 win over Thailand to take his tournament tally to seven goals. Meanwhile, Van Thanh's crucial assist for Xuan Son's opener underlined his impactful performance and boosted Vietnam's confidence in their quest to reclaim the title.
Hue targets record tourism growth in 2025
Hue aims to welcome 5 million visitors in 2025, a 28% increase from 2024. Revenue is projected at $460 million, up 39%. As host of the National Tourism Year 2025 and Hue Festival 2025, the city plans to promote heritage-based tourism, develop key projects and attract international tourists, with 38-40% expected to be foreign visitors.
