Vietnam Insider

World gold prices plummeted, causing SJC gold bars to lose 2 million VND per tael after Donald Trump’s victory.

World gold prices plummeted after Donald Trump was re-elected as US President. At the beginning of November 7, gold prices were trading around $2,662/ounce, down $62 compared to the end of yesterday and down a total of more than $82 after one day. Even in the session of November 6 (closing at dawn on November 7, Vietnam time), gold prices dropped to $2,659/ounce. Equivalently converted, world gold is currently at VND81.7 million/tael (excluding taxes and fees).

In Vietnam, the price of SJC gold bars decreased by VND2 million in buying price and VND1.5 million in selling price. Specifically, Saigon Jewelry Company – SJC bought VND85 million/tael, sold VND87.5 million. Similarly, SJC bought 4-number-9 gold rings for VND84.4 million/tael, sold VND86.2 million, down VND2 million in buying price and down VND1.7 million in selling price. Doji Group bought VND85.1 million, sold VND86.5 million, down VND2.2 million in buying price and down VND1.9 million in selling price…

Gold prices fell to their lowest in more than three weeks as the dollar held firm, Reuters reported. Investors are closely watching the US Federal Reserve’s policy meeting, which ends today. The market is expecting the Fed to announce a 25 basis point interest rate cut after cutting 0.5 basis points in September. If there are signs that another rate cut is likely in December, gold prices could hold steady and even rise, said Zain Vawda, a market analyst at OANDA’s MarketPulse.

(Dan Tri) – After announcing its cooperation with the Trump Organization, Kinh Bac continues to benefit from the plan to disburse 80 million USD from Foxconn. KBC shares and many real estate codes increased sharply this morning.

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport has submitted a proposal to the City People’s Committee regarding ticket prices for the city’s Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien).

Metro Line No. 1 Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien is expected to be put into operation by Ho Chi Minh City at the end of this year. Photo: TL

According to the proposal, for passengers paying with cash, the minimum fare will be 7,000 VND, and the maximum will be 20,000 VND per trip. For non-cash payments, fares for Metro Line 1 will range from 6,000 to 19,000 VND.

A day pass will be priced at 40,000 VND per person, allowing unlimited travel for the day. A three-day pass will cost 90,000 VND per person, also with unlimited travel over the three days.

Monthly passes will be available at two rates: 300,000 VND per month for regular passengers and 150,000 VND per month for students, allowing unlimited rides throughout the month.

Regarding fare exemptions, the Department of Transport is following procedures to advise the City People’s Committee to present a proposal to the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council for a final decision.

Previously, on November 4, the department submitted a draft resolution to the City People’s Committee Office regarding support policies for public transport passengers on buses and metro, as well as funding support for public transport services in the city.

According to the draft, the Ho Chi Minh City budget will cover 100% of ticket costs for certain groups, including people with contributions to the revolution, people with disabilities, seniors (aged 60 and above), and children under six accompanied by an adult .

Additionally, for the first 30 days of Metro Line 1’s commercial operations, the city will subsidize 100% of ticket costs for all passengers on the metro and the 17 bus routes that connect to the metro line.

Construction of the Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien metro line began in late 2012. This is the first line in Ho Chi Minh City’s planned urban railway network. The project has an estimated investment of approximately 43.7 trillion VND, with a total length of about 19.7 km, featuring three underground stations and eleven elevated stations. Metro Line 1 will operate with a total of 17 trains, each capable of carrying 930 passengers, including 147 seated and 783 standing. This metro line is expected to begin commercial operations in early 2025.

@SGtiepthi

Since the official release of the Winter 2024 flight schedule, Vietnamese and international airlines have increased operations to meet passenger demand, particularly during the year-end months, reaching 2,720 flights per week.

Domestic airlines increase flight frequency during peak winter season. Photo: TL

specifically, Vietnamese carriers are operating 1,013 round-trip flights per week, an increase of 152 flights, while international carriers have scheduled 1,707 round-trip flights per week, an increase of 236 flights compared to the summer schedule.

Vietnam Airlines has added 41 weekly round-trip flights, bringing its total to 420 flights per week. Vietjet Air also increased by 110 weekly round-trip flights, now offering 580 flights per week. Meanwhile, international airlines are operating 124 routes, up by three since last summer.

China leads in terms of airlines operating flights to Vietnam, with 13 carriers, followed by South Korea with 10 airlines, while Taiwan and Hong Kong each have 5 airlines.

For domestic routes, Vietjet operates 35 routes with 790 round-trip flights per week. Vietnam Airlines, including Vasco, operates 34 routes with 912 round-trip flights per week.

Bamboo Airways operates 11 routes with 130 round-trip flights per week, Pacific Airlines runs 11 routes with 77 round-trip flights per week, and Vietravel Airlines operates 5 routes with 49 round-trip flights per week.

Noi Bai International Airport operates 897 flights per week with 4 domestic and 44 international airlines, maintaining stable route and frequency levels compared to summer.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport has 4 domestic airlines, 45 international carriers, and 1,031 round-trip flights per week, a 100-flight increase over the summer. Da Nang International Airport sees 3 domestic and 23 foreign airlines operating 8 and 15 international routes, respectively, with a total frequency of 364 flights per week.

In addition to the approved regular schedule, Vietnamese airlines are actively preparing to add flights to accommodate increased travel demand during the New Year and Lunar New Year holidays.

Moreover, the Civil Aviation Authority has adjusted its flight operation plans, including increasing flight numbers and modifying flight schedules. The authority will closely monitor ticket bookings and prices to make timely adjustments, ensuring a balanced supply and demand for air services during the upcoming peak season.

@SGtiepthi

(Dân trí) – As the company with the largest flower production globally, KIFA aims to expand cooperation with Vietnam in research on flower varieties, cultivation, consumption, and wealth creation from flowers. This proposal was shared by Mr. Tào Vinh Căn, Chairman of Kunming International Flower Trade and Auction Center Co., Ltd (KIFA), during his meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chính on November 6, in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China.

With over 20 years of development, KIFA’s auction transaction scale is the largest in Asia and second globally, with the world’s leading flower production. The company currently offers more than 2,000 types of flowers, spanning over 40 varieties, which are auctioned to major cities across China and exported to more than 40 countries and regions worldwide, including Thailand, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong (China), Russia, and Australia.

KIFA has been recognized as one of the top national enterprises in agricultural industrialization and is a model company in applying and innovating supply chains. It is also a national model for agricultural and rural information technology and a key innovation project of the Ministry of Commerce of China.

After two visits to Vietnam, KIFA’s Chairman noted that the country has significant potential to develop a modern flower industry, with a suitable climate. He emphasized that there is substantial space for cooperation between Vietnam and Yunnan and proposed collaboration in flower breeding, cultivation, consumption, and the development of flower trading platforms for international markets, forming a supply chain and ecosystem for the flower and ornamental plant industry.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chính encouraged KIFA to expand investment in high-tech agriculture, especially in the flower and ornamental plant sector. He emphasized that these are fields that Vietnam is encouraging and calling for investment in. “Vietnam has a large demand with a market of 100 million people, and a rapidly growing middle class. As society develops, the demand for flowers rises, and the quality expectations continue to increase,” said the Prime Minister.

He also agreed with KIFA’s proposal to cooperate on flower breeding, zoning for cultivation, production, processing, and business, contributing to the development of the flower market, the establishment of flower trading platforms for both domestic and international export markets, and wealth creation from flowers.

The Prime Minister highlighted that Vietnam, particularly the northern regions, has many advantages for developing the flower and ornamental plant industry, with suitable land and climate for many flower species. He encouraged KIFA to proactively cooperate and propose specific cooperation projects to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and relevant localities, implementing support programs and partnerships with farmers to build mutually beneficial relationships.

Source: Hoai Thu (from Kunming, Yunnan, China) – Dan tri news.

Numerous state-owned properties in central Ho Chi Minh City, including valuable land and houses in prime areas, have been illegally rented out by managing units without public bidding. In addition, some companies renting these properties have accumulated significant arrears, according to the city’s Inspectorate.

This was revealed in the findings of the City Inspectorate regarding the management and use of state-owned houses, land, and assets in District 1 during the period of 2022-2023. Many of these properties are located in high-value areas such as Nguyễn Huệ, Đồng Khởi, and near Bến Thành Market, and have either been left vacant or rented out improperly.

Specifically, the District 1 Public Utility Company was entrusted by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee to manage over 1,680 addresses of state-owned houses and land. Some properties have been sold to the public, while more than 1,400 properties have been handed over to the Center for Housing Management and Construction Appraisal under the Department of Construction.

However, 33 properties were left vacant, including seven locations on Nguyễn Huệ, Lê Lợi, and Bùi Viện Streets that have been unoccupied for over a year. These properties span thousands of square meters and are considered a waste of valuable resources. Over 30 properties have not been managed in accordance with the city’s approved plans.

The Thanh Tra report also found that the District 1 Public Utility Company did not manage the properties effectively, which led to nine properties being rented out to companies with arrears stretching over time. The total arrears for these properties now exceed VND 20 billion. These properties are located on Nguyễn Huệ, Trần Đình Xu, Ký Con, Lê Thánh Tôn, Pasteur, Calmette, Bùi Thị Xuân, Tôn Thất Đạm, and Nguyễn Thái Bình streets.

Moreover, the District 1 Public Utility Company was found to have rented out several properties without conducting public bidding. The rental agreements were not in accordance with the regulations for managing public assets, and pricing did not include necessary costs like management fees and industry profit, thus failing to meet the required transparency and market-based mechanisms.

Furthermore, the contracts lacked penalties for late payments and violations, which impacted the city’s revenue collection.

For properties under the management of District 1, including 186 addresses, the Thanh Tra report concluded that local units had rented out several properties improperly, with funds received from these rentals not being properly recorded.

The report revealed that the District 1 Sports Center had directly managed and rented out 32 locations across four properties on Huyền Trân Công Chúa, Nguyễn Du, and Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm streets, generating over VND 12.5 billion outside of official records. Additionally, the center had rented out five other properties for canteens and parking areas without city approval.

The District 1 Vocational Education and Training Center had rented properties on Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Bùi Thị Xuân, and Nguyễn Đình Chiểu streets without prior approval and without going through bidding processes.

The Bến Thành Market Management Board was also found to have rented out space and infrastructure at the market without following regulations, including not going through the proper bidding process and not having a city-approved asset usage plan. The total income generated from this practice amounted to over VND 1.9 billion.

The violations were attributed to the District 1 People’s Committee, the Director of the District 1 Public Utility Company, the deputy directors in charge, and other relevant individuals and organizations during the period in question. The city’s Inspectorate has called for legal action to recover the owed funds and state assets.

Source: Le Tuyet – Vnexpress.

One of the two pilots involved in the training aircraft crash safely parachuted into a mountainous area and subsequently reported his safety to his unit, prompting rescue operations by the authorities.

* Updates to follow

On the afternoon of November 6, Phan Chí Hùng, Chairman of Tây Sơn District People’s Committee, stated that at approximately 4:30 PM, the authorities received a call from Lieutenant Colonel Nguyễn Hồng Quân, one of the two pilots involved in the crash, reporting that he was safe and uninjured. However, due to weak signals, the mountainous terrain, and heavy rain, accessing the pilot has been challenging.

Military forces and Bình Định provincial leaders are coordinating search efforts from a temporary command post. (Photo: Minh Bằng)
Military forces and Bình Định provincial leaders are coordinating search efforts from a temporary command post. (Photo: Minh Bằng)

Authorities have mobilized hundreds of soldiers to the crash site in Tây Phú Commune, Tây Sơn District, following the pilot’s location signal to reach the crash site, but as of now, they have not yet located the pilot.

Located to the east of Cao Bằng province, west of Yên Bái and Lào Cai, south of Tuyên Quang, and north bordering China, Hà Giang boasts winding, precipitous roads full of challenges. However, these very challenges offer a fantastic experience for those who love to explore. As one drives along these roads, tension gradually gives way to a sense of relaxation, with eyes feasting on the magnificent beauty of the rocky plateau.

Many have commented that the scenery, paired with the melodies of Lana Del Rey, creates an indescribably wonderful ambiance. Indeed, while cameras can capture images, they cannot fully convey the beauty and emotions of this place. The picturesque views cannot completely express the nuances of Hà Giang, which can only be truly felt through one’s eyes and heart.

Hà Giang, with its wild, romantic beauty, leaves anyone who has visited longing to return. The feeling of being perched between mountains and forests, immersing oneself in music and nature, makes people feel like they are living in a dream. For those who have never set foot in Hà Giang, images of foreign tourists relaxing freely amidst the vast nature intensify their desire to experience it at least once in their lifetime.

Indeed, youth needs such journeys. Adventures in the vast spaces of Hà Giang’s mountains and forests not only yield beautiful photographs but also stories and memorable moments in the journey of exploring life. Hà Giang, with its irresistible beauty, will always be a cherished destination for those who have visited and those who still dream of one day exploring this place.

Source: @du.lich.ha.giang

On an early November afternoon, heavy rain caused water to pool on the tarpaulin covering a chè cart on Nguyễn Văn Thủ Street (District 1, Ho Chi Minh City). Mr. Thể stepped out, shook off the water, and then returned to his corner on the sidewalk to continue washing dishes. Fifteen minutes later, after three groups of customers left, he quickly cleaned the cups and arranged the chairs.

He works six hours a day, rain or shine. For four decades, this man has never felt tired because “being able to work is happiness.” His simple chè cart, nestled under two large umbrellas, bears the sign “Dương Quá” as a reflection of his life story.

The nearly 80-year-old man is famous for selling chè in Saigon. It is only after tasting his chè that people understand why he is called “Dương Quá.”

Mr. Thể was born and raised with a healthy body. In 1968, he helped a neighbor by carrying her chè cart. They only had a few simple items like mung beans, black beans, and red beans served with coconut milk.

Four years later, Mr. Thể had an accident and lost one arm. “That was the darkest time; I was sad, afraid I couldn’t do anything and would become a burden to my family,” he recalled. His family consisted only of him and his sister, who always took care of him.

In the beginning, he struggled to move around and couldn’t dress himself. He cautiously took each step around the house and practiced doing everything on his own. Gradually, he could cook, clean, wash dishes, and even ride a bicycle.

When his wound healed, he chose to sell chè for a living. With his sister’s guidance, he sold chè in Phú Nhuận District, then moved to Phạm Ngọc Thạch Street (District 3). Eventually, his chè cart was set up on Nguyễn Văn Thủ Street (Đa Kao Ward, District 1), where it has remained for 40 years.

“Dương Quá” is a nickname given by local residents. Some people passing by saw him working diligently despite having only one arm. He didn’t hesitate to deliver chè on his bicycle, no matter how far, and then quickly returned to stir the chè, bag it, and handle payments.

The image of a one-armed man reminded them of the character Dương Quá from Kim Dung’s novel “The Return of the Condor Heroes.” They called him that so often that Mr. Thể embraced it and named his chè cart “Dương Quá.”

“They often ask me, ‘Where’s your Cô Long?’ I can only smile,” said Mr. Thể. For decades, he has worked tirelessly and has not dared to marry. Every morning, he wakes up early to help his sister cook chè, sets up his cart at noon, and handles countless tasks. He devotes his energy to caring for his nieces, nephews, and elderly sister.

At night, he just wants to rest. Years of such routine have made him reluctant to start a family, as he doesn’t want to bring hardship to anyone. Despite this, Mr. Thể doesn’t feel lonely because he has customers who stop by to chat. Some inquire about his work, some become familiar faces, and some even save his phone number to call when needed.

Around noon, office workers from nearby buildings visit his cart. Each cup of chè costs between 15,000-20,000 VND. He sells about 100 cups daily, enough to cover family expenses.

Mr. Thể’s chè is unique, with a light sweetness and a rich, buttery mung bean flavor. For years, he and his elderly sister have had help from his niece-in-law, Mrs. Nguyễn Thị Nữ (55 years old). She has added new items like water chestnut with coconut rice, combined with various beans, lotus seeds, and grass jelly. Each cup of chè is colorful, topped with rich coconut milk.

The chè cart is popular because “Dương Quá” is always cheerful. He rarely gets upset; when the work gets too tough, he rests in a corner or chats with regular customers.

Đức Tiến (29 years old) is a regular customer. Initially, he was impressed by the one-armed man who was quick and diligent. Occasionally, he stopped by to eat and became “addicted” to the chè.

“He’s very kind, always smiling and never grumpy. Whenever I buy to-go, he asks if my house is far, worried that the coconut milk might spoil or the ice might melt,” Tiến said.

And just like “Dương Quá’s” outlook on life, there’s already enough sadness in the world, so enjoy the happy days while you can.

(ĐS&PL) – On the morning of November 6, in the corridors of the National Assembly, many deputies expressed their views on the incident where a girl was fatally hit by a group of motorcyclists while waiting at a red light in Hanoi.

In recent days, public opinion has once again been stirred after a group of reckless motorcyclists caused an accident at the Trần Hưng Đạo – Bà Triệu intersection (Hoàn Kiếm district, Hanoi), resulting in the death of a girl.

This is a persistent issue in the capital that has not been thoroughly addressed, characterized by reckless behavior, disregard for the law, and lack of respect for others’ lives.

National Assembly Deputy Tạ Văn Hạ, Deputy Head of the National Assembly’s Committee on Culture and Education, told Pháp luật TP.HCM newspaper that this incident highlights the inadequate responsibility of parents in educating their children about legal compliance.

Regarding solutions, Deputy Hạ emphasized the need for strict enforcement of the law, stating that existing regulations must be upheld. He suggested that harsher penalties, such as confiscating vehicles used improperly, are necessary to deter such behavior.

Deputy Hạ also pointed out the importance of holding those who provide vehicles accountable. Additionally, he stressed the need to enhance awareness in schools and improve education on traffic safety laws for students.

“This is well addressed at the primary and secondary school levels. However, it is especially crucial to strengthen legal education on traffic safety for high school students,” said Deputy Hạ.

“Adolescents are not yet fully mature, both mentally and physically, and they are often very energetic and prone to rebellion. Therefore, special attention and preventive measures are required to ensure they do not break the law, through increased supervision, guardianship, and school education,” Deputy Hạ emphasized.

National Assembly Deputy Phạm Khánh Phong Lan (Ho Chi Minh City delegation) expressed her condolences to the victim’s family through Lao động newspaper.

Deputy Phạm Khánh Phong Lan suggested that, in addition to breathalyzer tests to reduce traffic accidents, there should be a special task force to promptly handle and prevent illegal racing.

She also recommended educational measures, such as involving schools and enforcing strict discipline, with severe penalties for those caught in the act, including imprisonment for causing serious consequences. “Strict measures are necessary for effective deterrence,” she emphasized.

Meanwhile, National Assembly Deputy Nguyễn Thị Việt Nga, a member of the National Assembly’s Committee on Culture and Education, pointed out that the increasing number of traffic accidents is placing significant pressure on society.

One major cause of traffic accidents is illegal racing groups, particularly in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This phenomenon is mostly prevalent among young people, some of whom are still in high school.

“The primary responsibility lies with the family. Parents cannot be absolved of responsibility for their adolescent children. Proper and strict management and education by parents and guardians can help reduce this issue,” said Deputy Nga.

Regarding illegal racing, Deputy Nguyễn Thị Việt Nga noted that many measures have been implemented but have not effectively eradicated the problem. Therefore, in addition to preventive measures from authorities and society, the most crucial factor is family management and education of children.

Source: Viet Huong – DS&PL news.