Vietnam news in brief - July 2

Vietnam, South Korea seek to strengthen tourism partnership

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the Vietnam-Korea Tourism Promotion and Cultural Cooperation Forum in Seoul on July 1 during his official visit to the country. At the event, government officials, experts and business leaders discussed high-level tourism cooperation, medical tourism and various cultural projects.

Ceremony of signing documents on tourism cooperation between Vietnam and South Korea. Photo: VGP

It also marked the 10th anniversary of Vietjet's first flight to South Korea and the launch of the new Daegu-Nha Trang route. Eight cooperation agreements were signed between Vietnam and Korea, highlighting the strategic partnership between the two nations.

Hoa Lo Prison Relic opens local heritage exhibition

A special exhibition entitled "A Glimpse of Heritage" is being held at the Hoa Lo Prison Relic in Hanoi to mark the 25th anniversary of Hanoi's designation by UNESCO as a "City for Peace". Running from 1 July to 15 September, the exhibition features documents and images from 25 historical and cultural sites, highlighting the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought for Vietnam's independence.

The display includes visual and reading materials on 90 Tho Nhuom Street, 5D Ham Long Street, the Hanoi Flag Tower and Long Bien Bridge. The exhibition uses the colors blue and yellow to symbolize hope and history, respectively.

Vietnamese airlines urged to expand fleets

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) on 1 July urged airlines to lease aircraft to replace those grounded due to engine recalls. It ordered Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, Tre Viet, Pacific Airlines and Vietravel Airlines to increase their fleets and capacity on domestic and international routes. CAAV also emphasized compliance with passenger tariff regulations and transparency in fare structures.

Due to a global aircraft shortage, Vietnamese airlines operate 165-170 aircraft, down from 205-215 last year. They carried 13 million passengers in Q1, a decline of 5% from 2023.

Hanoi’s public investment funding to reach $3.5 billion

Le Anh Quan, Director of the Hanoi Department of Planning and Investment, on July 1, presented the adjustments to the capital’s 2024 public investment plan and 2025 orientations, including updates to the 2021-2025 mid-term plan. The key adjustments include reallocating ODA funds and the central budget for projects like the Nhon-Hanoi Station urban railway and Ring Road 4.

For 2025, public investment is projected at about US$3.5 billion, up by $14 million from 2024. The 2021-2025 mid-term plan now details the allocations of some $9 billion for public investment projects.

Vietnam cuts VAT to 8% until the end of 2024

The Vietnamese Government has issued a decree to reduce the value-added tax (VAT) on goods and services from July 1 to December 31, in accordance with a resolution passed by the National Assembly on June 29. The VAT reduction from 10% to 8% will be applied universally to import, export, production and trade.

Ho Chi Minh City announces another 43 four-star OCOP products

The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee recently held a ceremony to announce another 43 four-star "One Commune, One Product" (OCOP) products from six members of the city's 2023 OCOP program.

Since its approval by the Prime Minister in 2018, the city has 191 OCOP products, including 79 four-star and 112 three-star products.

Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City listed as emerging Asia-Pacific cities

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have been listed as emerging cities in the Asia-Pacific region in the first Inclusive Cities Barometer recently released by Cushman & Wakefield, a leading global real estate company.

Hanoi stands out for its higher levels of gender equality, comparatively affordable housing and lower transport costs. HCMC's top three drivers are favorable population density, good access to healthcare and affordable housing rents.

Hanoi: Over 4,500 citizens issued new electronic ID card

Hanoi Police said that the total number of electronic ID cards issued in the capital on July 1 is 4,532 cases. Among them, 106 were issued to citizens aged 0-6 years. This is the first time that Vietnamese children under the age of six can be issued ID cards upon request, as the Law on Identification comes into effect on July 1, 2024.

According to the new law, authorities will issue identity certificates to people of Vietnamese origin whose nationality is unknown. The identification document will contain information about the identity of those people who have lived in the country for six months or more.