Vietnam news in brief - November 15

Prime Minister to attend G20 Summit in Brazil, visit Dominican Republic

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his wife, along with a high-level Vietnamese delegation, will attend the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from November 16-19 at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The Government leader will then pay an official visit to the Dominican Republic from November 19 to 21.

Haiphong attracts $1.8 billion in FDI

Haiphong on November 14 issued investment certificates for 12 projects, mainly high-tech, totaling about US$1.8 billion in FDI. These projects are expected to create about 17,000 jobs, including the US$1 billion expansion of LG Display. With an FDI inflow of US$3.5 billion in 2024, Haiphong is strengthening its role as a key destination for foreign investment.

Hue proposes great palace gate restoration

Thua Thien Hue has proposed a US$2.6 million project to restore the relic Great Palace Gate in the imperial city of Hue. The four-year project, to be approved on November 15, aims to preserve the cultural and historical value of this UNESCO World Heritage Site by focusing on structural restoration, traditional craftsmanship, and improved lighting and security systems.

Hue Imperial Citadel from above. Photo: Dulich.laodong.vn

Ho Chi Minh City launches digital citizen app for public services

Ho Chi Minh City launched a digital citizen app on November 14, enabling two-way communication between residents and government agencies. With 12 functional groups covering public services, healthcare, education, and more, users can report problems, track progress, rate services, and receive updates.

Vietnam leads Southeast Asia with 1,000 organ transplants annually

Vietnam leads Southeast Asia in organ transplants with more than 1,000 operations annually over the past two years, according to the Vietnam Tissue and Organ Donation Advocacy Association. The country now has 26 well-equipped transplant centers staffed by qualified professionals. Some 100,000 people have registered to donate organs posthumously, but demand remains high, with tens of thousands still waiting for transplants.

ASEAN-Japan youth delegates join cultural exchange

The Nippon Maru arrived in Ho Chi Minh City on November 14, carrying 168 young delegates from 10 ASEAN countries and Japan for the 48th Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP). The program, a joint effort between ASEAN and Japan since 1974, promotes cultural exchange and friendship. Delegates will participate in homestays, cultural exchanges, and discussions on topics such as climate change and disaster relief.

Vietnam Youth delegation. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union

Vietnam welcomes 3.7 million South Korean tourists year-to-date

Vietnam welcomed some 3.7 million South Korean tourists from January to October, up 28% year-on-year, accounting for 26% of total international visitors, according to Baig Hyeon, Director of the Incheon Tourism Organization. Ho Chi Minh City is the top destination for South Korean tourists, with more than 468,000 arrivals in January-September, accounting for 13.9% of total visitors from the East Asian country to Vietnam.

Vietnam and US strengthen cybersecurity cooperation

Vietnam's Information Security Authority and the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on November 14 to cooperate on cybersecurity. Focused on improving cyber resilience, information sharing, and risk mitigation, this partnership underscores Vietnam's commitment to securing critical digital infrastructure, reflects strong bilateral ties with the US, and enhances Vietnam's capabilities in the face of growing cyber threats.

Northwest Tourism Fair boosts cultural exchange

The Northwest-Dien Bien 2024 Tourism Fair, themed "Glorious Dien Bien - Endless Experience," opened on November 14 with 60 booths showcasing unique tourism products, traditional crafts, and OCOP items. The fair promotes regional tourism, cultural exchanges and investment opportunities in support of Dien Bien's National Tourism Year 2024.