Vietnam news in brief - November 27

Vietnam and Bulgaria aim to boost trade to US$500 million

Vietnamese and Bulgarian leaders agreed to lift bilateral trade to US$500 million during Bulgarian President Rumen Radev's official visit to Vietnam this week. They emphasized strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, education, and defense while supporting each other in international forums. Vietnam was highlighted as a key market for Bulgaria, with Bulgarian companies active in various sectors such as IT, electronics and defense.

Tet flight bookings soar as airlines increase capacity

As many as 80% of Tet (Lunar New Year) flights are fully booked, especially routes from Ho Chi Minh City to central provinces such as Thanh Hoa and Quy Nhon city in the central coastal province of Binh Dinh. Average ticket prices for the peak travel period range from US$57 to US$114 one-way. Airlines are adding more than 2.6 million seats and urging early booking through official channels to avoid scams. The frequency of night flights will be increased to meet demand.

The musical "Red Aspiration" celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People's Army. Using modern Broadway-inspired styles, it explores themes of duty, family, and societal challenges. Performed entirely live by more than 60 artists from the Military University of Culture and Arts and the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet, it will premiere in Hanoi on December 6 and 7.

View of Halong Bay from the air. Photo: Pham Hung/ Economic and Urban Newspaper

Vietnam Airlines receives Five Star Major Airline recognition

Vietnam Airlines has been named a Five Star Major Airline for the second consecutive year by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX). The award, based on millions of global passenger reviews, highlights the airline's service excellence and ability to connect international passengers to Vietnam. This achievement follows Vietnam Airlines' accolade as a "Five Star International Airline" in 2023.

Brisbane cultural event promotes Vietnamese heritage

The Association of Vietnamese Students in Queensland (AVSQ) hosted Cultural Blossoms in Brisbane to promote Vietnam's intangible cultural heritage. Participants explored traditional crafts such as Dong Ho paintings and Gia Thanh conical hats through interactive games. Held at the University of Queensland, the event marked AVSQ's final project for 2024, fostering pride in Vietnamese heritage and strengthening community ties among over 30 participants.

Endangered Asiatic black bear spotted in Quang Tri reserve

A rare Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) weighing 150 kg was recently spotted in Bac Huong Hoa Nature Reserve in Quang Tri. Listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List, the species is threatened with extinction due to habitat loss and poaching. Conservation efforts are now underway to protect it.

A rare Asiatic black bear captured on camera traps in Bac Huong Hoa Nature Reserve. Photo: Bac Huong Hoa Nature Reserve Management Board

Vietnamese silk collection to be showcased at international events

A collection of 10 silk fashions made from Vietnamese silk will be showcased at the Hanoi Agricultural and Craft Festival 2024 and promoted at the AF-L'ARTIGIANO International Handicraft Fair in Milan. Designed by Barbara Ebbli, founder and designer of the Malaika brand, the collection combines traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship with modern European aesthetics. The collection will be showcased at several events, including a fashion show on November 29 and an exhibition in Milan on December 8.