Vietnam news in brief - June 18

Vietnam Airlines launches direct flights linking Vietnam with the Philippines
The inaugural flight, VN648, departed Ho Chi Minh City at 12:50 on Monday and landed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila at 4:20 the same day. The national carrier will operate seven weekly flights on the route, four from Ho Chi Minh City and the rest from Hanoi.

Aircraft fleet of Vietnam Airlines.  Photo: The Hanoi Times

Video contest launched to explore Dan Phuong District
About 129 villages and neighborhoods in Dan Phuong District are participating in a video contest to showcase local culture, cuisine, tourism, and people and to promote love for fine traditions. The contestants will create a short film (video clip) of 5-7 minutes to show the district's beauty and tell interesting stories about it. The contest will run from June 16 to October 2024.

Phu Tho launches nearly 500-hectare urban area and golf course project
The Phu Tho Provincial People's Committee has just approved the adjustment of the planning for the Service, Cultural and Sports Urban Area and Ao Chau Golf Course in Ha Hoa Town, Ha Hoa District. With a total area of about 500 hectares, this urban area can accommodate about 12,000 people and is fully integrated with facilities such as entertainment, commercial, and sports centers. The project is divided into three phases and will run from 2024 to 2032.

Proposal to ban drug sales on social media

The government has proposed allowing the sale of medicines through e-commerce but banning it on social media, according to a draft amendment to the law submitted to the National Assembly on June 17. Sellers will be required to post information about medicines in accordance with drug advertising regulations and will be legally responsible for the accuracy and legality of the documents submitted to the authorities. Online retailers must also ensure the confidentiality of buyers' information in accordance with cybersecurity regulations.

South Korea supports medical equipment exporters to Vietnam

Some 84 South Korean medical equipment companies held 501 business consultations worth US$91 million with 306 Vietnamese customers from June 13 to 14, according to results released by the South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency on June 17. The event aimed to expand cooperation opportunities in the healthcare sector between the two countries.