On October 18th, customs officers at Noi Bai International Airport, in coordination with Hanoi’s Economic Crime Investigation Police (Unit 6) and the airport’s border police, discovered a male foreign passenger hiding approximately 7 kg of suspected gold while going through customs upon arrival from a flight from Hong Kong.
At around 9:30 AM, during routine customs procedures for passengers arriving at Terminal 2, the customs inspection team noticed suspicious behavior from the passenger. Upon further investigation, officers found seven metal bars hidden on his person—five around his waistband and two inside the soles of his shoes.
The passenger admitted he was hired to transport the gold from Hong Kong to Vietnam and was promised a fee of 100 Hong Kong dollars per bar upon successful delivery. He was instructed that someone would meet him outside Noi Bai Airport to collect the gold.
The case has been handed over to Hanoi’s Economic Crime Investigation Police for further investigation and legal proceedings.
Every woman is the author of her own life story, with unique chapters filled with diverse experiences, emotions, and aspirations. Each chapter reflects her dreams, journeys, and goals.
Some chapters may be painted in vibrant, joyful colors, while others demand patience, perseverance, and strength to overcome obstacles and finish the stories left unfinished.
Regardless of the challenges, women continue to push forward, turning a new page every day, filled with inspiration and hope, spreading positivity along the way.
At Vietnam Insider, we encourage every modern woman to take pride in her journey, crafting meaningful personal stories each day.
On the occasion of Vietnamese Women’s Day, October 20, Vietnam Insider wishes all our female readers happiness and love.
Live your passion to the fullest. Dream boldly and write new, brilliant chapters for your life. If you’d like, let Vietnam Insider help share your story and inspire others. Email us at editor@vietnaminsider.vn.
As a country, with a high growth, trade and manufacturing sector, Vietnam has a strategic location for any entrepreneurs who wish to interface into its world of suppliers. Enhanced productivity for companies seeking products from multiple suppliers, mixed-container consolidation helps rationalize logistics. In mixed-container consolidation, products coming from varied suppliers are consolidated into a single shipping container that helps lower shipping costs and simplifies supply chain management.
Nevertheless, there are challenges that mixed container consolidation has for start-ups new to the Vietnamese market. The article considers the complexity of vendor management, reasons for the sourcing strategy challenges, and the relevance of appointing the right warehouse partner to meet logistical efficiency.
For businesses operating in Vietnam, sourcing from multiple suppliers can present logistical hurdles that need to be addressed to maintain efficient operations. To gain a deeper understanding of how to overcome these challenges, check out the video:
Key Challenges Faced by Businesses in Vietnam
For businesses operating in Vietnam, sourcing from multiple suppliers can present logistical hurdles that need to be addressed to maintain efficient operations.
Diverse Supplier Standards Leading to Logistical Complexities: Dealing with multiple suppliers further complicates matters for businesses through varying standards of packaging and/or labeling. Each supplier may have different practices regarding the packing of their goods. This can lead to difficulties in consolidation. Packaging that fails to meet the size requirement, uses the wrong materials, or does not use appropriate techniques can lead to problems: goods may need repacking or change in appearance, leading, for example, to delays in delivery.
Documentation Discrepancies Causing Customs Delays and Complications: Document inconsistencies or inaccuracies are common challenges associated with sourcing from multiple providers. Indeed, any differences among the invoices, certificates of origin, and/or product descriptions could result in longer clearance delays associated with customs. These documentation-related issues could impose costly stoppages, resulting in growing shipping times and occasional rejections of shipments.
The Necessity for a Unified Strategy to Manage Multiple Suppliers Effectively: With no uniform strategy to handle the multi-supplier approach, it may become difficult for businesses to attain coherence across delivery schedules, harmonize packaging, or optimize documentation. When lacking an organized approach, the consolidation process can quickly devolve into chaos, leading to unnecessary delays, higher costs, and compromised efficiency.
To overcome the logistical challenges associated with mixed-container consolidation, businesses must adopt targeted solutions that streamline operations.
Utilizing Temporary Warehousing as a Strategic Solution: This is a more viable solution for companies when consolidation is required for goods arriving from multiple suppliers. Temporary warehousing provides a centralized location for cargo where it can be consolidated so that all goods in shipment will arrive concurrently
Benefits of Consolidation Services Offered by Local Warehouses: Many Vietnamese warehouses offer consolidation services in which they receive, store, and prepare shipments for export. Those consolidation services also include inspection, re-packaging, and quality control to guarantee the fulfillment of export standards. With the application of this consolidation, companies enjoy reduced shipping costs while avoiding logistical bottlenecks.
Importance of Inspection and Repackaging to Meet Export Standards: The inspection services offered by warehouses serve to guarantee the complete compliance of products with export regulations. In most cases, they also provide some sort of packaging service that offers the company the opportunity to present its goods in a standard format, eliminating the possibility of customs problems. This makes sure that exported items are well labeled and packed in accordance with international shipping regulations, thus reducing the risk of delays or outright rejection.
Choosing the right warehouse partner can ensure that your logistics operations are smooth, especially with multiple suppliers involved.
Accessibility to Major Transportation Networks and Ports: One of the most critical factors to consider while selecting a warehouse is its location. Located close to big ports, highways, or airports, a warehouse can almost cut down on unnecessary time and cost of transportation. In Vietnam, in particular, access to critical transportation hubs allows goods to be moved easily and shipped without unplanned delays.
Sufficient Space for Accommodating Diverse Shipments: The warehouse should be able to accommodate a mixture of containers from multiple suppliers when needed by a business that is involved in mixed-container consolidation. A warehouse should hold a large enough area to handle different shipments, organize goods efficiently, and prepare them for export without resulting in a bottleneck.
Cost-Effectiveness and Inclusion of Additional Services: Cost varies for warehousing charges and is therefore critical to pick just the warehouse that caters to more services at a reasonable price. Search for warehouses that will offer additional services, such as packaging, labeling, and logistics assistance at a competitive price. These value-added services ease the bottlenecking process when consolidating shipments and save time and cost.
Required Infrastructure for Efficient Operations: Supply chain solutions must include modern infrastructure. Make sure the warehouse has reliable power supply, internet connections, and security measures that are state-of-the-art. A well-equipped warehouse is able to accelerate shipments while maximizing accuracy; this means that goods will get shipped in time.
Availability of Logistics Support Services Tailored to Local Needs:Local know-how is very important to getting things done in the Vietnamese logistics environment. Warehouses providing tailored logistical support-customs clearance assistance, local transportation coordination support, compliance with local regulations, etc., help in streamlining business processes. These services can reduce delays, lower costs, and ensure that shipments meet all local and international regulations.
Consolidation of mixed containers is a challenge and an opportunity for the businesses operating in Vietnam. Understanding the complications due to multiple suppliers and temporary warehousing solutions helps companies in reducing their logistics operations’ costs. Equally important is the selection of an appropriate warehouse partner, as it guarantees that the consolidation will be efficient, timely, and compliant with any shipping requirement.
Logistical challenges are the key for businesses entering the Vietnamese market in order to gain a competitive edge. A professional warehousing service, coupled with a well-managed logistics plan, is the avenue leading toward operational efficiency and, therefore, long-term success.
A court in Vietnam on Thursday sentenced prominent real estate tycoon Truong My Lan to life imprisonment on financial fraud charges. This follows her earlier death sentence handed down in April in a separate case.
Lan, chairwoman of Van Thinh Phat Holdings Group, was convicted of charges including fraud, money laundering, and illegal cross-border transfers, according to reports from the state-run Tuoi Tre newspaper.
She is one of the prominent figures ensnared in Vietnam’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign, commonly known as the “Blazing Furnace.” Lan’s companies were accused of illegally raising more than 30 trillion dong ($1.2 billion) through bond issuances, according to a police report issued prior to the trial.
Authorities also charged Lan with illegally transferring $4.5 billion in and out of Vietnam and laundering 445 trillion dong ($18.1 billion).
While the court noted that Lan admitted to several offenses, she denied involvement in directing the illegal bond issuances, Tuoi Tre reported.
In April, Lan received a death sentence after being found guilty of embezzlement, bribery, and banking violations in connection with a financial fraud case involving 304 trillion dong, Vietnam’s largest on record. Her arrest in 2022 triggered a deposit run on Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank (SCB), one of the country’s largest private banks, which was heavily connected to Lan’s business dealings.
Documents seen by media revealed that by April, the central bank had injected $24 billion into SCB as part of a massive rescue effort.
Germany’s international broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) recently published an article highlighting the key factors behind Vietnam’s robust economic growth. According to the World Bank, Vietnam’s GDP is projected to grow by 6.1% by the end of 2024, and by 6.5% in 2025. Both forecasts mark an upward revision from earlier predictions in April, with the boost in growth linked to a resurgence in manufacturing exports, tourism, and investment.
The report also noted that Vietnam is likely to outpace other emerging economies such as Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines in 2025. Foreign direct investment (FDI) was cited as a major driver of this growth, as Vietnam, like many of its Southeast Asian neighbors, relies heavily on FDI to fuel its economy.
According to the ASEAN Investment Report 2024, Vietnam, along with Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines, attracted an average of 236 billion USD in FDI annually between 2021 and 2023. The article emphasized that Southeast Asia is increasingly becoming a preferred destination for foreign investment from the US, Japan, and the EU, as companies seek to diversify supply chains amidst global geopolitical tensions.
Vietnam, in particular, has benefited from the “China-plus-one” strategy, with its geographical proximity and cultural similarities making it an attractive alternative for firms looking to reduce reliance on China. Dr. Bich Tran, an adjunct fellow at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, noted that Vietnam is one of the top choices under this policy.
The US has become Vietnam’s second-largest trading partner and its largest export market. The two countries elevated their diplomatic relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2023, further enhancing economic cooperation. This stronger bilateral relationship has spurred significant investments, particularly from US companies. The article pointed out that US tech giant Apple has invested over 15 billion USD in Vietnam over the past five years, making the country a crucial manufacturing hub for the company.
Vietnam’s attractiveness as an investment destination is further bolstered by its low labor costs and youthful population, with 58% of its nearly 100 million people under the age of 35. These factors, according to the article, make Vietnam a compelling option for foreign investors seeking growth opportunities.
Vietnam has received its largest group of U.S. Peace Corps volunteers since the program was established, with 20 volunteers arriving this month to support English education in Vietnamese high schools.
This milestone comes as part of the 2020 Implementing Agreement between the governments of the United States and Vietnam, with the Peace Corps and the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) as the key agencies.
Starting in December 2024, the volunteers will be stationed at high schools in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, working alongside local teachers to help Vietnamese students improve their English skills. The initiative aims to provide students with greater access to educational and employment opportunities. Some volunteers will also co-teach at schools where current volunteers are completing their service.
“This is the largest group of Peace Corps volunteer trainees arriving to serve in Vietnam,” said Mikel Herrington, Peace Corps Vietnam Country Director. “It heralds continued goodwill as Peace Corps builds relationships and trust with our partners.” He also noted that the arrival of this group marks a significant milestone, as the two nations prepare to celebrate the first five years of the Implementing Agreement in 2025.
Upon arrival, the volunteers began a 10-week training program, which includes Vietnamese language lessons, Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) training, and a practicum with local teachers. The training is designed to equip the volunteers with the skills needed to adapt to Vietnam’s educational system. Those who successfully complete the program will be officially sworn in December 2024.
The arrival of this new group brings the total number of currently serving Peace Corps volunteers in Vietnam to 36. Their presence highlights the commitment of both nations to deepening people-to-people ties and strengthening bilateral relations, as the two countries look ahead to the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025.
The Peace Corps is an independent U.S. government agency that provides volunteers to support the development priorities of host nations. Since its founding by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, more than 240,000 Americans have served as volunteers in over 142 countries. Vietnam became the 143rd country to partner with the Peace Corps. The agency’s mission is to promote world peace and friendship by fostering mutual understanding between Americans and the peoples they serve.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has signed loans totaling 102.2 billion yen for Vietnam in the 2023 fiscal year, marking the highest amount of official development assistance (ODA) since 2017. This excludes private sector investment funding. The announcement was made by Sugano Yuichi, Chief Representative of JICA Vietnam, at a press conference on October 17, 2024.
2023 is a significant year, as it marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Vietnam. The two countries have elevated their relationship to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World.” JICA’s financial and technical assistance has played a pivotal role in fostering Vietnam’s economic growth and development.
Largest Loan and Technical Assistance in Recent Years
In the Japanese fiscal year from April 2023 to March 2024, JICA signed loans amounting to 102.2 billion yen (approximately $678 million), representing the highest ODA level in the last six years. Technical cooperation reached 5.2 billion yen ($35 million), the largest JICA has committed worldwide this fiscal year. Additionally, non-refundable aid to Vietnam amounted to 1.1 billion yen ($7.5 million).
“JICA’s projects have significantly supported Vietnam’s post-pandemic economic recovery, focusing on infrastructure development and human resource training, laying the groundwork for medium- and long-term growth,” said Sugano.
Japan’s Continuing Interest in Vietnam
Japanese businesses and people continue to view Vietnam as a stable and sustainable growth market. JICA currently manages 45 Japanese Overseas Cooperation Volunteers in Vietnam and supports 36 investment projects by Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises. Vietnam also leads in grassroots technical cooperation projects, with 24 initiatives under JICA’s Development Partnership Program. Furthermore, Vietnam is the second-largest recipient of JICA’s “Private Sector Investment Finance” with nine active projects.
Key Pillars of JICA’s Work in Vietnam
JICA’s efforts in Vietnam focus on three pillars: high-quality growth, support for vulnerable groups, and human resource development.
High-Quality Growth
JICA’s loan-funded Binh Hung wastewater treatment plant in Ho Chi Minh City, the largest in Vietnam at the time of its inauguration in August, addresses severe water pollution. The agency is also constructing the Yen Xa wastewater treatment plant in Hanoi, another significant project expected to improve urban living conditions.
Additionally, Ho Chi Minh City’s much-anticipated Metro Line 1 has begun trial runs. Once operational, this urban railway is expected to ease traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions, benefiting both residents and the environment.
Support for Vulnerable Groups
In response to storm No. 3, which caused extensive damage in northern Vietnam, JICA dispatched a senior disaster risk management expert to assist the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. JICA also supported rural communities with the completion of the Northern Nghe An Irrigation System in March, which expanded the irrigated area and improved agricultural livelihoods.
In the health sector, JICA is preparing a new technical cooperation project to strengthen Vietnam’s prevention of viral hepatitis. It is also providing non-refundable aid to upgrade medical equipment at K Hospital to help meet the rising demand for cancer treatment.
Human Resource Development
2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam-Japan University. A commemorative event was held in October to celebrate the partnership, which symbolizes the deep collaboration between the two nations in education and human resource development.
JICA’s multifaceted support for Vietnam continues to contribute to the country’s infrastructure, healthcare, and educational growth, strengthening its long-term development trajectory.
In the Asia category, four Vietnamese resorts have made the 2024 list of the world’s best resorts, according to the American travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler.
Vietnam has 4 representatives in the top 2024 best resorts in Asia voted by Condé Nast Traveler. Photo: I.D.S.P.R.
On October 1, Condé Nast Traveler released its ranking of the world’s best resorts for 2024. Four Vietnamese resorts were named on this prestigious list.
specifically, in the Asia category, four resorts in Vietnam made the top 15. With a score of 96.88/100, Anantara Quy Nhon Villas ranked fourth, surpassing several renowned five-star resorts across Asia, such as Suján Sher Bagh (Ranthambhore, India ) in fifth place and The Datai Langkawi (Malaysia) in sixth place.
Opened in December 2018, Anantara Quy Nhon Villas is one of the most beautiful five-star beachfront resorts in Vietnam, located at Bai Dai, Ghenh Rang, Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh province.
The resort features 25 villas, with prices ranging from VND 10 million to 45 million per night, making it an ideal destination for luxury vacations and cultural exploration.
Anantara Quy Nhon Villas is the highest-ranked resort in Vietnam on Condé Nast Traveler’s list of “The best resorts in the World 2024”. Photo: A.Q.N.V.
Additionally, three other Vietnamese resorts also made the list: Zannier Hotels Bai San Ho ranked 8th with a score of 95.25/100, Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island ranked 14th with a score of 90.88/100, and InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort ranked 15th with a score of 87.57/100.
Located in Hoa Thanh, Song Cau, Phu Yen, on a 98-hectare estate, Zannier Hotels Bai San Ho is a first-class resort that opened in December 2020. With 73 standalone villas and room rates starting at VND 10 million per night, it offers guests a luxurious experience with attentive service.
Meanwhile, Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island, located in Cua Lap Hamlet, Duong To Commune, Phu Quoc City, Kien Giang province, features 121 luxurious rooms, suites, and villas designed in a contemporary style, with prices starting from VND 5 million per night .
InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, where billionaire Bill Gates stayed during his trip to Vietnam in March, also made the list. Photo: I.D.S.P.R.
The InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort has been operating since June 2012. Spanning 39 hectares on the Son Tra Peninsula (Da Nang), it includes 201 rooms nestled within a tropical forest, with prices ranging from VND 10 million to 130 million per night.
The inclusion of these Vietnamese resorts in the “The Best Resorts in the World 2024” list not only highlights their excellent service but also celebrates Vietnam’s breathtaking natural landscapes and rich culinary culture.
This recognition reflects the strong investment in infrastructure and sustainable development, raising Vietnam’s profile in global tourism and attracting more visitors to explore and experience its offerings.
Topping this year’s list is Ceylon Tea Trails in Sri Lanka with a score of 98.02. In the top 15 resorts in Asia, India had five entries, while Vietnam had four.
The prestigious 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards by CNTraveler magazine, voted by readers, has just announced the top 10 best islands in the world, with a representative from Vietnam making the list.
The beauty of Sao Beach on Phu Quoc Island
This year, in addition to Vietnam being honored in the 15th spot among the 20 best countries to travel to, Phu Quoc has been listed among the “Best Islands in the World.” This marks the third consecutive year that Phu Quoc has made this list, scoring 95.36 points, a significant increase from last year’s score of 88.89. The score is based on global readers’ satisfaction with various criteria, including service quality, scenery, beaches, cuisine, and hospitality.
With this score, Phu Quoc has jumped from 8th place last year to 2nd in the top 10 best islands in Asia, just behind Bali (Indonesia). Following Phu Quoc are other famous tourist islands such as Koh Samui and Phuket (Thailand), Langkawi and Penang (Malaysia), among others.
This marks the 37th year of the awards, which are among the most prestigious in global travel, with rigorous voting criteria.
Phu Quoc has garnered international media praise not only for its stunning natural beauty, with powdery white sand beaches and crystal-clear emerald waters, but also for its convenient visa policies (granting visa-free entry for all international visitors for up to 30 days) , advanced tourism infrastructure, and a wide variety of world-class entertainment programs.
Nightly fireworks show in Sunset Town
Famous names in the hospitality industry have already established themselves in Phu Quoc, including JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort, La Festa Phu Quoc – Curio Collection by Hilton, New World Phu Quoc Resort, and Premier Village Phu Quoc. Exciting entertainment programs include “Kiss of the Sea,” a fusion of eight different performance arts, and the soon-to-be-released “Symphony of the Sea,” which combines jetski and flyboard performances with traditional Vietnamese elements such as drums and flags . Additionally, nightly fireworks displays add to the island’s appeal as a year-round destination filled with a festive atmosphere 365 days a year.
Five private jets have flown 50 clients, all billionaires from around the world, to Da Nang for a conference hosted by the luxury aircraft brand Gulfstream, along with tours of local tourist destinations.
On October 15, Da Nang International Airport welcomed five of the world’s most luxurious and expensive Gulfstream jets.
The five aircraft arriving in Da Nang included the G600, G500, G650ER, and two G700 jets, which were recently launched by Gulfstream this year.
Private jets parked at Da Nang International Terminal. Photo: Hien Nguyen
According to reports, these five private jets carried 50 clients, including billionaires from various countries, as well as Gulfstream’s operational partners, who gathered in Da Nang for the brand’s annual customer conference.
The three-day conference saw Gulfstream’s clients staying at a five-star resort on the Son Tra Peninsula. During their visit, they are set to explore famous tourist spots such as Ba Na Hills and Hoi An Ancient Town.
A Gulfstream representative stated that Vietnam was chosen as the destination for this year’s annual conference due to its beautiful landscapes and convenient location, making it ideal for inviting and welcoming potential clients from around the world.
Interior of the G700 aircraft. Photo: Contributor
This marks Gulfstream’s second visit to Vietnam with its fleet of private jets for the ultra-wealthy, following the Air Show at Van Don Airport in 2022.
Gulfstream is considered as a leader in the world of luxury aviation. Numerous celebrities, including Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi, own Gulfstream aircraft. The brand is famous for its unmatched flight speeds, safety, efficiency, and luxurious, comfortable interior designs.
The Ninh Binh Culinary Tourism Festival, themed “Essence of Ancient Capital Cuisine,” will take place from October 18 to 29, 2024. At the same time, the Trang An – Cuc Phuong Hot Air Balloon Festival will be held from October 26 to 29, 2024, under the theme “Magnificent Ancient Capital.”
Ninh Binh ant egg sticky rice dish. Photo: Ninh Binh Tourism Promotion Center
According to the Government’s Electronic Newspaper, the Ninh Binh Culinary Tourism Festival will be held from October 18 to 29, 2024, with the opening ceremony scheduled for 7:00 PM on October 18 at the Ninh Binh Dinosaur Park in Ninh Binh city. The event will feature the participation of eight districts and cities within the province, along with 100 booths from businesses inside and outside the region, competing and promoting their offerings.
Key activities during the festival include the Regional Cuisine Exhibition, a Culinary Tourism Competition on October 24 featuring traditional feasts and dish preparation contests, and a seminar on developing Ninh Binh’s culinary tourism culture on October 22.
At the opening ceremony, there will also be a live culinary demonstration by the Vietnam Chef Association, the Vietnam Culinary Culture Association, and the Royal Chefs Association of Vietnam, cooking a massive crab soup pot to serve 999 portions as a tribute to visitors. The event will be free for residents and tourists.
Illustration photo: Ninh Binh Tourism Promotion Center
In addition, the Trang An – Cuc Phuong Hot Air Balloon Festival will run from October 26 to 29, 2024. The event will feature 35 hot air balloons and paragliders (13 hot air balloons and 22 paragliders) operated by international pilots and Hanoi City Paragliding Club.
The opening ceremony will take place at 7:30 AM on October 26 at Trang An Cultural Park. Visitors can experience both tethered and free-flying hot air balloons from 7:00 to 9:00 AM and from 4:30 to 9:00 PM.
For photography and check-in with the displayed balloons, activities will be organized daily from 7:30 to 9:30 AM and from 3:30 PM onwards. The festival will also feature 120 booths displaying regional specialties from across the country, gift stalls for tourists, and tourism promotion booths from various provinces.
Lao Cai province is planning to organize the “Lao Cai Brocade – Colors of Culture” Festival from November 8 to November 10, 2024, in Sa Pa town.
Traditional weaving at Cat Cat tourist area. Photo: Lao Cai Provincial Department of Tourism
According to the Lao Cai electronic newspaper, the festival will feature brocade demonstrations and introduce brocade products. The opening ceremony of the “Lao Cai Brocade – Colors of Culture” Festival will include an artistic program under the theme “Sa Pa Brocade in the Land of Clouds.”
At the grounds of the Provincial Information and Tourism Promotion Center, the festival will showcase the unique brocade culture of the Hmong, Dao, Tay, Giay, and Xa Pho ethnic groups. It will also promote tourism by introducing traditional villages, community-based tourism, and handicraft tourism in the province.
Additionally, the event will display ethnic costumes, fabrics, and brocade patterns. Artisans will demonstrate the traditional brocade production process of various ethnic groups. There will also be exhibitions of brocade products designed for tourists.
During the festival, various units, localities, brocade cooperatives, and businesses will have the opportunity to network, exchange experiences, and collaborate in preserving and utilizing brocade to support socio-economic and tourism development. Furthermore, this event aims to create a lasting impression to attract tourists and promote Lao Cai’s vibrant brocade culture, boosting tourism after the impact of Typhoon No. 3.
After a year of trial implementation, the Ban Gioc (Vietnam) – Detian (China) Waterfall Scenic Area officially commenced full operation on October 15.
After a year of pilot implementation, the Ban Gioc waterfall landscape area (Vietnam) – Duc Thien (China) officially operated from October 15. Photo: Canva
According to the Government’s Electronic Newspaper, the Ban Gioc (Vietnam) – Detian (China) Waterfall Scenic Area is a cross-border cooperation between the two countries, based on the Agreement on Cooperation in the Protection and Exploitation of Tourism Resources at the Ban Gioc – Detian Waterfall. Both sides had launched a pilot project to operate the scenic area starting from September 15, 2023.
Information from the Tourism Information Center, under the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, revealed that the total number of tourists crossing the border to visit the scenic area from September 15, 2023, to October 11, 2024, reached 16,092 people. Among them, 5,190 visitors were from Vietnam crossing into the Chinese side of the scenic area, while 10,902 visitors came from China to the Vietnamese side.
The operation of tourist exchanges between the two scenic areas was coordinated by travel agencies from both sides, adhering to the legal regulations and agreements agreed upon by both countries. Infrastructure within the scenic area has been developed by both sides, with Vietnam having completed the agreed-upon enclosed fencing.
According to the plan, the opening hours for tourist border crossings are from 8:00 AM Hanoi time (9:00 AM Beijing time), with the last tours crossing the border before 2:00 PM Hanoi time (3:00 PM Beijing time). The border crossing will close at 5:00 PM Hanoi time (6:00 PM Beijing time).
Tourists crossing the border are not allowed to remain illegally, and the duration of each cross-border tour is not to exceed 6 hours. At this time, third-country nationals are not permitted to use the scenic area crossing to enter the other side.
Vietnam will continue working with Laos and Cambodia to enhance extensive, substantive, and effective cooperation in line with new development needs, ensuring the benefits of all three countries’ peoples.
At a regular press conference on October 17, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang addressed Cambodia’s recent decision to withdraw from the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam (CLV) Development Triangle.
Ms. Hang emphasized the deep-rooted, friendly, and trusting relationships among Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, noting that these ties are a valuable asset for the three nations. She explained that various cooperation mechanisms exist between them, including the CLV Development Triangle, each contributing to both their relations and individual development.
“The CLV mechanism has played a significant role in fostering traditional ties, advancing economic and trade cooperation, and improving the quality of life in border areas over the past 25 years,” said Ms. Hang.
She affirmed that Vietnam will continue consulting with Laos and Cambodia to strengthen cooperation that addresses evolving development challenges and supports regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
The CLV Development Triangle was initiated by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen at the first trilateral summit in 1999, and its activities have been focused on the border regions of the three countries. Cambodia officially announced its decision to exit the mechanism in late September 2024.
The British military has reportedly expressed serious concerns over Ukraine’s ability to sustain its defense against Russia, suggesting that Kiev is on the verge of losing the war, according to an October 15 report by the Daily Express.
While Britain has been a key supporter of Ukraine, providing arms and backing its firm stance against Russia, private military assessments paint a bleak picture. A senior British military officer told the Daily Express, “Ukraine is on the brink of losing its war with Russia. The situation is very serious.”
One major issue is Ukraine’s reliance on Western weaponry. Kiev has requested permission to use UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles for long-range strikes on Russian territory, a proposal that aligns with President Zelensky’s push to lift restrictions on Western arms use.
Zelensky has repeatedly criticized Western allies for not fully meeting Ukraine’s military needs and for delays in delivering aid. According to EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, Ukraine’s war effort could have collapsed within 15 days without Western support.
In late September, Ukraine acknowledged its near-total dependence on foreign military aid to continue the fight. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned of the dangers of pursuing victory against a nuclear-armed Russia, accusing the West of using Ukraine to strategically weaken Moscow.
US Reinforces Support Amid Eastern Escalation
On October 16, US President Joe Biden announced a new $425 million military aid package for Ukraine. This package includes crucial supplies such as ammunition for NASAMS and Stinger air defense systems, HIMARS artillery systems, and artillery shells.
The White House reaffirmed its commitment to coordinating with around 50 allies and partners to ensure Ukraine’s military needs are met. In a phone call with President Zelensky, Biden pledged ongoing security assistance to help Ukraine defend itself.
Zelensky expressed his gratitude, highlighting the vital role of President Biden’s leadership and the bipartisan support in the US.
