Vietnam news in brief - October 19

Vietnamese products featured in Carrefour France's week-long cultural event

A promotional event showcasing Vietnamese products was launched on October 18 at Carrefour, one of France's leading supermarket chains. The week-long event features traditional performances, including conical hat dances and ao dai shows, as well as an exhibition of iconic Vietnamese landmarks such as Ha Long Bay and the ancient city of Hoi An. The event also offers a culinary section showcasing popular Vietnamese dishes such as pho and spring rolls.

Shoppers buy Vietnamese products at Carrefour supermarket, France. Photo: VNA

Biometric enrollment significantly reduces online fraud

After three months, some 38 million accounts have been biometrically verified, helping 50% of online fraud and 70% of fraudulent money transfers, according to the State Bank of Vietnam. From January 2025, customers without biometric verification will only be able to bank in person at branches to ensure account security and reduce the risk of fraud.

Vietnamese-developed app strengthens privacy and work efficiency

VCCorp has launched Lotus Chat, a 100% Vietnamese-developed messaging application focused on creating a secure and efficient chat environment. Key features include privacy protection, group chat security, and anti-spam tools. Lotus Chat offers alias use, private groups, encrypted messaging, and self-deleting messages to protect sensitive information and enhance user privacy and work productivity. It is available in the App Store, Google Play, Mac, and Windows.

Standard Chartered raises Vietnam's GDP growth forecast for 2024 to 6.8%

On October 18, Standard Chartered Bank revised its forecast for Vietnam's GDP growth 2024 to 6.8%, driven by a stronger-than-expected Q3 performance. The bank expects growth to reach 6.9% in Q4 and 6.7% in 2025. Key growth drivers include exports, real estate, tourism, and foreign direct investment.

Danang strengthens its position as a leading tourism hub

The Danang Tourism Festival 2024 was held on October 17-18, attracting 300 international buyers and 600 local businesses. With 80 exhibition booths and key events, it reinforced Danang's status as a leading event destination in Asia and aimed to strengthen its position as an international tourism hub.

Thai heritage in Nghe An showcased in three-month cultural exhibition

A cultural event highlighting the traditions of the Thai ethnic group in Nghe An opened at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology on October 18. The three-month exhibition features 190 quilt covers (na pha), including 101 recognized as national heritage, collected by the Truc Lam Handicraft Company from the White Thai region in the 1990s. The UNESCO-supported event promotes public-private partnerships to preserve historical and traditional values.