The Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) will officially implement cashless toll collection at five airports—Tan Son Nhat, Noi Bai, Da Nang, Cat Bi, and Phu Bai—starting in November.
ACV will officially collect non-stop fees at 5 airports from November. Photo: TIA.
During a recent review conference of ACV’s performance over the first 10 months of the year, the ACV leadership reported that passenger and cargo throughput at airports under its management has continued to grow steadily. Domestic market figures show a slight decrease, while the international market experienced solid growth.
Specifically, over the past 10 months, aircraft movements across ACV-managed airports totaled over 555,000, reaching 79% of the annual target but showing an 8% decrease compared to the same period in 2023.
International flights extracted for nearly 213,000 takeoffs and landings, a 19% increase year-on-year, while domestic flights dropped by 19%, totaling nearly 343,000 movements.
Total passenger volume exceeded 91.4 million, achieving 80% of the yearly target and a 5% decrease compared to the same period in 2023. International passenger volume reached nearly 34 million, marking a 28% increase, while domestic passenger volume dropped by 17% to over 57.6 million.
Notably, ACV announced that the equipment installation and testing for cashless toll collection at Tan Son Nhat, Noi Bai, Da Nang, Cat Bi, and Phu Bai airports have been completed, and the system is expected to go live from early November. Additionally, ACV is making progress on network infrastructure projects at 21 airports to facilitate online check-in for domestic airlines.
Concerning major projects, ACV’s leadership confirmed their commitment to fulfill the directives from the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Ministers, and the State Capital Management Committee on ensuring the timely delivery of key infrastructure projects.
These include the construction of Terminal T3 at Tan Son Nhat Airport, the first phase of Long Thanh Airport, and the expansion of Terminal T2 at Noi Bai Airport, all of which meet the required standards for schedule, quality, and on-site safety. Certain tasks have even surpassed the contracted schedule, with bidding and contractor selection conducted transparently in accordance with legal regulations.
Looking forward, ACV plans to expand Ca Mau Airport to accommodate A320, A321, and similar aircraft types. The expansion will include a new runway, connecting taxiways, and an upgraded terminal with a capacity of 500,000 passengers per year (with potential scalability up to 1 million passengers per year).
ACV also aims to implement additional support infrastructure, including roads connecting the new aircraft apron to the terminal, parking facilities, a fire station, security fencing, and a ring road system. The project has an estimated investment of around VND 2,400 billion and an 18-month timeline upon receiving government approval for land use.
On October 29, the city’s Economic Crime Division (PC03) announced it was collecting evidence and further investigating suspected illegal diamond trafficking at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. At around 9 a.m. on October 23, PC03, in coordination with Tan Son Nhat Customs and Tan Binh District Police, inspected and detained Mr. P.S.H., an Indian citizen, upon his arrival from India, after uncovering his smuggling operation.
Indian man illegally transporting diamonds at the investigation agency – Photo: Provided by the police
During questioning, Mr. P.S.H. confessed to the smuggling attempt, confirming that he intended to sell the diamonds to Vietnamese buyers in Ho Chi Minh City for profit. Initial checks revealed that the 700 diamonds included both natural and synthetic stones, with an estimated worth in the tens of billions of VND.
Based on the evidence, Ho Chi Minh City Police are treating the case as a violation of Article 189 of Vietnam’s Penal Code, which prohibits “illegal transportation of goods across borders.” The investigation is ongoing as police gather further evidence, aiming to identify and prosecute all parties involved.
On October 23, the Logitech POP ICON KEYS event was a celebration of the ideal combination of technology and lifestyle. The new product created to encourage self-expression via innovative and lifestyle design, attracted the most excitement.
The event was themed “4,” with four major influencers representing different colors and four workstations demonstrating the versatility of the POP ICON KEYS. Each workspace encouraged attendees by illustrating how these products might be easily integrated into various elements of daily life, such as working from a coffee shop, an office, at home, or on the go.
Technology Meets Fashions: A Celebration of Self-Expression at the Logitech POP Icon Keys
Henri Hubert, the creative director behind the event, played a crucial role in shaping this vision. With over 40 years of experience in luxury and fashion, Henri Hubert’s heritage provided a distinct viewpoint to the collaboration with Logitech. He said, “Technology is a new way to express style and personality.” We wanted to build an emotionally engaging experience that would allow individuals to connect with their tools in a meaningful way.” His viewpoint underlines the need of combining design color with personal expression.
The immersive atmosphere was enhanced by lifestyle performances and interactive displays, inviting guests, both in-person and online, to engage with the products in a hands-on manner. Attendees explored how the POP ICON KEYS not only serve functional purposes but also reflect individual style and personality. This focus on personal expression through technology highlighted Logitech’s commitment to making everyday tools more than just gadgets, they become extensions of our identities.
The lifestyle business of Logitech places the POP ICON KEYS at the crossroads of technology and lifestyle, which is especially important in today’s consumer landscape. Henri pointed out: “The lines between luxury, fashion, and tech are increasingly blurred.” This idea is reflected in the POP ICON KEYS’ brilliant colors and sophisticated designs, which allow users to infuse their workplaces with creativity and style, transforming technology into a fundamental component of their lifestyle.
The event additionally inspired key talks about sustainability, reflecting the growing consumer desire for responsible choices. By demonstrating how the POP ICON KEYS can contribute to a trendy yet mindful lifestyle, Logitech reinforces its position as a forward-thinking brand that values the environment and its impact.
Lifestyle Reimagined through Strategic Partnerships. Shaping the Logitech Experience
As October is Logitech’s Month of Heritage, the Pop Icon Keys event acted as a vibrant bridge between the new milestone of Logitech lifestyle products and the brands in the Vietnamese market. This celebration witnessed a wide range of support from many brands and corporate partners from various industries, including… This demonstrated how the brand influences the market while also expressing how the company values the local culture of friendship and companionship. Logitech enhances their brand narrative, ensuring that it resonates with local audiences while simultaneously appealing to a worldwide market. The collaboration with Cara Club illustrates how appreciating Vietnamese artists and young people may inspire self-expression while all at once collaborating with Clinique, a top cosmetics company.
Logitech’s Pop Icon Keys collaboration with Cara Club and Clinique showcases how thoughtful design enables individuals to express their unique identities. This strategic partnership merges technology, art, and beauty, positioning both brands at the intersection of lifestyle and productivity. By teaming up with Cara Club, renowned for its vibrant and playful aesthetics, Logitech creates a distinctive product that resonates with a younger, creative audience eager to showcase their individuality. Clinique enhances this collaboration by infusing its signature colors and concepts, reinforcing the notion that personal style extends beyond skincare and beauty into the realm of technology.
This partnership aims not only to attract consumers seeking stylish accessories but also to emphasize the importance of self-expression in both work and leisure environments. By integrating Clinique’s ethos of beauty and self-care, the Pop Icon Keys transcend their role as mere functional tools; they embody a lifestyle choice that promotes creativity and well-being. The combination of bold graphics from Cara Club and Clinique’s harmonious color palette results in a cohesive and chic design that elevates any workspace.
Innovating Tomorrow: Logitech’s Vision for Sustainable Style and Identity.
The POP ICON KEYS event successfully celebrated the synergy of technology and fashion, illustrating how they can enhance self-expression and lifestyle. Logitech demonstrated its understanding of modern consumer needs by placing the products at the center of the experience and drawing inspiration from Henri Hubert’s legacy. This approach shows that technology can be sophisticated, functional, and essential to our daily lives. Ultimately, the Pop Icon Keys not only enhance workspaces but also encourage individuals to express their personalities through innovative design. Looking ahead, Logitech is paving the way for a future where technology and personal expression are seamlessly integrated.
POP Icon Keys’ the start gained enthusiastic support not only from technology firms, but also from several cosmetics and fashion companies, thanks to the product’s qualities of style, technology, and sustainability. Gaw NP Capital and Lim Tower warmly funded the event site after being impressed with the program’s concept.
Henri said: “When searching for this event’s venue, we wanted to inspire newcomers to start with a POP.” He agreed with Logitech on the importance of sticking to a “Day 1” mindset, approaching everything with the excitement and passion of embarking on a new adventure. Furthermore, he pointed out the breathtaking view of the Thu Thiem 2 Bridge in the evening, which illustrates a bright future. This location represents the start of our POP adventure during Logitech’s heritage month, celebrating innovation and creativity.
Putin’s interest in an alternative international payments system has focused attention on mBridge.
The future of the Swiss-based Bank for International Settlements’ (BIS) involvement in mBridge was cast into doubt on Oct 28. following a report from Bloomberg that top bank officials and financial executives discussed the possibility of shutting mBridge down during a meeting in Washington.
The discussions, which took place last week, stemmed from concerns about comments made by Russian president Vladimir Putin during the opening of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, where he floated the idea of an alternative BRICS-led international payments system. Though Putin’s comments garnered a lukewarm response from fellow BRICS members, it has focused attention on projects like mBridge which are seeking to build alternatives to SWIFT.
Run by the central banks of China, Thailand, the UAE and Hong Kong — with Saudi Arabia joining this year as a new member — and backed by the BIS Innovation Hub, mBridge is a cross-border payments system that aims to make transferring money internationally quicker and cheaper.
It removes the need for correspondent banks, which act as intermediaries for payments between banks in different countries that don’t have formal relationships.
In June this year, it reached its minimum viable product (MVP) stage, with participating banks deploying consensus nodes and commercial banks conducting transactions. The platform currently supports key functions for participants including CBDC issuance and redemption, FX payment versus payment (PVP), CBDC transfers, queue management and balance alerts, and information management systems.
As of October 2024, the project had 32 observing members, including the Reserve Bank of Australia, the Bank of Korea FATF and the Banque Central du Luxembourg, according to the BIS Innovation Hub.
A total of 39 commercial banks from China, Thailand, the UAE, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia are also participating in its MVP stage. Between April and September 2024, the platform facilitated payments and transactions in four CBDCs (e-CNY, e-THB, e-AED and e-HKD), with transactions conducted by 35 commercial banks.
To its proponents, mBridge is a potential solution for the major pain points that have long plagued traditional banking, particularly for underserved regions. It can allow countries to settle payments in their own currency instead of the more commonly used U.S. dollar and make transactions much quicker using distributed ledger technology.
Speaking at Hong Kong Fintech Week, Li Shu-Pui, Advisor to H.E. The Governor at the Central Bank of the U.A.E., said that in a test in February they sent money from a bank in Abu Dhabi to one in Beijing in just ten seconds.
“Middle Eastern, Central Asian, African countries and even South American countries are underserved [by traditional banking] because the correspondent banking network does not cover so many of these countries. Many of these countries are not served adequately so they’re very excited about how they [can] make use of mBridge” he said.
BIS’s own literature available through its BIS Innovation Hub stand at Hong Kong Fintech Week calls mBridge “a public good” and claims it can “help foster financial inclusion”.
Countries like China have been taking steps to push for greater dedollarization of the global economy and the settlement of international payments in different currencies. During the BRICS summit, Putin claimed that nearly 95% of Russia-China trade is done in local currency.
But mBridge’s detractors are worried about the geopolitical risk the project poses. Policymakers in the U.S. and Europe have warned against having an international financial system underpinned by China-developed technology, as well as the risk of reduced ability to enforce U.S. and European economic sanctions.
In 2022, Yaya J. Fanusie, currently the Director of Policy for AML & Cyber Risk at the Crypto Council for Innovation, said that the announcement of the mBridge project should serve as a wakeup call to U.S. policymakers who wanted to maintain U.S. influence on the financial system. “[mBridge] likely will be built upon not only by nations seeking more efficient payment infrastructure, as all central banks should, but also by U.S. adversaries strategizing for ways around U.S. geopolitical influence, like China,” he wrote.
The BIS did not respond to a request for comment and staff on the ground at Hong Kong Fintech Week said they could not discuss the matter.
Nexus Mutual is also behind a new insurance alternative on Coinbase’s L2 network called Base DeFi Pass.
Nexus Mutual, the decentralized alternative to traditional insurance geared towards risks involving digital assets, is widening its distribution capabilities by backing a dedicated crypto insurance broker called Native.
Native goes live with $2.6 million of seed funding led by Nexus Mutual, and the two firms are offering $20 million on-chain cover per risk, according to a press release on Tuesday. Nexus Mutual currently has a capital pool of about $200 million, mostly denominated in ETH, the token of the Ethereum blockchain, meaning the mutual will be able to write multiple coverage lines per risk from day one, Nexus Mutual said.
There has always been a dire shortage of insurance capacity within the crypto industry. At a rough estimate, about 1% of crypto assets are insured today, compared with the traditional world where a general rule of thumb is that about 7% of GDP is insured.
“Native’s role is to help solve this chronic under insurance problem,” said Native co-founder and CEO Ben Davies in an interview. “No industry can grow without a liquid insurance market and so we have built a commercial insurance broker on-chain, which is what the market has really been missing.”
The aim is to increase capacity by connecting businesses with Nexus’s capital pools, while giving clients the ability to pay in crypto, or be paid in crypto if there is a claim, said the broker’s other co-founder Dan Ross. In addition, Native will go beyond mere distribution by running a capital pool on Nexus, he said. It means the firm will also be involved in underwriting in the form of a managing general agent (MGA) positioned on top of Nexus Mutual.
Since starting out in 2019, Nexus Mutual has underwritten about $5 billion of crypto assets and paid out $18 million in claims. This has involved various risks associated with decentralized finance (DeFi), for instance, that conventional insurers might struggle to meet.
The protocol also allows its members to deploy assets into syndicates, in a way similar to how the Lloyd’s of London market operates, for which they receive NXM tokens. These tokens are then used to back certain risks. Like being a Lloyd’s investor, or “Name,” there is a risk attached to this, but yields can reach around 25%, according to Nexus Mutual founder Hugh Karp.
“We understand crypto native risks better than anyone else and we’ve got a large amount of capacity that’s specifically looking to deploy into crypto risks and crypto businesses,” Karp said in an interview. “We aren’t like some big insurance company that’s trialing this as a proof of concept for a few years and then it disappears.”
Base DeFi Pass
Nexus Mutual’s insurance alternative is also available to users of many of the main protocols on Coinbase’s layer 2 network, Base, via a recently launched product called Base DeFi Pass, created by crypto insurance startup OpenCover.
Base DeFi Pass covers a clutch of high profile protocols on Base including the likes of Uniswap, Compound and Morpho, and is designed to be a “set and forget” option where one set of cover is all that’s needed across a range of applications, according to OpenCover CEO Jeremiah Smith.
The type of risks covered include smart contract code bugs, exploits and hacks, while things like phishing attacks are excluded, as are losses related to market price movements of assets used or relied upon by the covered protocol.
“Base Pass is another innovation being catalyzed by Nexus Mutual,” Smith said in an interview. “You purchase one lot of cover and you’re covered on most of the leading protocols on Base, rather than having to come to Nexus and OpenCover each time and have to rebalance everything.”
In order to bring lots of people on-chain, Base needs to make those users feel confident about interacting with DeFi, said Base creator Jesse Pollak.
“OpenCover’s Base DeFi pass adds an extra safety net, so people can feel more secure and protected when they participate in the open DeFi ecosystem on Base,” Pollak said via email.
Vietnam’s tourism sector is showing positive signs, with a notable increase in international interest over the past three months.
Photo: vtv.vn
According to a report by Agoda, travelers’ interest in key Northern regions of Vietnam has remained strong despite the damage caused by Typhoon Yagi. Data on the platform reveals that room bookings from August to October 2024 at popular destinations such as Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Giang, Ha Long Bay, Hai Phong, and Cat Ba increased by 4% compared to the same period in 2023, reflecting stable interest in these locations.
Additionally, Vietnam’s tourism is experiencing significant growth in international searches in recent months. In July, search interest rose by 4% compared to the same period last year. August saw a substantial 31% growth in tourist interest, and in September, there was an impressive surge, with searches jumping by 84% year-over-year, as international tourists look ahead to Christmas and New Year holiday plans.
A report from the General Statistics Office shows that international arrivals in Vietnam in the first nine months of 2024 rose by 43% compared to the same period in 2023. With 12.7 million international visitors, this number has already surpassed the total international arrivals for all of 2023.
Several tourism businesses in Ba Ria – Vung Tau are offering service discounts of 10-65% to attract tourists at the end of the year.
International tourists “hunt” for sunset in Vung Tau. Photo: Linh Huynh.
According to the Ba Ria – Vung Tau Department of Tourism on October 25, 34 businesses and accommodation providers will reduce prices by 10-65% for visitors using their services until December 31.
This initiative is part of Ba Ria – Vung Tau’s tourism stimulus program for Q4. Among the 34 participating entities are several five-star hotels in Vung Tau, Phuoc Hai (Dat Do), Ho Tram, Ho Coc, Binh Chau (Xuyen Moc), and Con Dao.
Trinh Hang, Director of the Ba Ria – Vung Tau Department of Tourism, said that alongside the stimulus package, several cultural and artistic events are scheduled, such as a cultural exchange between Vung Tau and Gunsan City (South Korea), the Mister World contest , and celebrations for the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People’s Army and the 35th anniversary of National Defense Day.
Notably, the 2024 Ba Ria – Vung Tau Tourism Week will take place in mid-December in Xuyen Moc, featuring photo spots, hot air balloons, local cuisine, OCOP products, as well as sports events including running, golf, and pickleball.
In the first nine months of 2024, Ba Ria – Vung Tau received approximately 13.2 million visitors, reaching nearly 85% of the year’s target and representing an increase of almost 21% compared to the same period last year. Total tourism revenue is estimated at around VND 14.1 trillion, achieving nearly 86% of the annual target, up 23.09% year-on-year.
According to the People’s Committee of District 3, the Second District 3 Expanded Ngo Boat Race Festival of 2024 will be held on November 10 along the Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe Canal. The event will feature 12 teams from District 3 and various southern provinces.
Following the success of the first Ngo Boat Race Festival in 2023, the District 3 People’s Committee is organizing this year’s festival to commemorate the 94th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (November 18, 1930 – November 18, 2024), National Unity Day, Vietnamese Cultural Heritage Day on November 23, the 50th anniversary of the liberation of South Vietnam and national reunification (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2025), and to celebrate the Ok Om Bok Festival.
The first Ngo boat racing festival in 2023 on Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe canal. Photo: Le Vu
This year’s event, themed “The Country’s Complete Joy,” is expected to take place from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on November 10 along Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe Canal (from Cong Ly Bridge to Le Van Sy Bridge in District 3) with 12 competing teams. Participants include students and workers from Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding southern provinces such as Binh Duong, Can Tho, Kien Giang, and Soc Trang.
In addition to the thrilling boat races, the event will feature artistic performances with famous singers, celebrating songs celebrating the homeland and Khmer ethnic folk songs. Cultural exchange programs will also highlight ethnic cuisine, offering traditional dishes such as bun nuoc leo, com dep, bun ca, Nam Vang hu tieu, xoi khuc, dim sum, and bat buu soup, reflecting the diverse culinary heritage of ethnic origins in Ho Chi Minh City. Chi Minh City.
The Information and Support Center for visitors at Chan May Port has officially opened to introduce and promote tourism in Thua Thien Hue and assist cruise passengers visiting the area.
The tourist information and support center at Chan May port area was put into operation to introduce and promote Thua Thien Hue tourism and support tourists coming to this locality by ship. Photo: Hoang Hai
Recently, Thua Thien Hue’s Department of Tourism, in collaboration with Chan May Port JSC, held an inauguration ceremony to launch the Information and Support Center for tourists at Chan May Port.
The center will provide visitors with leaflets, tourism brochures, travel maps, guidebooks, and other relevant local tourism information. Additionally, it will offer advice to enhance visitors’ experiences while exploring Hue.
The center will also showcase local specialties, souvenirs, handicrafts, and unique Hue products to promote the culture and image of Hue to cruise passengers. It will arrange booking services for tours, transport, restaurants, hotels, and other requested services.
Moreover, the center will support cruise passengers with emergency assistance, such as handling lost personal documents or belongings and dealing with negative issues like overcharging or theft during onshore visits.
The first cruise ship tourists visit and seek information at the Tourist Information and Support Center at Chan May Port. Photo: Hoang Hai
On this occasion, Thua Thien Hue’s Department of Tourism and Chan May Port JSC also welcomed passengers aboard the Celebrity Millennium, a Royal Caribbean cruise ship registered in Malta. The ship, carrying 2,150 passengers and 958 crew members, docked at Chan May Port at 6:00 a.m. on October 25, 2024. These were the first cruise passengers to visit the Information and Support Center at Chan May Port.
According to Chan May Port JSC, in 2024, Chan May Port has received 41 cruise ships, with over 90,000 passengers and crew members visiting Thua Thien Hue. In 2025, 42 cruise ships have already registered to dock, bringing nearly 80,000 passengers and crew to Chan May Port.
After a period of closure due to fallen trees and landslide risks from heavy rains, the trekking route to the 2,167-meter-high summit of Langbiang has reopened.
The Langbiang trekking route is considered quite easy to go, however visitors can get lost if they do not go with a tour guide. Photo: Linh Huynh.
According to Mr. Cil Khiot, Deputy Director of Langbiang Tourist Area, the hiking trail to Langbiang (Lam Dong) has now been reopened following about a month-long closure for upgrades and enhanced safety measures.
Previously, the trekking route was closed on September 15 due to heavy rains that caused fallen trees and erosion along sections of the trail, posing safety risks for visitors.
“The trail has now been repaired and is safe for visitors. However, trekkers must follow the mapped route and adhere to guidance from the tourist area. Visitors trekking Langbiang must purchase an entry ticket and book a guided tour to ensure safety,” Mr. Cil Khiot told Tri Thuc – Znews.
Not only domestic tourists, many international tourists are very excited to experience trekking to Langbiang peak. Photo: Linh Huynh.
At a height of 2,167 meters, Langbiang Peak, also known as Ba Mountain, is considered the “roof” of Da Lat city, offering stunning 360-degree views that attract tourists. Located about 18 kilometers from downtown Da Lat in Lac Duong District, Langbiang is part of a mountain complex that includes two main peaks, Ba (2,167 m) and Ong (2,124 m), as well as the Ra Da Hill at 1,929 meters—a popular spot for visitors.
The Langbiang trekking route, spanning 10-12 kilometers, is an exciting experience that attracts young travelers and international tourists visiting the city. Trekkers can start from the entrance of the tourist area, purchase tickets, and follow a trail that passes through coffee plantations, ancient pine forests, and stunning primary forests.
The trek is quite steep, and combined with the cold, thin air, it can be exhausting for hikers. However, the landscape changes with elevation, providing a remarkable experience. From the summit, trekkers can enjoy panoramic views of Da Lat, lush pine forests, and rolling mountains.
For those new to trekking Langbiang, attempting the trail alone can be dangerous. Trekkers risk losing their way, slipping on steep paths, or encountering areas with no cell signal, making search and rescue efforts challenging.
The steep, slippery slopes pose many challenges for visitors. Photo: Linh Huynh.
To ensure safety, Langbiang Tourist Area management has set specific rules for visitors aiming to climb the 2,167-meter Langbiang summit.
Visitors must purchase tickets at the entrance, with climbing permitted from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. After 1 p.m. or during rainy weather, access to the summit is restricted. Trekkers must stay on the designated route, which is managed by the tourist area and Bidoup Nui Ba National Park. Unauthorized guides and visitors are prohibited from venturing off-trail. Tourists are advised to hire local guides, wear protective gear, and are not permitted to light fires or camp overnight.
Earlier, at the end of September, authorities in Lam Dong successfully rescued two tourists who became lost in the Langbiang mountains during stormy weather. In late August, five students from Ho Chi Minh City lost their way while trekking to the Langbiang summit, becoming stranded in Bidoup Nui Ba National Park (Lam Dong province) for several hours before being rescued.
Over three days, from October 25 to 27, Saigontourist Travel Services welcomed more than 5,800 international tourists arriving on two cruise ships, Celebrity Millennium and Quantum of the Seas.
Tourists from the Celebrity Millennium cruise ship visit Hue Imperial City. Photo: DNCC
The Celebrity Millennium brought over 3,000 guests, docking at Chan May Port (Hue City) on October 25 and Phu My Port (Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province) on the morning of October 27.
During this visit, guests participated in cultural experiences, and tours of heritage sites and natural landscapes in Hue, Da Nang, and Hoi An, and visited lively destinations in Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Ria – Vung Tau, and the southwestern provinces.
On October 26, Saigontourist also welcomed more than 2,800 international tourists from the Quantum of the Seas, docking at Phu My Port. These visitors are set to tour Ho Chi Minh City and Ba Ria – Vung Tau.
These guests will experience specially curated tours, such as culinary tours, countryside cycling, and cooking classes—designed for high-spending tourists from Europe, the US, and Australia.
According to Saigontourist, the cruise tourism segment has rebounded. In the first ten months of this year, the company welcomed a series of international cruise ships, including Europa, Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Millennium, Spectrum of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Crystal Symphony, Azamara Journey, Azamara Onward, Silver Moon, Resort World One, Silver Shadow, and Mein Schiff.
The launch of options on spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds in the U.S. will reduce the incentives for investors to hold MicroStrategy stock over these ETFs, the report said.
MicroStrategy’s (MSTR) current premium relative to its bitcoin (BTC) stack is unlikely to last, Steno Research said in a report Friday.
“This conviction is reinforced by the diminishing effects of MicroStrategy’s recent stock split,” analyst Mads Eberhardt wrote, adding that the launch of options on spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the U.S will also lessen the motivation for investors to hold the stock over these ETFs.
The software company founded by Michael Saylor carried out a 10-for-1 stock split in August, a move that according to Steno has contributed to the recent rally.
Steno noted that the company’s premium relative to its bitcoin horde has recently surged to almost 300%.
This suggests that the firm’s valuation is “diverging significantly from a straightforward calculation of its asset and and business fundamentals,” the report said.
As regulators become more favorable to bitcoin and crypto in general, investors may choose to hold bitcoin directly instead of MicroStrategy stock, Steno said. If Donald Trump is re-elected this regulatory trend is expected to continue.
Bitcoin is expected to perform strongly this quarter and into 2025, which means that an “even higher buying demand would be required to sustain MicroStrategy’s current premium,” the note said.
MicroStrategy’s existing premium is unsustainable, especially given the fact that during the 2021 crypto bull market it was below 200% for most of the time, the report added.
The stock recently hit a new all-time high, having surged over 240% year-to-date.
“Given the uncertainty, Maelstrom has 5% of the fund in staked USDe (Ethena USD), earning roughly 13%,” Hayes told CoinDesk.
With the U.S. election just a week away, markets are waiting with bated breath for the political event that has created “high uncertainty.”
Arthur Hayes, chief investment officer at digital asset investment fund Maelstrom and co-founder of BitMEX, is hedging the election risk with Ethena Lab’s USDe stablecoin while maintaining large bullish bets in bitcoin (BTC), ether (ETH) and other cryptocurrencies.
“Given the uncertainty, Maelstrom has 5% of the fund in staked USDe (Ethena USD), earning roughly 13%. We maintain our large long positions in Bitcoin, Ether, and other tokens,” Hayes told CoinDesk in an email.
Ethena’s USDe is a synthetic dollar, which uses collateralized stablecoin and a hedged cash-and-carry arbitrage strategy to retail the $1 price peg. The funding fee collected from shorting perpetual futures tied to BTC and ETH as a part of the carry trade represents the yield. Staking USDe and acquiring staked USDe, or sUSDe, a reward-bearing token, automatically grants the user access to protocol rewards.
The fund’s allocation in the delta-neutral product will guard against potential market price swings in the lead-up to the election on Nov. 5 and results, due three days later on Nov. 8.
Maelstrom is an investment fund focused on digital assets and managed by the family office of Arthur Hayes (co-founder, BitMEX). The fund’s mandate is to build a portfolio of infrastructure companies that will serve as the foundation of the next wave of trustless decentralization. In addition to managing the fund, Hayes writes the industry-leading monthly newsletter Crypto Trader Digest.
Watch out for a sore loser
Hayes expects risk assets, including cryptocurrencies, to see increased price turbulence for a while if the losing side takes to the street, causing social unrest.
According to traditional media, Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris are locked in a dead heat. Meanwhile, betting on decentralized prediction platforms has the supposedly pro-crypto Trump leading his rival Harris by a significant margin.
“If the election comes and goes with no social unrest, the markets will rip and roar. Post the election, once we know who wins, and the other side accepts the results, then we will deploy all sUSDe into crypto,” Hayes said.
As of Friday, bitcoin options listed on Deribit signaled volatility of nearly 3.8% for Nov. 8. BTC has historically seen more giant swings on random non-event days.
It doesn’t matter who wins
The outcome of the U.S. election is unlikely to significantly alter Bitcoin’s broader bullish prospects, as budget deficits are likely to continue rising irrespective of who takes the presidency. Bitcoin and gold are perceived as safe haven assets, offering a hedge against budget deficits, which tend to be inflationary.
“Both Trump and Harris will print money in the trillions of dollars. In the medium term, it doesn’t matter who wins. Crypto will do well. In the short term, the market understands the ways in which Trump will stimulate the economy because that is the traditional way it has been done in the past. Tax cuts combined with business-friendly deregulation but with no cuts in benefits is what he will do,” Hayes explained.
Legendary trader Paul Tudor Jones voiced a similar opinion last week, saying inflation will continue to rise regardless of whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris wins the presidency. Several crypto traders are betting on a bitcoin rally to $80,000 and higher after the election.
Potential war is a short-term risk
Looking past the election, a potential escalation of war in the Middle East or Ukraine could lead to short-term pain for risk asset holders.
“The biggest macro risk is if friends and foes of the U.S. engage in aggressive military action while there is confusion as to who is in charge after the election. War is un-investable in the short-term and this would lead to a global risk off,” Hayes quipped, saying that the war’s inflationary impact would eventually bode well for crypto.
“The way to play this risk is to size positions accordingly and use little to no leverage,” Hayes said.
Hướng Dẫn Cách Đào Bitcoin Miễn Phí Và Đơn Giản Cho Người Mới
Là một trong những loại tiền điện tử có giá trị nhất hiện nay, đào Bitcoin miễn phí luôn được nhiều người quan tâm. Đây là cách thức thú vị và khá đơn giản cho những ai vừa bước chân vào thế giới tiền điện tử. Bài viết này sẽ giúp bạn hiểu rõ hơn về đào Bitcoin là gì và có những cách đào Bitcoin miễn phí nào để tham gia.
Đào Bitcoin là gì?
Hiểu theo cách đơn giản, đào Bitcoin hay khai thác Bitcoin (Bitcoin mining) là một hành động mà thợ đào (miner) tham gia vào quá trình xử lý để xác minh các giao dịch trên mạng Bitcoin. Quá trình này sản xuất ra các khối Bitcoin mới và đưa chúng vào nguồn cung lưu thông.
Vì mạng Bitcoin là một mạng lưới ngang hàng, không có trung gian để xác minh các giao dịch nên các thợ đào sẽ làm nhiệm vụ này. Khi đào Bitcoin, các đơn vị BTC mới được tạo ra, với tổng cung 21 triệu Bitcoin, các thợ đào phải sử dụng thiết bị đào chuyên dụng để cạnh tranh, xử lý thuật toán và tìm ra các block BTC mới. Lợi nhuận của thợ đào sẽ phụ thuộc phần lớn vào giá Bitcoin, phần thưởng khối và nhiều yếu tố khác.
Tổng hợp các cách đào Bitcoin phổ biến nhất
Hiện nay có khá nhiều hình thức kiếm Bitcoin miễn phí mà không cần đầu tư vốn ban đầu. Dưới đây là những cách đào Bitcoin miễn phí bạn có thể tham khảo để bắt đầu:
Cách đào Bitcoin miễn phí với Bitcoin Faucet
Bitcoin Faucet đã tạo ra sức hút mạnh mẽ trong thời gian đầu xuất hiện với tổng lượng Bitcoin được trả thưởng lên đến 5 BTC. Mặc dù hiện tại giá trị phần thưởng đã giảm đi nhiều nhưng đây vẫn là một trong những cách kiếm Bitcoin miễn phí tiềm năng cho những ai hạn chế về vốn đầu tư.
Bitcoin Faucet là các website cho phép người dùng kiếm được tiền điện tử Bitcoin miễn phí bằng việc tham gia hoàn thành các nhiệm vụ đơn giản như: Xem quảng cáo, chơi game, giải mã captcha… Một số trang web bạn có thể tham khảo bao gồm: Freebitco.in, Cointiply, FaucetPay.io…
Ưu điểm: Đơn giản, phù hợp với người mới.
Nhược điểm: Phụ thuộc vào mức độ uy tín của các trang faucet, phần thưởng có thể không tương xứng với công sức bỏ ra, tiềm ẩn một số nhiệm vụ làm lây lan mã độc…
Đào Bitcoin thông qua chơi game
Có một cách kiếm Bitcoin đơn giản khác đó là chơi game trên điện thoại. Cách này vừa giúp giải trí, vừa tạo ra cơ hội nhận về phần thưởng là loại tiền điện tử nổi tiếng nhất thế giới. Theo đó, các nhà phát hành game blockchain mới đặt mục tiêu thu hút càng nhiều người chơi càng tốt để gia tăng mức độ phổ biến của game. Chỉ cần tải game về và tham gia dựa trên gameplay của từng trò chơi, hoàn thành các điều kiện trong game để nhận phần thưởng Bitcoin đã được game quy định.
Ưu điểm: Miễn phí, có thể chơi mọi lúc mọi nơi.
Nhược điểm: Ứng dụng thường yêu cầu tài khoản người chơi đạt được một số lượng Satoshi tối thiểu mới có thể rút về.
Đào Bitcoin miễn phí qua Cloud Mining
Đây là cách đào Bitcoin thông qua các nền tảng trung gian, các nền tảng này sẽ chuẩn bị giàn khai thác, vận hành và đảm bảo hoạt động đào BTC. Người tham gia chỉ cần đăng ký và thanh toán những hợp đồng đào Bitcoin từ các nền tảng này để sở hữu tiền điện tử BTC.
Ưu điểm: Tiết kiệm chi phí và thời gian hơn rất nhiều so với việc đào riêng lẻ. Ngoài ra, các hợp đồng khai thác đều nêu rõ điều khoản và quy định về tốc độ băm, giúp người tham gia chủ động hơn trong việc tính toán lợi nhuận và lựa chọn hợp đồng.
Nhược điểm: Cần thanh toán hợp đồng (mức phí khá cao), cần có thời gian để thu về lợi nhuận. Ngoài ra, hiệu quả của việc đào Bitcoin với cách này phụ thuộc phần lớn vào độ tin cậy của tổ chức cung cấp dịch vụ.
Có nên đào Bitcoin miễn phí không?
Để trả lời cho câu hỏi này, chúng ta có thể đánh giá thông qua việc tìm hiểu lợi ích và một số điểm hạn chế mà những cách này mang lại.
Lợi ích
Phù hợp với những người vốn đầu tư thấp: Đào Bitcoin miễn phí phần lớn không yêu cầu vốn đầu tư ban đầu, vì vậy lựa chọn này phù hợp với tất cả mọi người đang quan tâm đến thị trường crypto.
Dễ tiếp cận: Người mới có thể bổ sung kiến thức về thị trường tiền điện tử mà không cần lo lắng quá nhiều về rủi ro tài chính.
Dễ tham gia: Đào Bitcoin miễn phí không yêu cầu kiến thức kỹ thuật quá chuyên sâu.
Hạn chế
Cần nhiều thời gian: Bitcoin kiếm được với những cách này tương đối nhỏ, tốc độ tích lũy chậm.
Lợi nhuận thấp: Cách đào Bitcoin miễn phí không mang lại lợi nhuận cao, thường phù hợp với những ai muốn học hỏi.
Cần kiên nhẫn: Thay vì đầu tư về vốn, người tham gia cần đầu tư về thời gian và tính kiên nhẫn.
Một số lưu ý khi đào Bitcoin miễn phí
Đào Bitcoin miễn phí là cách thức thú vị và phù hợp với những ai đang muốn làm quen với thị trường tiền điện tử mà không cần bỏ vốn đầu tư quá lớn. Mặc dù vậy vẫn có một số vấn đề cần lưu ý để tránh những rủi ro không đáng có và tối ưu hiệu quả nhất có thể:
Đánh giá mức độ uy tín của các trang web, ứng dụng: Có rất nhiều trang web và ứng dụng cho phép khai thác Bitcoin miễn phí nhưng không phải tất cả đều uy tín. Một số trang web và ứng dụng lợi dụng người dùng thông qua những lời hứa hẹn lợi nhuận cao, nhưng sau đó không làm đúng cam kết. Vì vậy hãy luôn cẩn trọng và chọn lựa kỹ lưỡng các nền tảng, đồng thời thường xuyên theo dõi giá Bitcoin để đưa ra quyết định đầu tư đúng đắn.
Nhận biết dấu hiệu lừa đảo: Một số ứng dụng và trang web có thể yêu cầu người tham gia làm nhiều nhiệm vụ hoặc nạp tiền trước khi cho phép bạn rút về Bitcoin. Hoặc không có thông tin minh bạch và công khai về nguồn gốc của trang web, ứng dụng đó.
Cẩn thận với chiêu trò quảng cáo: Bạn có thể bị làm phiền với các quảng cáo hứa hẹn lợi nhuận lớn trong thời gian ngắn khi tham gia đào Bitcoin miễn phí. Nhưng đây là dấu hiệu mà các tổ chức cố tình lừa đảo để thu thập thông tin cá nhân hoặc tài sản của người dùng.
Bảo mật ví Bitcoin của bạn: Ví Bitcoin sẽ giúp bạn lưu trữ và quản lý số Bitcoin mà bạn kiếm được một cách an toàn, đặc biệt khi giá Bitcoin có biến động. Để đảm bảo tài sản được an toàn, bạn cần chọn ví uy tín, lưu trữ cẩn thận các thành phần như khóa riêng, cụm từ khôi phục ví ở nơi an toàn và tuyệt đối không chia sẻ thông tin này cho bất kỳ ai.
Kết luận
Tóm lại, đào Bitcoin miễn phí là một phương pháp mang lại nhiều lợi ích, đặc biệt là với những ai mới làm quen với thị trường, đồng thời cũng tiềm ẩn một số rủi ro. Lời khuyên là bạn nên tìm hiểu kỹ, thực sự kiên nhẫn và không nên quá kỳ vọng vào tốc độ mang lại lợi nhuận nhiều và nhanh từ phương pháp này. Chúc bạn thành công!
Vietnam’s manufacturing sector is one of Asia’s success stories: it has drawn global attention thanks to its efficient production and decent labor supply. Investors considering setting up a manufacturing operation in Vietnam have a choice of two primary areas of interest: north or south, each of which proffer distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Understanding these differences is key to making good strategic decisions for companies aiming to succeed in the area. This article provides an overview of the manufacturing sector in northern and southern Vietnam, from major sectors, economic environment, and infrastructure to the labor market in each area.
Key Industries
Explore the unique manufacturing landscapes of Northern and Southern Vietnam in this video, where we break down the strengths and challenges each region offers for businesses.
Key Takeaways:
Insights into how Northern Vietnam excels in the diversification of its production manufacturing ;
A look at how the business culture and etiquette differ from north to south ;
What are the advantages and difficulties you may encounter in each part of the country;
Northern Vietnam: High-Tech Manufacturing Hub
The northern part of Vietnam, especially around Hanoi, is famous for specializing in high-tech sectors, which include electronics and machinery and automotive production, among others. Here in the north, big global companies like Samsung, LG, and Foxconn have sizeable operations due to the good quality workforce and close proximity to China, where their raw materials and components can be shipped quickly, thus catering to precision manufacturing and complicated supply chains. The presence of such multinational giants has developed this region into one of the largest producers of smartphones and electronics in Southeast Asia.
Southern Vietnam: Center for Consumer Goods and Textiles
Southern Vietnam is the part where Ho Chi Minh City is located. Consumer goods, textiles, footwear, and furniture manufacture are mostly centered here. Exporting renders the manufacturing base of the south due to the preference of international brands seeking large-scale production in these areas. Along with textiles and footwear, another expanding sector includes technology, producing consumer electronics and related goods. Ho Chi Minh City is the economic center of Vietnam, where the private enterprise economy and foreign investor confidence are created, thereby creating a conducive environment for industries that appreciate speed and bulk production.
Northern Vietnam: State-Influenced and Strategic Investment
The economic environment in Northern Vietnam reproduces the historical and political origins. It is more state-driven and reflects more on the state-owned enterprises and the government contracts especially in infrastructure and energy. The various ways by which the state influences the sectors create an environment for trade that regulates to benefit companies involved in government projects or operating in highly controlled sectors.
Despite higher land leasing costs and a competitive labor market that can drive up operational expenses, Northern Vietnam continues to attract substantial foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly in high-tech sectors. The region’s environment aligns well with companies in electronics and machinery, where both government support and a skilled, specialized workforce are highly valued, fostering a favorable setting for technological growth and innovation.
Southern Vietnam: Private Sector Growth and Foreign Investment
More market-oriented South presents a high degree of flexibility in doing business with a strong backing from FDI in the South, especially outward of Ho Chi Minh City, to foster a robust startup biosphere and also create an easygoing atmosphere valuable for innovation and flexibility. In doing business, the South is far more favorable for a business undertaking because of less regulatory oversight compared to the North.
It would prove that indeed the South is a thriving economy with lower entry barriers that create a friendly environment for industries that require flexibility, such as the fast-moving consumer goods and electronics. The business landscape certainly suits companies that beat rivals in terms of quick growth and large-scale expansion in a market-oriented economic environment.
Infrastructure and Logistics
Northern Vietnam: Developed Transport Networks and Industrial Parks
Northern Vietnam has received generous investments in transport networks, particularly major highways and the Hai Phong port, which is critical for industries requiring high technology and heavy machinery. The industrial parks around Hanoi support electronic, machine, and automotive production, which attracts domestic and foreign investments.
Another challenge facing Northern Vietnam’s manufacturing sector lies in the comparatively high costs of land leases and labor, which are steeper than those in the South. This factor adds significant pressure on businesses aiming to maintain competitive operating costs. Furthermore, the intense competition for skilled talent in high-tech industries — driven by the presence of numerous large corporations — has pushed labor costs higher. For newer companies, this creates additional hurdles in attracting and retaining qualified workers, adding to the region’s growing operational costs.
Southern Vietnam: Efficient Ports and Export Capabilities
Southern Vietnam has a rather well-functioning logistics infrastructure that is very supportive for large exports. The Cat Lai port located in Ho Chi Minh City alone, will cater to a large share of the national export. Hence, the South becomes the ideal business locale for industries needing fast and frequent export. With fast turnaround times that are of prime necessity for the more significant piece goods, such as textiles, footwear, and furniture, productive logistics provide southern manufacturers with the required logistics. Besides increasing industrial parks are rising in the south, becoming attractive centers for new investments, especially for consumer goods companies.
Labor Market Dynamics
Northern Vietnam: Skilled Workforce with Competitive Challenges
The northern labor market is characterized by a highly skilled workforce, particularly in electronics and manufacturing. However, only in instances where the demand for skilled labor comes from high-tech sectors such as those led by Samsung and LG, does a competitive stance invoke high wage levels. Besides, foreign companies setting up operations may often find language barriers and cultural factors challenging. Taking all this into consideration, north Vietnam is advantageous to businesses that need skilled labor support for high-tech production.
Southern Vietnam: Cost-Effective and Adaptable Workforce
In the south, cost-effective and abundant labor benefits labor-intensive industries such as textiles, footwear, and furniture. The workforce in southern Vietnam is flexible in adapting and quick to embrace new trends; hence it is highly advantageous to industries requiring scalability and agility. Business relationships are furthermore achieved quicker and easier since the business culture is less formal. This quality will, in turn, be useful for example for companies growing fast and requiring the flexibility to adjust production quickly.
Both northern and southern Vietnam offer unique characteristics of advantages and disadvantages for manufacturing companies. While northern Vietnam, with its electronics and machinery sector orientation, a skilled labor force, and closeness to China, seems tailor-made for high-tech production, companies should pay attention to expected high costs and competitive employment. Southern Vietnam’s consumer goods sector orientation, coupled with an agile business environment and strong logistics, arguably makes for an attractive setting for labor-intensive and export-oriented industries.
Businesses seeking to enter Vietnam’s manufacturing landscape should assess their needs carefully, aligning them with the strengths of each region to maximize operational success. By understanding the nuances of Northern and Southern Vietnam, companies can make informed choices that lead to efficient, cost-effective production and solid long-term partnerships in this dynamic market.
