Vietnam news in brief - October 11

Vietnam welcomes over 8.8 million int’l tourists in Jan-Sep

Vietnam is one of the favorite destinations for numerous tourists.  Photo: Pham Hung/ The Hanoi Times

The number of international tourists to Vietnam is estimated to exceed 8.8 million in the first nine months of 2023, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism reported. Vietnam received a total number of 102.3 million visitors from January to September, making a revenue of VND536.5 trillion (US$22 billion).

Exploring cuisine of ethnic groups underway in Hanoi this month

Exploring the cuisine of ethnic groups is the theme of activities, which is taking place at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism, Dong Mo tourism area, Son Tay Town, Hanoi this October.

Visitors can experience activities such as the reenactment of the village reconciliation ceremony of the M'nong ethnic group in Binh Phuoc Province, a program featuring traditional musical instruments such as gongs, leaf horns, monochords, bamboo flutes, bau horns, and buffalo horns, the New Rice Festival of the Muong ethnic group in Hoa Binh Province, and the Sendolta Festival of the Khmer ethnic group in Soc Trang Province.

Reenacting the Northwest culture of Vietnam in Switzerland

Images of the country, people, and achievements of Vietnam's Dien Bien Province, along with unique and culturally rich art performances by the provincial art troupe, were introduced to international friends and the Vietnamese community in Geneva, Switzerland, during the cultural event commemorating the 78th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day.

At the event, the leaders of the northern province of Dien Bien announced that in 2024, a series of activities would be organized to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the historic victory of Dien Bien Phu, in conjunction with the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Geneva Conventions. The province hopes to welcome more international guests and overseas Vietnamese to visit Dien Bien, participate in cultural and artistic activities, exchange in economic and trade cooperation, and promote cooperation for peace and sustainable development.

Inauguration of a $1.6 billion semiconductor plant in Bac Ninh

The inauguration ceremony of the US$1.6-billion semiconductor plant, with a total area of about 23 hectares, was held in the Yen Phong II-C Industrial Park in the northern province of Bac Ninh. The new factory, invested by Amkor Technology Vietnam Company, is one of the largest semiconductor manufacturing plants in Vietnam. In the initial stage, the factory will focus on providing advanced system-in-package (SiP) assembly and testing solutions for leading electronic and semiconductor companies worldwide.

Japan supports Vietnam in four key areas

Japan will enhance support for Vietnam in implementing its long-term goals and visions until 2030-2045, focusing on four key areas, stated Kamikawa Yoko, Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, during talks with Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son on her visit to Vietnam from October 10-11. 

The areas include promoting ODA cooperation with a strategic focus on infrastructure development and expanding investment and trade cooperation. Japan considers Vietnam an important market and partner with great potential and desires Vietnam to create new attractions for Japanese investors. Cooperation in new areas, such as digital transformation and green energy, as well as cooperation in high-quality human resource training, are also emphasized.

Famous Japanese singer Ito Kashitaro to perform in Hanoi 

Having started his singing career on video platforms, ITO Kashitaro became a sensation, often referred to as an unparalleled vocal talent. Photo: Japan Foundation in Hanoi

As a part of the programs in celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Vietnam, singer Ito Kashitaro will hold two performances and a Live & Talk event on October 29 and 30 in Hanoi. Known as a vocalist of unparalleled talent and boasting tremendous support among young social media users, Kashitaro has expanded his anime song portfolio with hits like Kioku no Hakobune (the ending theme for the anime Deca-Dence). His gentle, encouraging songs will be brought to Vietnam on his ASEAN Tour 2023 to inspire the generation that will build future ties between the two countries.

Vietnam has over 30 million accounts using digital social insurance app

Vietnam has over 30 million accounts using the VssID app - the digital social insurance application, with over four million instances of using the electronic health insurance card on the app for medical examination and treatment nationwide, Nguyen The Manh, Director General of Vietnam Social Security, stated. The VssID app has achieved initial success in the digital transformation of Vietnam's social insurance sector, following the roadmap of building a digital government in Vietnam. Hanoi is at the forefront of implementing digital transformation and has made significant contributions to the digital map of the social insurance sector.

Nguyen Trung Truc Temple Festival recognized national cultural heritage 

On October 10, the People's Committee of Kien Giang Province organized the ceremony to receive the National Intangible Cultural Heritage certificate for the "Nguyen Trung Truc Temple Festival - Rach Gia City" at Tran Quang Khai Square, the southern province of Kien Giang. At the same time, the province also hosted another ceremony commemorating the 155th death anniversary of national hero Nguyen Trung Truc on October 10-12.