Vietnam news in brief - September 14

Pho brands to participate in Vietnam Pho Festival 2023 in Japan

Pho Dau, Pho Phu Gia, Pho Thin Bo Ho, Pho Hai Thien, some of Hanoi's pho eateries, and many dishes made from pho will participate in the Vietnam Pho Festival 2023 in Tokyo, Japan on October 7-8. The event marks the 7th anniversary of Pho Day (December 12). It is also an activity to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan.

Visitors to Co To Island not allowed to bring plastic bags and single-use plastics

Co To Island from above. Photo: Nhandan Newspaper

Starting September 15, 2023, visitors to Co To Island in the northern province of Quang Ninh will not be allowed to bring plastic bags and single-use plastics such as plastic boxes, cups and straws. All administrative offices, schools, traditional markets, service businesses, passenger and cargo transport vehicles, and fishing boats on the island are also prohibited from using plastic bags, single-use plastics, and environmentally harmful materials. The regulation comes after a one-year trial banning plastic bags and single-use plastics on Co To Island.

Transport Ministry eyes regulation on foreigners driving their vehicles

The Ministry of Transport is considering a decree regulating foreigners driving their vehicles in Vietnam. The decree aims to ease administrative conditions, apply technological solutions in management, and save time and money for foreigners to enter and travel in Vietnam. Foreigners and their vehicles must register with the travel company, which must obtain a permit for the tour. Foreign vehicle owners are allowed to drive in Vietnam for a maximum of 40 days.

The decree aims to attract more foreign tourists from ASEAN countries and boost Vietnam's tourism sector.

Vietnam commits to upholding human rights globally

According to Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai, Vietnam's Permanent Representative to the UN, WTO and other organizations in Geneva, Vietnam attaches great importance to ensuring people's enjoyment of human rights and addressing the negative impacts of global challenges such as climate change and food insecurity. Vietnam is committed to supporting the fundamental principles of universality, equality, objectivity, impartiality and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

The remarks were made at the 54th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva from September 11 to October 13, of which Vietnam is a member for the term 2023-2025.

Vietnam-China two-way trade reaches $104.4 billion after eight months

A truck carrying Chinese exports enters Vietnam at the Kim Thanh No.2 International Border Gate in Lao Cai Province. Photo: Quoc Hong/ The Hanoi Times

As of the end of August 2023, bilateral trade between Vietnam and China stood at more than $104.4 billion, making the latter the first trading partner to hit more than $100 billion in two-way trade this year. Vietnam's exports to China increased by 2.6% year-on-year to US$36.6 billion. China is now Vietnam's second-largest destination market, accounting for 16% of Vietnam's total exports. It is preceded by the US, which buys 28.5% of all Vietnamese exports. Major exports to China include mobile phones and parts, computers and electronics, and fruits and vegetables.

Six mountainous provinces to receive 3,300 tons of rice 

The Ministry of Finance will send more than 3,300 tons of rice from the national reserves to six mountainous provinces, namely Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Ha Giang, Bac Kan, Dak Lak and Cao Bang, as the provinces go through the between-crop period. Dien Bien and Cao Bang provinces will receive the most (824.8 tons and 933 tons, respectively), while the other four provinces will be allocated between 107 tons and 585.6 tons of rice.

Taiwan (China) tightens e-visa requirements for Vietnamese

Vietnamese holders of South Korean and Japanese visas will no longer be eligible for expedited issuance of Taiwanese e-visa as of September 14, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Ho Chi Minh City announced. Visas issued through this process before September 14 will remain valid.

Norway seeks clean energy development opportunities in Vietnam

Fifteen Norwegian companies expressed their desire to explore the energy market, regulations and needs of the Vietnamese Government, as well as to network and seek cooperation opportunities with Vietnamese businesses at the Energy Transition Seminar: Norway-Vietnam Business Partnership held in Ho Chi Minh City on September 13. 

At the event, the Norwegian energy sector showcased its competitive advantages in offshore wind, clean hydropower, carbon capture and storage, and liquefied natural gas (LNG).