Vietnam news in brief - September 13

Vietnam's seafood exports to the US will increase: VASEP

Following US President Joe Biden's visit to Vietnam, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) expects seafood exports to the US market to increase significantly. The association sees the US as one of the largest potential buyers of Vietnam's aquatic products, due to its large population and growing metropolitan communities. In January-August, Vietnamese seafood exports to the US fell 39% year-on-year to more than US$1 billion due to inflation, lower export prices, and large stockpiling by US importers. In 2022, Vietnam sold a record $2.15 billion worth of aquatic products to the US.

Vietnam to invest in advanced semiconductor technology labs

At the regular government meeting on September 11, the Ministry of Planning and Investment will consider a plan to increase public investment in several modern semiconductor technology laboratories. The semiconductor technology laboratories could then be operated by universities and research institutes.

Samsung helps central Vietnam build smart factories

Delegates attend the signing ceremony of the event. Photo: Samsung

Samsung Vietnam will develop smart factories for enterprises in Danang City and Vietnam's central region, according to a memorandum of cooperation signed on September 12 between Samsung Vietnam, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the beach city.

The move aims to enhance the capacity of Vietnamese enterprises through consulting on the establishment of smart factories and the training of high-quality human resources, enabling companies to meet domestic demand and increase competitiveness in the global value chain. This program was previously implemented in the northern and southern regions.

Vietnam launches awards for digital content

The first Vietnam Creative Content Awards - VCA 2023 began accepting online submissions on the Vietnam Digital Content Creation Alliance (DCCA) website at dcca.org.vn from September 12 to November 30, 2023. The VCA 2023 award ceremony is expected to be held at the end of December 2023. The award is expected to encourage organizations and individuals to innovate and create a wide range of Vietnamese digital content products with global reach, contributing to making Vietnam a strong country in digital content.

Old Quarter streets closed to motorized vehicles for Mid-Autumn Festival

Hanoi will ban vehicles on several streets in the Old Quarter during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The ban will last from 7 am to 10 pm every day for two weeks, from September 15 to 29. During this time, the streets of Hang Ma, Hang Luoc, Hang Ruoi, Hang Chai, Hang Khoai, and Phung Hung will be for pedestrians only, except for local residents who are allowed to drive their vehicles through the streets with tickets issued by local authorities.

Hanoi people buy Mid-Autumn toys in the Old Quarter. Photo: Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times

Haiphong plans second economic zone

The northern coastal city of Haiphong is considering its second economic zone, covering an area of 20,000 hectares in the five districts of Do Son, An Lao, Kien Thuy, Tien Lang, and Vinh Bao. Through the new economic zone, Haiphong expects to make the most of the coastal highway, connecting the neighboring provinces of Quang Ninh and Thai Binh, and promoting socio-economic growth in the Red River Delta region. Haiphong built its first economic zone, the Dinh Vu-Cat Hai Economic Zone, in 2008 on a total area of 22,540 hectares.

Domestic and int'l firms to discuss AI solutions later this month

Many large enterprises from Vietnam and other countries will discuss AI solutions and developments at the AI Summit 2023 (AI4VN 2023) to take place in Ho Chi Minh City on September 21-22. Notable companies include FPT, Viettel, VinBigData, and VNPT. The four main events of the summit include a workshop, a summit, an expo, and a CTO summit to honor the companies with the best working environment. In its past five editions, the AI4VN Summit has attracted around 10,000 participants and delegates to share ideas on Vietnam's AI sector.

Industrial Support and Processing Exhibition Fair 2023 opens in Danang

More than 120 domestic and foreign enterprises gathered at the Industrial Support and Processing Exhibition Fair 2023, held from September 12 to 14 in Danang City. The fair featured more than 160 booths displaying industrial support and processing products in various fields such as mechanical manufacturing, automobile assembly, electronics, high-tech industries, textiles, and other expanding industrial support sectors. The event also included side conferences and workshops.