The move higher will be driven by institutional, corporate and nation-state adoption, the report said.
Bitcoin (BTC), the world’s largest cryptocurrency, is likely to reach new highs next year and will “test or best” $185,000 in the fourth quarter of 2025, Galaxy Research said in a report last week.
Ether (ETH), the second-largest crypto, is predicted to rise above $5,500 in the next 12 months, the report said.
Galaxy said it expects five Nasdaq-100 companies and five nation states to say they have added bitcoin to their balance sheets or sovereign wealth funds next year, and competition among these countries will drive the next wave of adoption, the report said.
The total assets under management (AUM) of U.S. spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is expected to surpass $250 billion in 2025, Galaxy forecast, and at least one leading wealth management platform will announce a bitcoin allocation of 2% or higher next year.
Bitcoin decentralized finance (DeFi) is also expected to boom, Galaxy said. The total amount of BTC locked in DeFi is forecast to double next year from the current $11 billion.
The trend of miners pivoting to high-performance computing (HPC) is expected to continue, and more than half of the 20 largest listed bitcoin mining firms will announce deals with artificial intelligence firms (AI) or hyperscalers in 2025, the report added.
Bitcoin will reach 20% of gold’s market cap next year, the report predicted.
A stronger dollar historically tends to make dollar-denominated assets like bitcoin and gold expensive, leading to weakened demand in the short term.
XRP led crypto losses on the second-last day of this year as a stronger dollar weighed down global currencies and assets including bitcoin, with Asian equity markets sliding lower on Monday.
US equities declined on Friday and as investors trimmed positions amid uncertainty heading into year-end. An Asia Pacific index reversed 5-day gains, while futures contracts on U.S. indexes S&P 500 and Nasdaq pointed to losses in the U.S. session as of Asian afternoon hours.
BTC has historically moved in the opposite direction of the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY), which gauges the greenback’s exchange rate against major fiat currencies, including the euro.
Strength in the dollar largely comes ahead of President-elect Donald Trump stepping into office in late January, where he has promised several policies to help the economy in the coming years.
When the dollar strengthens, dollar-denominated assets become more attractive compared to cryptocurrencies. Investors prefer traditional investments like U.S. Treasuries or stocks, which yield returns in a strong dollar environment.
That, however, has dampened hopes of a continual crypto rally amid lower liquidity and year-end profit-taking among investors. A “Santa rally,” a colloquial term for bullish seasonality seen in December, has failed with a nearly 4% drop in BTC prices this month (it is still up 47% in the final quarter, data shows).
Elsewhere, scaled back expectations for continual interest-rate cuts by the Federal Reserve have contributed to a fall in bitcoin and crypto prices in the past month.
Some, however, remain optimistic about long-term crypto policies helping bump the market despite the lack of rate cuts or a strong dollar.
“Unlike what many believe, Bitcoin and altcoins have not hit their price tops despite the ongoing consolidation fueled by the interest rate cut last week,” Maksym Sakharov, co-founder of WeFi, told CoinDesk in a Telegram message. “The selloffs recorded stem from the knee-jerk reaction by the market to uncertainties associated with macroeconomic policies. The Fed is preparing for higher figures next year despite inflation close to the 2% annual benchmark. This might shift the direction of monetary policy and impact the market.
“But when US President-elect Donald Trump takes office in the coming year, more corporate firms will enter the Bitcoin ecosystem as the regulations become favorable. If these projections play out, the price of Bitcoin may also decouple from macroeconomic factors that generally trigger its intense volatility,” Sakharov added.
Vietnam’s furniture sector is poised for remarkable growth in 2024 and is set to continue its momentum into 2025. The industry is supported by favorable economic conditions, rising global demand, and technological advancements in production.
With a strong presence in international markets and a thriving domestic market, the sector presents exciting opportunities for businesses looking to thrive in a competitive global landscape.
Exclusive factory tour video
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Rising Domestic Market Demand
Vietnam’s furniture market has seen steady growth, fueled by urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and the expanding middle class. According to Mordor Intelligence, Vietnam’s furniture market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.06% from 2024 to 2029, reaching USD 5.01 billion by 2029. This expansion is largely attributed to the increased spending on home improvement and interior decoration, as well as a shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly furniture products.
Local consumers are increasingly demanding innovative designs and high-quality materials. Manufacturers are responding by investing in research and development to meet these evolving preferences. Government policies, such as reduced import taxes on raw materials and incentives for local production, further support this trend.
Strong Export Performance
Vietnam has solidified its place as one of the world’s top furniture exporters, serving key markets like the U.S., Europe, Japan, and South Korea. By the end of 2024, the export turnover of wood products reached 1.55 billion USD, increases by 20.5% over the same period in 2023.
While challenges like fluctuating raw material costs and geopolitical uncertainties exist, the sector remains resilient. Vietnamese manufacturers are renowned for producing high-quality furniture at competitive prices, a key factor in attracting international buyers. Additionally, trade agreements such as the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) have opened preferential access to crucial markets, enhancing the country’s export potential.
Global Opportunities in 2025
The global furniture market, valued at $480 billion according to CSIL, presents vast opportunities for Vietnamese companies. With a growing emphasis on sustainable practices, Vietnam’s expertise in producing eco-friendly and handcrafted furniture positions it as a preferred sourcing destination. Major international retailers and brands are increasingly collaborating with Vietnamese manufacturers to meet consumer demands for responsibly sourced products.
Looking toward 2025, the furniture industry in Vietnam is set to enjoy substantial growth. Analysts predict annual export growth of 15-18%, potentially pushing wood and wood product exports beyond $17 billion. Several factors are driving this optimism:
Sustainability and Green Manufacturing: Consumers worldwide are gravitating toward environmentally friendly furniture. Vietnam’s rich tradition of using sustainable materials, such as bamboo and rattan, aligns perfectly with this trend. By adopting green manufacturing practices and obtaining certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), Vietnamese companies can further enhance their global competitiveness.
Customization and Design Innovation: As personalization becomes a key purchasing factor, manufacturers that offer customizable furniture solutions are likely to gain a competitive edge. Investments in design innovation, aided by collaborations with international design firms, will help Vietnamese companies cater to diverse consumer preferences.
Digital Transformation: The adoption of digital technologies in manufacturing and supply chain management is transforming the furniture industry. Smart factories, powered by automation and AI, enable improved production efficiency and faster time-to-market. Vietnamese manufacturers embracing Industry 4.0 are better positioned to meet global standards and attract high-value contracts.
Challenges to Overcome
Looking back at 2024, Vietnam’s furniture industry has made significant strides, but several challenges remain that need to be addressed in order to sustain growth in 2025. First, the heavy reliance on imported raw materials, particularly hardwood, exposes the industry to price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions. Strengthening local supply chains and investing in sustainable forestry practices will be crucial steps to mitigate this dependency.
At the same time, the rapid growth of the industry has created a growing demand for skilled labor, especially in design and technical fields. Expanding vocational training programs and partnering with educational institutions will be key to meeting this demand. Additionally, reliance on traditional markets such as the U.S. and Europe exposes the industry to risks during economic downturns. Therefore, expanding into new markets in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East will be vital for reducing these risks and providing a solid foundation for the industry’s growth in 2025.
Government and Industry Initiatives
The Vietnamese government has been proactive in supporting the furniture industry’s growth. Policies aimed at attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and promoting local businesses have fostered a competitive ecosystem. Additionally, trade promotion programs and participation in international expos enhance the visibility of Vietnamese furniture on the global stage.
Collaboration between industry stakeholders, including manufacturers, exporters, and trade associations, is also vital. Organizations like the Vietnam Timber and Forest Product Association (VIFORES) play a crucial role in advocating for policies and facilitating industry-wide innovation.
The outlook for Vietnam’s furniture industry in 2025 is promising. With its unique combination of cost-effective manufacturing, design expertise, and commitment to sustainability, Vietnam is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging trends and expand its global footprint.
However, to fully realize this potential, the industry must address existing challenges through strategic investments in technology, workforce development, and market diversification. By doing so, Vietnam’s furniture sector can solidify its status as a global leader and drive economic growth for years to come.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has proposed fines ranging from 1 to 2 million VND ($40–$80) for individuals caught using e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products. This initiative follows Vietnam’s recent designation as the sixth ASEAN country to impose a complete ban on these products, a move aimed at safeguarding public health and ensuring social order.
According to the Legal Department of the Ministry of Health, the proposal is part of a broader effort to implement National Assembly Resolution No. 173, which addresses the regulation of harmful substances, including e-cigarettes. The ministry has submitted a draft action plan to the government, outlining measures to enforce the resolution. This plan, expected to be finalized by the first quarter of 2025, aims to protect community health while maintaining public safety. Simultaneously, amendments to Decree No. 117, which governs administrative violations in the health sector, are being developed to include provisions for stricter penalties on e-cigarette use and related activities.
Under the proposed measures, those caught using e-cigarettes in public spaces will face fines and may be required to participate in mandatory smoking cessation programs. Public officials who violate the rules could be reported to their workplaces for disciplinary action. The ministry emphasized that the ban extends beyond personal use to include the production, sale, import, and advertisement of e-cigarettes, enabling comprehensive enforcement. With appropriate oversight, authorities believe these measures will be effective in curbing the use of e-cigarettes across the country.
Globally, Vietnam joins 43 other nations that have implemented bans on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Among these, 39 countries have imposed total prohibitions on activities such as sales, advertising, and use. Singapore, for instance, has enacted stringent regulations, banning the import, sale, possession, and distribution of e-cigarette-like products. Violators in Singapore face fines of up to SGD 10,000 ($7,300), six months in prison, or both.
By introducing strict penalties and adopting international best practices, Vietnam aims to address the growing challenges posed by e-cigarettes, prioritizing the health and safety of its citizens while reinforcing its commitment to combating tobacco-related harm.
A profit opportunity led to nearly $100 million in trading volumes for a charity-themed memecoin. And although some speculators lost money — the effort still bore fruit for the original cause.
A Pump.Fun memecoin zoomed from zero to an $80 million market capitalization on Thursday after a father’s plea for donations into a research study for his daughter’s rare brain cancer attracted swathes of crypto traders.
The token’s prices have since fallen 80% since a Thursday peak and trade at just over a cent as of Friday. But while late buyers are sitting on losses, the effort still raised over $1 million for the cause.
In an X post on Thursday, Runaway founder Siqi Chen said his daughter Mira was diagnosed with a type of brain tumor in September and that research and funding had “been lacking” because of how rare the condition was.
His GoFundMe page has raised 80% of its $300,000 target as of Thursday, with all proceeds going directly to research efforts at the Hankinson Lab at the Univerity of Colorado.
Chen also posted his Ethereum wallet on the X thread after user demand, later putting his Solana and Bitcoin addresses as users asked for more options.
And then Pump.Fun happened.
The platform lets anyone issue a token for less than $2 in capital, after which they choose the number of tokens, theme, and meme picture to accompany it. When the market capitalization of any token reaches $69,000, a portion of liquidity is deposited to the Solana-based exchange Raydium and burned.
A user created the MIRA token attached with a picture of Chen and his daughter, with no apparent objective except it being a token that can be traded just like any other memecoin. The user’s Pump.Fun profile shows MIRA was just one of the several tokens they created that day, with all the others failing to break a $6,000 market cap.
X user @Waddles_eth later purchased 50% of the supply and sent all of it to Chen, who boosted the memecoin on his X account.
That ensured virality for the token and sent prices from fractions of a penny to a peak of 8 cents early Thursday. The value of Chen’s token holdings went from $400,000 to over $18 million as the token went viral. It attracted a peak of $7 million in liquidity (worth in both Solana’s SOL and the memecoin) as the market became widely traded.
It attracted over $85 million in trading volumes and over 130,000 transactions, making it the most popular smallcap in the past 24 hours.
“I have been on the internet for 30 years and have seen some shit, but this is by far the craziest day of my life,” Chen wrote on X as prices rocketed. “I will be liquidating $1,000 worth of $MIRA every 10 minutes, perpetually. If change this schedule, i commit to announcing it 24 hours in advance.”
“If you want to rug it to $0, go for it – at the end of the day we set out to raise $200K and we will end up with at least $1M towards rare disease research,” Chen stated.
Community response to the whole event has been overwhelmingly positive, with several users pointing out how such memecoins can contribute to positive outcomes in the world.
Memecoins are largely based on virality, attention and community hype. They are considered non-serious among professional investors but have seen massive demand and preference in the past year compared to larger venture capital-backed crypto tokens — which are perceived as enriching rich investors at the expense of smaller retail traders.
But MIRA shifted some of the tides.
“I think memecoins are dumb and have no future and I don’t touch them. But if I wanted to make a case for them I would now know where to start,” X user @JaEsf said. “This is beautiful and quite crazy that you can do that with crypto. EVM, Solana or any chain. This is why Crypto exist! Simplify movement of assets,” said @mbaril010, another X user.
Meanwhile, @waddles_eth, the user who originally sent half the token’s supply to Chen, said the overall outcome met their expectations.
“When I saw the story about Mira and her illness, I thought it would be good to buy and send supply to you with the hopes of getting the SOL community behind a good cause on Christmas,” they said in a now-viral X post. “I’m really glad that it worked out the way that it has and I hope that the money helps to find a cure both for Mira and anyone else with her condition.”
Crypto for good may finally become a thing in the new year.
The culinary website TasteAtlas has unveiled its list of the 100 best dishes in the world for 2024, with Vietnam’s iconic beef pho proudly representing the country as the only Vietnamese entry on this prestigious list.
The annual ranking, often met with mixed reactions, has once again sparked debate. Critics point out the omission of certain renowned cuisines and question the inclusion of some lesser-known dishes. The New York Post commented: “TasteAtlas has taken a risk by revealing its list of the 100 most delicious foods on earth for 2024. While some nations celebrate multiple entries, the UK finds itself notably absent.”
Top Dishes in the World
Claiming the top spot is Colombia’s Lechona, a hearty pork dish made with marinated pork, peas, onions, and other ingredients, all encased in salted pork skin. The dish is slow-roasted for hours, creating a golden, crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior.
In second place is Italy’s Neapolitan Pizza, celebrated for its thin crust, vibrant tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves, symbolizing the colors of the Italian flag.
Rounding out the top three is Brazil’s Picanha steak, a prized cut of beef known for its succulent texture and rich flavor, surpassing even premium Japanese Wagyu in this ranking.
Vietnam’s Pride: Beef Pho
Vietnam’s beef pho stands proudly among these culinary greats. According to TasteAtlas, this renowned noodle soup features a rich broth made from beef bones, shank, and tail, paired with rice noodles and various beef cuts, including brisket, cooked and raw flank, tendon, or beef balls. The soup is traditionally infused with aromatic spices such as cinnamon and star anise and garnished with cilantro, sliced onions, and green onions.
Pho is not just a dish but a cultural symbol, offering warmth and comfort in every bowl. Its inclusion on the global list reaffirms Vietnam’s place on the world culinary map.
Top 10 Dishes on the List
1. Lechona (Colombia)
2. Neapolitan Pizza (Italy)
3. Picanha (Brazil)
4. Rechta (Algeria)
5. Phanaeng Curry (Thailand)
6. Asado (Argentina)
7. Çökertme Kebabı (Türkiye)
8. Rawon (Indonesia)
9. Cağ Kebabı (Türkiye)
10. Tibs (Ethiopia)
With beef pho securing its place among these global culinary treasures, Vietnam continues to make its mark as a destination for world-class cuisine.
Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà emphasized the importance of clarity and thorough planning for the North-South high-speed rail project, stressing that there should be no “build-as-you-go” approach. The project, he stated, aims not only to establish a state-of-the-art rail line but also to develop a robust high-speed rail industry capable of managing construction, operations, and maintenance.
During the third meeting of the Steering Committee on the Investment Policy for National Key Railway Projects, Transport Deputy Minister Nguyễn Danh Huy revealed that the project is slated to begin construction in December 2027. Preparations include finalizing a comprehensive roadmap, securing government approvals, selecting consultants, and planning major tender packages.
To support the project, various ministries are coordinating their efforts. The Ministry of Education and Training is working on manpower planning and international training collaborations, while the Ministry of Construction is prioritizing the selection of globally experienced design and supervision consultants.
Deputy Prime Minister Hà further instructed the Ministry of Transport to carefully evaluate legal frameworks, revise railway laws, and establish technical standards for high-speed rail systems. Policies will also be introduced to ensure the selection of top-tier international consultants and local companies capable of contributing to the project’s success.
The Ministry of Transport is also tasked with detailed urban and rural development planning along the railway line, addressing land acquisition, and securing funding through a mix of public budgets, bonds, ODA, and land resources.
The Vietnam Railway Corporation has been directed to restructure and prepare its organizational framework to manage and operate the rail system upon project completion.
Russia has officially started using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in international trade, marking a significant shift in response to Western sanctions. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov confirmed that Russian companies are leveraging digital currencies following recent legal changes that facilitate their use in global transactions.
Legal Framework Enables Cryptocurrency Payments
The adoption of cryptocurrency aims to counter the challenges posed by sanctions that have disrupted Russia’s trade with key partners like China and Turkey. Local banks, wary of Western regulatory scrutiny, have been cautious in handling transactions involving Russian entities.
This year, Russia approved the use of cryptocurrencies in foreign trade and took steps to legalize cryptocurrency mining, including Bitcoin. As a leading nation in Bitcoin mining, Russia is now using mined Bitcoins in cross-border transactions as part of a pilot program. Minister Siluanov told Russia 24 television, “We’ve already conducted such transactions and believe this practice should expand and develop further. I’m confident we’ll see significant growth in 2025.”
President Putin Endorses Cryptocurrency
Earlier this month, President Vladimir Putin criticized the U.S. for undermining the dollar’s role as a global reserve currency by politicizing its use. He highlighted Bitcoin as a viable alternative, stating that no one can control it globally. His comments suggest strong government support for wider cryptocurrency adoption.
Plans for Bitcoin Reserves
Russia is reportedly planning to establish strategic Bitcoin reserves as analysts forecast a sharp increase in Bitcoin’s value in 2025. Forbes reports that investor confidence in Bitcoin’s growth has surged, driven by figures like Elon Musk and renewed interest in cryptocurrency.
Russia’s legislative efforts are also gaining momentum. Anton Tkachev, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma, has proposed creating a national Bitcoin reserve to strengthen the country’s financial resilience.
In light of sanctions restricting access to traditional international payment systems, cryptocurrencies are emerging as a vital tool for global trade. The Russian Central Bank is preparing to pilot cross-border cryptocurrency payments to facilitate this shift.
Earlier this month, President Putin called Bitcoin a viable alternative to foreign currency reserves after Western nations froze $300 billion of Russia’s assets due to its actions in Ukraine. By legalizing Bitcoin and cryptocurrency use domestically, Russia is adapting its financial strategies to navigate geopolitical challenges.
Trong những năm gần đây, thương mại điện tử được xác định là một động lực tăng trưởng quan trọng của nền kinh tế số Việt Nam, đóng góp vào sự đa dạng hóa của thị trường và các mặt hàng xuất khẩu. Có thể thấy, sự phát triển mạnh mẽ của thương mại điện tử xuyên biên giới cùng sự xuất hiện của các ông lớn như Amazon, Alibaba.com hay các kênh phổ biến như Shopee, Lazada, Tiktok Shop đã góp phần giúp tăng khả năng xuất khẩu của hàng hóa Việt Nam để chinh phục thị trường quốc tế.
Vào năm 2024, nền tảng thanh toán quốc tế WorldFirst và Deloitte đã phối hợp thực hiện Báo cáo Vươn đến toàn cầu: Nắm bắt tiềm năng lớn tiếp theo của thương mại số (Going-Global: Seizing the Next Great Opportunity in Digital Trade). Kết quả nghiên cứu của Báo cáo cho thấy thị trường thương mại điện tử Việt Nam thuộc nhóm những thị trường có tiềm năng lớn trong khu vực Châu Á Thái Bình Dương, gồm các nước như Malaysia, Indonesia, Thái Lan và Philipines. Báo cáo dự đoán, đến năm 2025 ngành thương mại điện tử Việt Nam sẽ có mức tăng trưởng đạt đến 22% hằng năm, đưa thị trường này trở thành vị trí dẫn đầu trong khu vực.
Trên đà phát triển đó, Hiệp hội Thương mại Điện tử Việt Nam (VECOM) cũng đặt ra một số mục tiêu trong Chiến lược xuất nhập khẩu hàng hóa đến 2030 như tốc độ tăng trưởng xuất khẩu hàng hóa từ 6-7%/năm, trong đó, thị trường châu Âu đạt 17% kim ngạch xuất khẩu, còn châu Á đạt 50%, châu Mỹ đạt 32-22%…
Báo cáo của Deloitte và WorldFirst cũng cho thấy các doanh nghiệp vừa và nhỏ đang bắt đầu triển khai nhiều hoạt động kinh doanh trên các kênh thương mại điện tử khác nhau. Ngoài ra, họ còn mở rộng hoạt động kinh doanh ra các thị trường nước ngoài nhằm đáp ứng với sự cạnh tranh gay gắt của thị trường thương mại điện tử trong nước. Điều này mở ra nhu cầu tìm kiếm các nhà cung cấp dịch vụ tài chính và thanh toán.
Cầu nối quan trọng trong thương mại điện tử xuyên biên giới
Trước đây, trong thương mại và kinh doanh quốc tế, các doanh nghiệp vừa và nhỏ thường phụ thuộc vào các hình thức thanh toán truyền thống. Mặc dù vậy, trong một số trường hợp, các dịch vụ này có thể có mức phí cao, thiếu minh bạch, quy trình thẩm định chống gian lận hay chuyển đổi tiền tệ thường kéo dài nhiều ngày. Bên cạnh đó, phí giao dịch cho các khoản thanh toán bên ngoài Việt Nam và khu vực Đông Nam Á có thể lên tới 0,2%-0,3% tổng giá trị giao dịch, dao động từ 5 đến 300 USD, chưa bao gồm phí chuyển khoản.
Chi phí cao, và thời gian thanh toán chưa nhanh chóng cùng với xu hướng số hóa nền kinh tế là tiền đề thúc đẩy những sáng kiến cho các giải pháp thanh toán quốc tế tối ưu hơn. Là đơn vị công bố báo cáo được nhắc đến ở trên, WorldFirst cũng là một trong những giải pháp thanh toán quốc tế phổ biến. Tại thị trường Đông Nam Á, dịch vụ của WorldFirst giúp các doanh nghiệp vừa và nhỏ có thể thanh toán quốc tế, chuyển đổi ngoại tệ chỉ trong một tài khoản World Account.
Trong thời gian vừa qua, những sự kiện do WorldFirst tổ chức với sự tham dự của các chuyên gia hàng đầu trong các ngành tài chính, thương mại điện tử, logistics, pháp lý đã chỉ ra một số xu hướng quan trọng trong kinh doanh toàn cầu. Theo đó, Bà Stephanie, Deputy Director tại Leaping Ape (Việt Nam) Logistics, nhấn mạnh về việc các doanh nghiệp khi kinh doanh quốc tế cần có những phương án quản lý rủi ro khi vận chuyển hàng hóa bằng đường tàu thủy như thời gian xử lý thủ tục hải quan để tránh bị lưu hàng và tăng chi phí, hay cước phí bị thay đổi…
Ở một Hội nghị về thương mại điện do Bộ Công Thương tổ chức trong tháng 11 vừa rồi, các chuyên gia nhận định, thương mại điện tử xuyên biên giới trở thành kênh xuất khẩu hàng hóa quan trọng, mở rộng thị trường tiêu thụ cho hàng hóa Việt Nam. Tuy nhiên, doanh nghiệp vừa, nhỏ và siêu nhỏ (MSME) tại Việt Nam đang gặp nhiều khó khăn, thách thức trong việc tiếp cận, triển khai ứng dụng thương mại điện tử xuyên biên giới như hạn chế hiểu biết về quy định, pháp luật thị trường, thông tin thị trường sở tại, rào cản ngôn ngữ, thuế quan, logistics, thanh toán…
Kinh doanh toàn cầu đòi hỏi khả năng ổn định về mặt vận hành từ các doanh nghiệp, bao gồm logistics, tài chính, tuân thủ pháp lý và các yêu cầu khác. Để vượt qua những thách thức này, bên cạnh việc phát triển khung quản trị vững chắc, các dịch vụ toàn diện như WorldFirst có thể lấp đầy những khoảng trống trong bức tranh thương mại quốc tế của các doanh nghiệp vừa và nhỏ Việt Nam.
Bên cạnh mạng lưới hơn 130 sàn thương mại điện tử quốc tế cùng khả năng hỗ trợ nhận thanh toán tới hơn 30 loại tiền tệ và thanh toán quốc tế với gần 100 loại tiền tệ, World Account của WorldFirst cung cấp những giải pháp thanh toán toàn cầu với chi phí tối ưu cho các doanh nghiệp. Một điểm đặc biệt là tính năng này của WorldFirst còn hỗ trợ doanh nghiệp ủy quyền nhân sự để xử lý các giao dịch giúp cho việc vận hành trở nên tối ưu hơn.
WorldFirst mang đến giải pháp thanh toán quốc tế toàn diện , giúp tăng sự minh bạch trong kinh doanh và phát triển doanh số.
Trong bối cảnh ngành thương mại điện tử tại Việt Nam phát triển mạnh mẽ, các cơ quan ban ngành không ngừng thúc đẩy quá trình số hóa nền kinh tế, đồng thời ban hành các chính sách ưu đãi nhằm khuyến khích giao dịch thương mại điện tử. Dự luật ưu đãi thuế cũng được dự đoán sẽ giảm bớt gánh nặng tài chính cho các doanh nghiệp vừa và nhỏ, cụ thể, áp thuế suất 15% đối với các doanh nghiệp siêu nhỏ và thuế suất 17% đối với các doanh nghiệp nhỏ. Những thay đổi này sẽ tạo lợi thế cho các doanh nghiệp, giúp họ tối ưu hóa quy trình vận hành và duy trì sức cạnh tranh trên cả thị trường nội địa và toàn cầu.
Song hành với những hỗ trợ từ Chính phủ, các doanh nghiệp vừa và nhỏ cũng có thể lựa chọn các giải pháp thanh toán toàn cầu như WorldFirst để giảm bớt những hạn chế trong thanh toán quốc tế. WorldFirst mang đến giải pháp thanh toán quốc tế dễ dàng, nhanh chóng và an toàn, giúp doanh nghiệp tăng doanh số bán hàng toàn cầu.
Bên cạnh việc hỗ trợ doanh nghiệp kinh doanh quốc tế một cách đơn giản hơn, nền tảng của WorldFirst còn góp phần vào việc minh bạch hóa quy trình giao dịch quốc tế. Đặc biệt, với những sửa đổi bổ sung một số quy định của Luật quản lý thuế sẽ có hiệu lực từ năm 2025, WorldFirst giúp người bán và người tiêu dùng dễ dàng tuân thủ các quy định mới này, bao gồm việc đăng ký, kê khai và nộp thuế một cách thuận tiện. Điều này không chỉ giảm thiểu rủi ro thất thu thuế cho nhà nước mà còn tạo điều kiện thuận lợi hơn cho các doanh nghiệp trong hoạt động thương mại toàn cầu.
Theo WorldFirst, chỉ với một tài khoản kinh doanh World Account, các doanh nghiệp SME tại Việt Nam có thể yên tâm kinh doanh với dịch vụ thanh toán quốc tế dễ dàng, nhanh chóng và an toàn để yên tâm phát triển doanh nghiệp của mình.
Dễ dàng: Tài khoản World Account cho phép các doanh nghiệp vừa và nhỏ nhận thanh toán quốc tế, chuyển đổi tiền tệ, thanh toán cho nhà cung cấp và quản lý tài chính chỉ trong một nền tảng duy nhất.
Nhanh chóng: Tài khoản World Account được mở và chấp thuận trong vài phút thông qua quy trình đăng ký tự động. 80% các khoản thanh toán quốc tế có thể được xử lý trong ngày. Đối với giao dịch đến các tài khoản World Account khác, thanh toán được thực hiện ngay lập tức.
An toàn: WorldFirst duy trì hợp tác với những ngân hàng hàng đầu thế giới. Các công nghệ tích hợp AI đảm bảo bảo mật cho các giao dịch và dữ liệu.
WorldFirst sẽ là cầu nối giúp các doanh nghiệp SME đang kinh doanh trên sàn thương mại điện tử mở rộng quy mô ra toàn cầu. Cùng vớiđó, các doanh nghiệp SME tham gia vào hoạt động nhập khẩu có thể đơn giản hóa việc thanh toán cho các nhà cung cấp trên khắp thế giới với hơn 90 loại tiền tệ mà WorldFirst hỗ trợ. Sử dụng WorldFirst, các SME Việt Nam sẽ trở nên tự tin và kinh doanh dễ dàng trên thị trường toàn cầu.
Công ty TNHH Bảo hiểm Nhân thọ Prudential Việt Nam (“Prudential”) vừa chính thức khai trương văn phòng làm việc PRUVenture thứ 5. Văn phòng PRUVenture mới khai trương đặt tại tòa nhà Flemington, đây sẽ là nơi làm việc của hơn 200 chuyên viên hoạch định tài chính toàn thời gian thuộc kênh PRUVenture.
Việc mở rộng quy mô văn phòng PRUVenture ở các khu vực trọng điểm tại TP.HCM cũng như các thành phố lớn trên khắp Việt Nam là một trong những nỗ lực của Prudential trong việc gia tăng điểm chạm tới các khách hàng thành thị, đồng thời tạo thêm không gian làm việc chuyên nghiệp sáng tạo cho đội ngũ nhân sự của kênh PRUVenture.
Tọa lạc tại tầng 5 tòa nhà Flemington Tower (182 Đ. Lê Đại Hành, Phường 15, Quận 11, TP.HCM), văn phòng PRUVenture có diện tích hơn 1.000m2 mang đến không gian làm việc hiện đại, thiết kế linh hoạt để sử dụng đa chức năng, từ hoạt động kinh doanh, sinh hoạt đội nhóm cho tới các hoạt động, sự kiện gắn kết khách hàng.
Đồng thời, việc khai trương văn phòng PRUVenture cũng là một mảnh ghép giúp hoàn thiện mô hình trung tâm chăm sóc khách hàng thế hệ mới mà Prudential đã liên tục mở rộng trên khắp các thành phố lớn trong nhiều năm qua. Ngụ tại trung tâm của phía tây nam thành phố, kết nối các khu vực lân cận như quận 10, 11, 5, 6 và quận Tân Phú, văn phòng PRUVenture hứa hẹn sẽ là điểm đến lý tưởng của khách hàng Prudential tại khu vực, giúp họ dễ dàng trao đổi thông tin, tìm hiểu và đáp ứng trọn vẹn các nhu cầu về bảo hiểm.
Bà Mandy Trần, Phó Tổng Giám đốc Kinh doanh Kênh Đại lý, Prudential Việt Nam chia sẻ: “Là một doanh nghiệp đi đầu, trong suốt 25 năm có mặt tại Việt Nam, Prudential luôn chú trọng vào việc xây dựng đội ngũ tư vấn viên, chuyên viên hoạch định tài chính tài năng. Việc đầu tư xây dựng văn phòng làm việc PRUVenture nằm trong chiến lược phát triển kênh đại lý, tập trung vào quy mô lẫn chất lượng. Văn phòng PRUVenture mới ra mắt không chỉ cung cấp một nơi làm việc hiện đại, mà còn là nơi để đội ngũ tư vấn viên có thể tiếp tục xây dựng, bồi đắp một cách rõ nét văn hóa của Prudential, đó là văn hóa luôn đặt khách hàng làm kim chỉ nam”.
Kênh PRUVenture được ra đời và phát triển được kỳ vọng là bệ phóng cho các bạn trẻ gia nhập ngành bảo hiểm với định hướng phát triển sự nghiệp, trở thành những chuyên gia tài chính – bảo hiểm và những nhà quản lý xuất sắc.
Không chỉ tăng nhanh số lượng, kênh PRUVenture còn phát triển mạnh về chất lượng khi xây dựng được đội ngũ tư vấn viên tinh hoa được quốc tế công nhận. Tính đến tháng 12 năm 2024, Prudential ghi nhận 1.522 MDRT. Trong đó, PRUVenture thành công đào tạo 205 MDRT và đến hiện tại có 242 MDRT đạt sớm, góp phần đưa Prudential vươn tới vị trí số 1 thị trườngViệt Nam và thứ 12 toàn cầu về số lượng MDRT.
Ông Nguyễn Anh Tuấn – Giám đốc Phòng Kinh doanh Kênh PRUVenture, Prudential Việt Nam cho biết biểu tượng nút thắt đồng tâm tạo nên sự gần gũi và gắn kết không chỉ giữa các nhân viên với nhau mà còn là giữa đội ngũ chuyên viên với khách hàng.
Một điểm nhấn trong “ngôi nhà” mới của PRUVenture đó chính là nút thắt đồng tâm được thiết kế nổi bật ngay tại sảnh chính của văn phòng. Lấy cảm hứng từ văn hóa địa phương, biểu tượng này không chỉ tạo nên sự gần gũi với đội ngũ chuyên viên hoạch định tài chính và các khách hàng tại khu vực, mà còn thể hiện được tinh thần kết nối và hòa hợp bên trong đội ngũ cũng như sự cam kết nối, đồng hành lâu dài với khách hàng của Prudential trong hành trình tương lai.
Sảnh chính văn phòng có thiết kế hiện đại cùng không gian mở với biểu tượng nút thắt đồng tâm nổi bật.
Trong mùa lễ hội này, khách hàng tham gia các workshop sáng tạo, gặp gỡ các chuyên viên hoạch định tài chính tại văn phòng PRUVenture Flemington sẽ nhận được nhiều phần quà thú vị.
With a rich array of traditional specialties and innovative dining experiences, Hue, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City have been ranked among the top culinary cities worldwide in 2024.
Bun bo Hue – a famous specialty that is especially loved by domestic and international diners. Photo: Hue Di Mo.
The renowned culinary site TasteAtlas recently unveiled its list of the Top 100 Culinary Cities in the World for 2024, featuring three Vietnamese cities: Hue, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Hue claimed the 35th spot with a score of 4.53 stars, surpassing culinary powerhouses like Mexico and Brazil.
TasteAtlas recommends several must-try dishes in Hue, including bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup), spring rolls (grilled lemongrass pork skewers), banh beo (steamed rice cakes), banh yam Hue (Hue pancakes), banh bot loc (shrimp and pork dumplings), che hat lotus (lotus seed sweet soup), and green rice flakes.
Ranked 40th with 4.5 stars, Hanoi is famous for its exquisite specialties. Visitors should not miss iconic dishes such as pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), cha gio (spring rolls), bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli), bun rieu (crab noodle soup), bun oc (snail noodle soup), banh cuon ( steamed rice rolls with pork and mushroom), bun dau mam tom (fermented shrimp paste with vermicelli and tofu), and egg coffee.
Ho Chi Minh City secured the 56th spot with 4.45 stars. This bustling metropolis is celebrated for its diverse culinary offerings, including cha gio (spring rolls), com tam (broken rice with grilled pork), banh mi (Vietnamese baguette), hu tieu (southern-style noodle soup), oc len xoa dua (stir-fried snails with coconut milk), and pha lau (offal stew).
Pho and broken rice are two typical dishes in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City cuisine. Photo: @cooked_by_chi, @chiecbungthuongluong.
The top spot on the list went to Naples, Italy, famous for its rich and diverse gastronomy. Naples is best known for its Pizza Napoletana, a symbol of the city’s culinary pride, along with spaghetti and a wide variety of seafood dishes.
Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Croatia, TasteAtlas is a well-known global food map. According to founder Matija Babić, the rankings are based on evaluations from culinary experts, food critics, and reader feedback, ensuring the credibility of the awards.
The 2024 Top 100 Culinary Cities list was compiled from 17,073 cities and based on 477,287 valid votes in the platform’s database.
The leadership of aircraft manufacturer Embraer has revealed ongoing efforts to collaborate with Vietnamese airlines in expanding their fleets and developing route networks.
Embraer aircraft at Noi Bai airport. Photo: Embraer.
During the 2024 International Defense Exhibition in Hanoi, Caetano Neto, Vice President of Sales & Business Development for the Middle East and Asia-Pacific at Embraer (the world’s third-largest aircraft manufacturer after Boeing and Airbus), shared with Tri Thuc – Znews that the company is committed to supporting the development of Vietnam’s aerospace and defense industries.
The Brazil-based aircraft manufacturer is particularly focused on projects involving aircraft procurement, crew and ground staff training, and fostering partnerships within the industry.
“Embraer recognizes Vietnam as a strategic market with significant growth potential,” Neto emphasized.
In the commercial aviation sector, Embraer is actively working with Vietnamese airlines to explore solutions for fleet expansion and route network development.
According to Embraer’s market research, 97% of Vietnam’s current fleet comprises large narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, each seating over 180 passengers. However, nearly 50% of domestic and regional flights in Vietnam operate with fewer than 150 passengers on board.
This makes Embraer’s E-Jets series, with a seating capacity of around 150 and a range of up to 6 hours, particularly suited for the Vietnamese market.
“An optimized route network can only be achieved when capacity matches actual demand, as empty seats represent lost revenue potential,” Neto explained. He added that deploying Embraer’s E-Jets provides airlines with the flexibility to expand networks, connect secondary and tertiary cities within Vietnam, and launch international routes from these locations.
As an example, he pointed to Scoot, the low-cost carrier subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, which has operated direct flights from Singapore to Phu Quoc using the Embraer E190-E2 aircraft.
Currently, most Vietnamese airlines rely on narrow-body Airbus aircraft. Bamboo Airways previously operated Embraer aircraft for Con Dao routes but returned the planes during its restructuring phase.
Operating a diverse fleet can lead to higher costs for airlines in areas such as parts inventory, technical training, and operational management.
Addressing these concerns, Neto highlights that one of the core advantages of Embraer’s E-Jets is their ability to lower operating costs compared to larger aircraft. This enables sustainable growth by aligning capacity with actual market demand.
The latest generation of Embraer aircraft, the E2 series, can reduce operating costs by 20% compared to the modern narrow-body aircraft while maintaining most similar per-seat costs.
Globally, many airlines incorporated Embraer’s E-Jets into their fleets, including Japan Airlines, Scoot (a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines), Tianjin Airlines, British Airways, Air France-KLM, and all major airlines in the United States.
“The variety in aircraft types gives these airlines the necessary flexibility to deploy the right aircraft for specific route demands,” Neto concluded.
Bamboo Airways has resumed domestic flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc, along with international charter flights from Taipei and Kaohsiung to Phu Quoc.
Bamboo Airways resumes Phu Quoc route after a temporary suspension due to restructuring. Photo: BAV.
On the morning of December 24, flight QH1521 departed from Ho Chi Minh City and landed at Phu Quoc International Airport at 8:55 AM. This marks Bamboo Airways’ official return to operating flights to the “Pearl Island” ahead of the New Year 2025.
The airline will now offer daily flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc, with departures at 7:55 AM from Ho Chi Minh City and 8:05 PM from Phu Quoc.
On the same day, Bamboo Airways also launched international routes connecting Phu Quoc with two major cities in Taiwan: Taipei and Kaohsiung.
Flight QH9569, departing from Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport, landed in Phu Quoc at 7:05 PM on December 24. This flight kicks off a series of charter flights operated regularly by Bamboo Airways at a frequency of five round trips per week.
On December 25, Bamboo Airways will begin its route from Kaohsiung to Phu Quoc, with plans to operate this route twice weekly.
Tickets for the Taiwan–Phu Quoc charter flights operated by Bamboo Airways are being distributed through its official partner, Crystal Bay Group (CBG).
A representative from Bamboo Airways emphasized that this return to Phu Quoc is part of the airline’s efforts to simultaneously operate both domestic and international flights, aiming to attract tourists from Vietnam and abroad to the island destination.
In late November, Bamboo Airways also officially resumed the Ho Chi Minh City–Bangkok route with competitive ticket prices.
Bamboo Airways CEO Luong Hoai Nam revealed that over the past year, the airline has been actively seeking and negotiating with aircraft leasing companies worldwide to expand its fleet amid the global aviation industry’s aircraft supply shortage.
According to Mr. Nam, the airline is still working closely with its partners and expects to welcome additional aircraft before the Lunar New Year 2025.
With the expanded fleet, Bamboo Airways plans to further increase flight frequencies and reinstate both domestic and regular international routes in the near future.
The People’s Committee of Kien Giang Province has approved a pilot program allowing boats and ferries to operate fixed routes between the mainland and islands, as well as the return journey, within its maritime territory.
On December 25, the Kien Giang Provincial People’s Committee announced the implementation of this pilot program, enabling high-speed boats and ferries to run fixed routes at night.
The nighttime operating hours will be from 4:00 AM to 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The pilot program will run until December 31, 2025, covering all boats and ferries traveling to and from the islands.
Super Dong high-speed ship prepares to dock at Bai Vong port, Phu Quoc city, Kien Giang
This initiative will apply to routes from Rach Gia to Phu Quoc, Rach Gia to Nam Du, and Ha Tien to Phu Quoc, including return trips.
The Kien Giang Department of Transport has been tasked with coordinated efforts with the Maritime Port Authority and the Kien Giang Border Guard to encourage ferry operators to strictly adhere to the designated maritime routes.
In addition, ferry operators are required to closely monitor weather forecasts from the Southern Hydrometeorological Station and the Kien Giang Provincial Meteorological Station to ensure timely updates on sea conditions.
After the pilot period ends, the Kien Giang Department of Transport must report to the provincial People’s Committee, addressing any emerging issues and providing measures to ensure the absolute safety of passengers traveling to and from the islands.
The goal of this pilot program is to improve passenger services by offering more flexible travel schedules. It also aims to enhance the speed, efficiency, and safety of island passenger transport in the near future.
The Head of Halong Bay Management Board has confirmed that Halong Bay has never been placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Preserving and developing Ha Long’s sustainable areas plays an important role in maintaining its natural and cultural values. Photo: Pham Ha.
During a press conference on December 24, Mr. Vu Kien Cuong, Head of Halong Bay Management Board, stated: “There is no truth to the claim that UNESCO is considering removing Halong Bay from the list of World Natural Heritage Sites.”
For the past three decades, Quang Ninh Province has made continuous efforts, employing effective measures to preserve, maintain, and promote the values of the World Heritage Site. These efforts comply fully with the 1972 Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. These achievements have been recognized by central government ministries, UNESCO agencies, international experts, organizations, and friends from around the world.
Speaking with Tri Thuc – Znews, Mr. Cuong explained that the upcoming monitoring mission by the World Heritage Center and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is being conducted at Vietnam’s invitation, following recommendations from UNESCO. The mission is scheduled for March 2025 and will evaluate the conservation status of Halong Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago World Heritage Site as part of its periodic monitoring.
Previously, Vietnam submitted a report on the impact of eight projects in the buffer zone of Halong Bay, and UNESCO requested clarification on which projects are operational and which are under development. The management board and relevant parties are preparing the necessary report. “The upcoming monitoring team will also assess this issue,” Mr. Cuong added.
Mr. Also emphasized that reactive monitoring missions are standard practice by the World Heritage Center in all countries. These missions involve evaluations by stakeholders, including management agencies, tourists, experts, and scientists, to assess the conservation status of World Heritage Sites and determine if they belong on the World Heritage in Danger list. He firmly stated that Halong Bay has never been included in this danger list.
The Halong Bay Management Board is working closely with the Secretariat of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO to update information and advise the Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee. They are also coordinated with Hai Phong City to ensure a respectful and effective reception for the monitoring mission, aiming for the best possible guidance on the sustainable management, protection, and promotion of Halong Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago World Heritage Site.
Earlier, Reuters reported that “UNESCO will deploy a team of experts to evaluate potential risks to Halong Bay’s preservation in Vietnam due to concerns about development projects that could threaten the conservation of the World Natural Heritage Site.” Social media also buzzed with claims that “UNESCO is considering removing Halong Bay from the World Heritage List.” This misleading information quickly garnered public attention and concern.
