Vietnam news in brief - May 7

Vietnam's F&B market value to exceed US$26 billion in 2024

Imported drinks showcased at an expo in late 2023. Photo: Hoai Nam/The Hanoi Times

The market value of the food and beverage (F&B) industry in Vietnam is expected to reach over VND655 trillion (US$26 billion) in 2024, up 11% from 2023, according to a forecast by Kirin Capital, a private equity investment firm, F&B outlets continue to dominate the market with a 93.9% market share, reaffirming the dominance of this business model.

The firm also highlighted six prominent trends in Vietnam's F&B industry in 2024, including the rise of convenient beverages, increased demand for clean eating and drinking, the Michelin race, improving quality and experience, digital transformation in F&B businesses, and foreign investment opportunities.

Vietnam among top 10 destinations for Chinese holidaymakers

Vietnam was among the top 10 destinations for Chinese tourists during their May Day holiday, according to travel platform Qunar. The platform's data showed that searches for Vietnam in China at the end of April and the beginning of May were almost 95% of pre-pandemic levels.

According to the platform, Vietnam is attractive for its cultural diversity and beautiful natural landscapes, ahead of Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, the US, and Australia, the most popular destinations for Chinese tourists.

Vietnam men's futsal team ranked 33rd in the world

Vietnam is ranked 33rd out of 139 national teams in the inaugural Men's Futsal World Ranking announced by FIFA on May 6. Vietnam is also the fifth-strongest team in Asia and third in Southeast Asia. In the women's ranking, Vietnam is 13th.

European Literature Days in Vietnam kicked off

The ongoing 2024 European Literature Days in Vietnam is focusing on gender equality and gender diversity. The event, now underway in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City until May 19, will showcase many writings by young writers in Vietnam and Europe, focusing on fighting discrimination, promoting young female writers, and inspiring local writers to start their careers. This year's edition is supported by the Goethe Institute, the British Council, the Cervantes Institute, and the embassies of Spain, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Poland.

AFC certifies Vinmec Times City Hospital for excellence in sports medicine

The representative of the Vinmec Times City International General Hospital receives the award of merit from the Asian Football Confederation. Photo: Vietnamplus

The Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center at Vinmec Times City International General Hospital has been recognized as a Sports Medicine Center of Excellence according to the standards of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). This certification allows athletes and professionals to receive treatment domestically instead of costly overseas treatment, as it represents the highest standards for providing optimal healthcare services to Asian soccer players. To date, the AFC has 12 Medical Centers of Excellence across the continent.

Over US$1.6 billion in tax refunds in Jan-Apr

In the first four months of the year, tax authorities have refunded more than VND39.4 trillion ($1.6 billion) and proposed the examination of nearly VND10 trillion ($396.7 million) through tax inspections and audits, according to the General Department of Taxation. The total tax revenue after inspections and audits is VND1.7 trillion ($67.3 million).

Vietnam sees more international articles published in 2023

Vietnam ranked 47th among 234 countries and territories with 19,196 international articles published in 2023, up 1.06% on year, according to the Journal & Country Rank released in early May by SCImago, a Spain-based organization that provides information on the quality of countries' scientific research. In the Southeast Asia region, Vietnam ranked behind Indonesia (5th), Malaysia (19th), Singapore (23rd), and Thailand (35th).

25 bus lines in Hanoi pilot electronic ticketing

To date, 25 bus lines in Hanoi have piloted the electronic ticketing system, with 18,362 electronic cards issued. At present, there are about 10 million ticket users on the bus network. The electronic card system matters a lot to Hanoi's goal of being a smart city.

Vietnam participates in Asian Defense Services Exhibition and Conference

The delegation of the Ministry of National Defense of Vietnam, led by Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army Phung Si Tan, attended the 2024 Defense Services Asia (DSA) Conference and Exhibition and the National Security Asia 2024 (NATSEC) Exhibition in Malaysia on May 6-9.

Under the theme "Building a Secure Future for Developing Nations," the DSA aims to offer dialogues on defense and security issues to ensure peace and stability in the region.