Vietnam news in brief - October 24

Vietnam's youth number declines as population aging

The youth employment situation in the 2020-2025 period shows a significant decline in youth, resulting in a decrease in the labor force from 12.55 million in 2020 to 10.6 million in 2022. The labor force in the 15-24 age group reduces by an average of 170,000 annually.

The main reason is the rapid aging of the population. Vietnam took 25 years to move from the stage of an aging population (with the group aged 60 and above accounting for 10%) to the stage of an elderly population (with the group aged 60 and above accounting for 20%), while developed countries took longer, even nearly a century.

Quang Nam - Danang - Thua Thien Hue promote tourism in Malaysia

The serene and ancient beauty of the Imperial Citadel in Thua Thien Hue Province. Photo: dangcongsan.vn

A tourism promotion program at the World Trade Center (WTC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 23 was jointly held by three localities, including Quang Nam - Danang - Thua Thien Hue, in cooperation with the Malaysia-Vietnam Friendship Association. On this occasion, the tourism promotion centers of the three localities and the Malaysia-Vietnam Friendship Association signed a memorandum of cooperation in media communication on tourism.

In addition to the program, the three provinces and cities will participate in the ITB ASIA International Travel Fair in Singapore from October 25 to 27.

Satellite areas key to solving overtourism in Vietnam

Vietnam should develop satellite areas to reduce overtourism at key sites and improve the quality of services for visitors, according to a meeting on sustainable tourism between Vietnamese and Japanese authorities on October 23.

Other solutions include upgrading infrastructure, improving environmental protection, and educating local people and authorities on sustainable development. In January-September, Vietnam welcomed 8.9 million visitors, including 414,000 Japanese, making Japan the fifth largest tourism market for Vietnam.

Weightlifters secure first two medals in 2023 Asian Para Games

Vietnamese athletes won two bronze medals in weightlifting at the 2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China, on October 23. Le Van Cong finished third in the men's 49kg category after lifting 173kg. Meanwhile, defending champion Nguyen Binh An lost in the final of the 54kg category.

The 2023 Asian Para Games run from October 22 to 28. Vietnam has sent a 71-member delegation to the competitions, including 48 athletes competing in seven sports to qualify for the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

Former German Deputy Prime Minister joins Vietravel Airlines

Former German Deputy Prime Minister Philipp Rösler. Photo: Vietravel Airlines

Former German Deputy Prime Minister Philipp Rösler was elected as an independent member of the Board of Directors of Vietravel Airlines for a term ending in 2027 at the Annual General Meeting on October 23. The former Deputy Prime Minister of Germany will serve as an advisor on the airline's strategic direction in expanding international cooperation, especially with investors and partners in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

Rösler is currently Chairman of the International Advisory Board of VinaCapital Ventures, a joint fund in the technology of the VinaCapital Group and an independent member of the Board of Directors of the Loc Troi Group since May 2020.

Pandora to build first factory in Vietnam

Danish jewelry manufacturer and retailer Pandora plans to build its first Vietnamese factory in the southern province of Binh Duong for US$163 million, Michael Zinck Jensen, head of the project department of Pandora Production Holding Company, said at a meeting with Deputy Minister of Construction Bui Xuan Dung on October 23.

Construction is scheduled to begin in Q1/2024, with full operation in 2026. Pandora will employ 7,000-9,000 workers for the production plant. The Danish executive hoped that the ministry would help resolve issues related to construction licenses.

Vietnam assists expatriates in Middle East

Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc on October 23 asked Vietnamese missions in Middle Eastern countries, including Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, to keep abreast of the latest military actions and provide assistance and protection to overseas Vietnamese.

On October 15, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned the Vietnamese not to arrive in Israel and to evacuate to other countries or return to Vietnam soon amid rising tensions and intensifying military actions in Gaza. In case of emergency, Vietnamese can contact the Vietnamese Embassy in Israel at +972508186116; +972527274248 and +972509940889, the Ministry's Consular Department at +84981848484; +84965411118, and send an email to baohocongdan@gmail.com.