Vietnam news in brief - November 7

Danang to build 11 domestic waterways by 2050

Cruise ships sail on the Han River in Danang. Photo: vinwonders.com

The central coastal city of Danang has planned 11 inland waterways with a total length of nearly 100 km by 2050. The routes are to be established on the local rivers of Han, Vinh Dien, Cam Le, and Tuy Loan. There will be 64 terminals along the waterways, including 19 tourism terminals around Son Tra Peninsula and two storm shelters for ships and boats.

By 2050, the city will also set up more waterways to connect with international routes to the US, Canada, Australia, India, and Europe.

Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Manual to be published  

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism will compile a manual describing the 42 best tourism products of the southern city. The 42 best tourism offers, which are highly regarded by tourists, are located in 21 districts and Thu Duc City, including Cu Chi Tunnels, the War Remnants Museum, and Sac Forest in Can Gio District.

In addition, the guide will help tour operators and local authorities improve the quality of products and services to attract more visitors to the city.

Thua Thien Hue Province to host Vietnam-Laos festival in mid-November

From November 11 to 15, Thua Thien Hue Province will host a festival to commemorate the diplomatic relations and friendship between Vietnam and Laos. Opening on November 11, the festival will feature an exhibition of 200 photos on Vietnam-Laos diplomatic relations, a fair by Vietnamese media and enterprises in the trade and tourism sectors.

There will be a workshop to discuss the potential growth of Vietnam-Laos relations in media and journalism. The workshop will provide an opportunity for professionals and journalists from both countries to seek solutions for the application of technology in the media industry and to promote bilateral economic relations.

Vietnam Days Abroad event to be held in France this month

Vietnam Days Abroad in France, which begins on November 8 (local time), will be an opportunity to celebrate the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam-France Strategic Partnership. The two-day event will see a wide range of activities, including art performances, Vietnamese cultural shows, and an exhibition of paintings depicting French architecture in Vietnam.

Vietnam Days Abroad 2023 was first held in Pretoria, South Africa in September. After France, the event will move to Japan in December.

Painting contest for people with disabilities launched

The "Inspiring Tradition" painting contest was launched by Pan Pacific Hanoi in cooperation with the Vietnam University of Fine Arts, mainly for participants who are students of the University of Fine Arts and Vietnamese citizens with disabilities aged 19 to 35. The contest aims to create a useful playground for people with disabilities, contribute to their passion for painting and creative artistic thinking, and bring their works closer to the community.

The theme of the contest focuses on the tangible or intangible value of scenic spots in Vietnam, depicted through artistic interpretation to express emotions and perspectives on Vietnam's cultural heritage. The prize includes up to US$1,000 in cash and an all-expenses-paid trip to Singapore.

Vietnam Stock Exchange posts $55 million profit in 9 months

The Vietnam Stock Exchange (VNX) earned a post-tax profit of VND1.34 trillion (US$55 million) in the first nine months, already exceeding the full-year target by 9%. However, the figure was down 16% year-on-year, according to the company's financial statements. Revenue for the nine-month period was VND1.37 trillion ($56.4 million), 5% higher than the full-year target.

VNX is a state-owned enterprise that manages the operations of the Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi stock exchanges. It was established in December 2021.

Saudi Fund channels $165 million to Vietnamese projects in 12 years

The Saudi Fund for Development has channeled more than $165 million into 12 projects in Vietnam since 2011, a meeting heard on November 6. Of the 12 projects, 10 have been completed and are fully operational, while two others are underway to enhance Dong Thap Province's capacity to respond to climate change, improve agricultural production, and develop transportation infrastructure for poor districts in Yen Bai Province.

According to Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong, the Saudi Fund for Development represents the close and long-term relationship between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia.