Vietnam news in brief - November 15

Vietnam, Portugal to open diplomatic missions in each other's countries

Vietnam and Portugal should open diplomatic missions in each other's countries, said Augusto Santos Silva, Speaker of the Portuguese Parliament, at a meeting with Tran Thanh Man, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam, in Lisbon on November 14. He said Portugal has always appreciated relations with Vietnam as an important partner in expanding its partnerships with other Asian countries.

The Vietnamese deputy said that the Government is willing to support Portugal to open a diplomatic mission in Vietnam.

Human Resources Training Agreement for eSports signing ceremony

An overview of the signing ceremony. Photo: Vietnam’s University of Management and Technology

A cooperation agreement on human resources training for eSports between Vietnam's University of Management and Technology and UK-based Pearson was signed in Hanoi on November 14, marking a new milestone for the UK-Vietnam education partnership and the potential of the eSports industry in Vietnam - a convergence of technology, skills, and innovation.

Ho Chi Minh City recognized for digital efforts

Ho Chi Minh City received the ASOCIO Digital Government Award at the ASOCIO Digital Summit in Seoul, South Korea on November 14. The award recognized the city's digital efforts to improve the quality of management and transparency, and to apply digital solutions in various fields, including transportation, education, healthcare, and public services.

Vietjet launches direct flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Shanghai, China

Low-cost airline Vietjet announced on November 14 that it will launch a direct route between Ho Chi Minh City and Shanghai, China on December 1, with seven return flights per week. 

The direct flight was announced at a meeting between Nguyen Van Nen, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, and Chen Jining, Party Secretary of Shanghai, during the Vietnamese official's visit to China.

Vietnam Airlines joins Association of Asia-Pacific Airlines

Vietnam Airlines joins the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines. Photo: VNA

Vietnam Airlines, the national carrier of Vietnam, announced on November 14 that it has joined the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA). This move will help the airline establish and strengthen bilateral relations with leading Asian airlines, diversify its products, and offer passengers a wider range of high-quality choices.

Launch of the "Vietnamese Youth - Global Citizens" contest

The Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, in coordination with OKO English under Edservice Investment JSC, has launched the "Vietnamese Youth - Global Citizens" competition in 2023, with the aim of improving knowledge, foreign language proficiency and development of essential soft skills for young people. The preliminary round will run until February 18, 2024, and the national finals will be held in May 2024. The total prize value for the winners is nearly VND2 billion (US$82,546).

Hanoi to pilot electronic health records for citizens

Hanoi will pilot the implementation of electronic medical records to replace traditional paper documents in healthcare facilities, according to a plan signed by Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh on November 13. The pilot program will consist of three phases and is expected to be complete by April 1, 2024.

10 Vietnamese youngsters to join regional youth program

Ten outstanding Vietnamese young people will represent Vietnam at the 47th Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP) in Japan from November 29 to December 9. The program aims to promote friendship and mutual understanding among the youth of Japan and the ten Southeast Asian countries.

Home sale prices continue to rise in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City 

Housing prices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, two of the country's major economic centers, continued to rise in Q3/2023 due to high demand and limited supply, according to the Ministry of Construction. In Hanoi, the average residential price increased by 7% quarter-on-quarter and 14% year-on-year to nearly VND51 million (US$2,100)/m2. In Ho Chi Minh City, the price rose 3% quarterly to VND45 million (US$1,850)/m2.

The ministry said supply is increasing, but growth is still outpaced by market demand. It will work on solutions to improve the real estate market.