Vietnam news in brief - January 8
Check out The Hanoi Times for today's latest news about Vietnam.
US and Vietnam discuss human rights
The 28th US-Vietnam Human Rights Dialogue, held January 6-7 in Hanoi, emphasized advancing human rights as part of the US-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Discussions focused on legal reform, freedom of expression and religion, and the rights of marginalized groups.
| UNESCO-recognized Ha Long Bay is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Vietnam. Photo: Nhan Dan |
Vietnam earns $34.4 billion from tourism in 2024
Vietnam welcomed over 17.5 million international visitors in 2024, earning $34.4 billion in tourism revenue, up 39.5% from 2023. South Korea and China were the top source markets with 4.5 million and 3.7 million visitors, respectively. Asian tourists, driven by visa policy reforms, accounted for 79.6% of the total.
Vietnam-Laos trade hits over US$2 billion in 2024
Bilateral trade between Vietnam and Laos exceeded US$2 billion in 2024, up 34% on year, according to Vice President Viengsavanh Vilayphone. Both countries are working together to improve infrastructure connectivity and ensure the quality and progress of non-refundable aid projects.
Spouse of General Secretary highlights unity at AWCH 2025 New Year gathering
Ngo Phuong Ly, spouse of General Secretary To Lam, highlighted the camaraderie and friendliness among members of the ASEAN Women's Community Group (AWCH). The event aims to promote women's role in the region, celebrate unity, and highlight ASEAN culture.
Vietnam boasts second largest bauxite reserves in the world
According to the US Geological Survey, Vietnam ranks second in the world for bauxite reserves in 2024, with approximately 5.8 billion tons. This resource is key to the aluminum industry.
Hanoi accelerates transition to electric buses by 2030
Hanoi aims to fully transition to electric buses by 2030, supported by the Hanoi Development Investment Fund. The city plans to finalize cost and standard frameworks to accelerate the green transition. Vice Chairman Nguyen Manh Quyen emphasized electric buses over those running on natural gas, and urged Transerco to align its efforts with this goal and improve transportation efficiency, with two pilot routes operating electric buses ready for launch in early 2025.
Music copyright royalties in Vietnam reach $16.1 million in 2024
The Vietnam Center for Protection of Music Copyright (VCPMC) collected over VND393 billion ($16 million) in royalties in 2024, an increase of 14.2% from 2023. Digital platforms contributed 78% of this amount. Nearly VND257 billion ($10.5 million) was distributed to rights holders, with VND94 billion ($3.9 million) scheduled for payment in early 2025.
