Vietnam news in brief - November 2

Hue tourism says no to single-use plastic products

Thien Mu Pagoda, a popular sight in Thua Thien Hue Province. Photo: vinwonders.com

More than 200 hotels, 73 travel agencies, standard service establishments, and tourist sites in the central province of Thua Thien Hue have committed to using less plastic products and gradually moving towards banning certain single-use plastic items.

This initiative is part of the province's plan to minimize plastic waste in the tourism industry in 2023-2025.

First Vietnamese research center opened in Thailand

Udon Thani Rajabhat University in the northeastern province of Udon Thani inaugurated Thailand's first Center for Vietnamese Studies on November 1 to mark the 100th anniversary of its founding. The center will provide academic knowledge about Vietnam to facilitate better relations between the two nations in all fields.

The center will also introduce information about Vietnam to Thai people and students to facilitate better travel and business cooperation.

Vietnam, South Korea aim to strengthen environmental measures

The ministries of environment of Vietnam and South Korea signed a memorandum of understanding on November 1 to facilitate comprehensive cooperation between the two sides in environmental protection. The agreement is expected to benefit the strategic relationship between Vietnam and South Korea in the future.

Korean Minister of Environment Han Whajin said his agency and government will continue to provide technical and professional support to address climate change and environmental issues, thus facilitating sustainable growth.

Africa a promising market for Vietnamese agri-food products

With a population of one billion people, African countries are promising markets for Vietnam's agricultural sector to tap, a conference heard on November 1. According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Ha Kim Ngoc, Vietnamese exporters, producers and farmers must develop appropriate ways to market their agricultural products to African consumers.

A lack of African market studies has hampered Vietnamese exporters in terms of local customs, traditions, laws, and partners, while transportation has remained expensive due to long-distance travel and technical import-export barriers.

FedEx operates four flights connecting Vietnam to major Asian and European markets

US multinational freight company FedEx Express is considering four flights a week to improve trade between Vietnam and Asian and European markets. Starting October 31, the flights depart from Ho Chi Minh City and arrive at FedEx's Asia Pacific hub in Guangzhou, China.

With the new flights, Vietnamese shipments can take as little as one business day to arrive in key Asian markets and two business days to reach Europe.

Vietnam has potential for smart mobility industry development

The smart mobility industry in Vietnam is expected to continue growing with investment and support from the government, increasing awareness of environmental issues, and growing demand for convenient and sustainable transportation solutions, according to experts attending the "Smart Mobility Industry Networking" workshop organized by the Taiwan (China) International Trade Administration (TITA) in cooperation with the Taiwan (China) External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) on November 1.

This forecast is based on the significant increase in the development of smart mobility solutions in Vietnam. The popularity and widespread implementation of electric vehicles and intelligent transportation systems are rising.

K-Startup Center in Hanoi promotes Vietnamese and Korean startups

The K-Startup Center in Hanoi, which started operations in late October, is expected to encourage the development and global expansion of Vietnamese and South Korean startups. It is the fourth startup center established in South Korea worldwide.

The Small and Medium Business Administration of South Korea and the Science and Technology Enterprise and Market Development Department under the Ministry of Science and Technology will work together to promote the creation of innovative startups. The K-Startup Center in Vietnam will serve as a hub for entrepreneurs from both countries to collaborate and grow.

UOB launches 2023 ASEAN Consumer Psychology Study

UOB Bank's 2023 ASEAN Consumer Psychology Research, released on November 1, found that 76% of respondents in Vietnam expect their financial situation to improve by June next year, followed by Indonesia (74%) and Thailand (68%). The top three financial concerns in Vietnam are the ability to save money (32%), maintaining their current lifestyle (32%), and meeting their parents' financial needs and healthcare expenses (30%).

The online survey was conducted between June 1 and 26 among 600 participants aged 18-65.