A Vietnamese Island Ranks 2nd Among Asia’s Top 10 Islands

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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.

@Thanhnien.vn

Five Private Jets Bring Billionaires to Da Nang

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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.

@Vietnamnet

Ninh Binh to Host Hot Air Balloon and Culinary Tourism Festival

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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.

@SGtiepthi

Lao Cai to Host Brocade Festival in November

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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.

@SGtiepthi

Official Operation of Ban Gioc – Detian Waterfall Scenic Area

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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.

@SGtiepthi

Here’s What Vietnam Responds to Cambodia’s Withdrawal from Indochina Development Triangle

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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.

Ukraine Faces Critical Moment as Conflict with Russia Intensifies?

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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.

Vietjet Air Urges China to Ease Restrictions on Tours to Central Vietnam

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According to the Quang Nam Provincial People’s Committee, Vietjet Air highlighted that the China National Tourism Administration prohibits agents from organizing or selling tours to Central Vietnam, citing hotel and destination limitations. This has impacted Vietjet’s plans to launch direct flights from China to Chu Lai Airport in Quang Nam.

Despite the airport’s limited infrastructure, Vietjet sees great potential for international flight connections to Quang Nam, home to popular tourist sites like Hoi An and the My Son Sanctuary. The airline believes that easing these restrictions would boost tourism and economic trade between China and Vietnam.

While Central Vietnam’s tourism industry, especially in Da Nang, has seen growth, Chinese tourist numbers remain lower than expected due to current policies.

Coinbase Says Bitcoin Liquidity on Exchange Unfazed After SEC’s Lawsuit Against Cumberland

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Paris-based Kaiko pointed to a notable drop in 2% BTC market depth on Coinbase in a report early this week.

Trading conditions on Coinbase (COIN) remain stable, the Nasdaq-listed cryptocurrency exchange said on Tuesday, downplaying reports of a notable drop in the bitcoin (BTC) order book liquidity amid the U.S. SEC’s lawsuit against market maker Cumberland.

“We have not seen a material change or decline in BTC-USD depth at 2% throughout Oct,” Coinbase’s spokesperson told CoinDesk in an email, responding to a recent report by Paris-based Kaiko, which said liquidity, measured by the 2% market depth, declined on Oct. 10 after the SEC charged Cumberland for operating as an unregistered dealer in more than $2 billion worth of crypto assets traded since March 2018.

In a report published Monday, crypto data analysis firm Kaiko said the 2% BTC depth on Coinbase started declining on Oct. 10 at 18:00 UTC, dropping by 46% to 267 BTC within a few hours. The decline meant an order 46% smaller in size than before 18:00 UTC could have moved the spot price by 2% in either direction.

The 2% market depth represents a collection of buy and sell orders within 2% of the mid-price or average bid and the ask/offer prices. The metric helps gauge liquidity or the market’s ability to process large trading orders at stable prices while minimum slippage – the difference between the expected price and the price at which the order is filled – for the market participant.

Kaiko noted that while the ask-side depth, representing sell orders, dropped, bid depth for buy orders increased, indicating that “market makers had readjusted their positions, possibly anticipating a price decline.”

Other exchanges also witnessed a drop in liquidity, Kaiko added, saying overall liquidity on U.S. exchanges remained below pre-lawsuit levels.

In a mail to CoinDesk, Cumberland expressed reservations with the analysis, drawing attention to their recent public statement, which suggested no changes in its activities due to the SEC’s lawsuit.

“We are not making any changes to our business operations or the assets in which we provide liquidity as a result of this action by the SEC,” the statement said.

Kaiko, in its latest statement to CoinDesk, said the liquidity has since recovered, reiterating that the initial drop in the ask-side liquidity may have been due to shifts in market expectations.

Prudential đồng hành cùng đêm nhạc của Michael Learns To Rock

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Là nhà đồng tài trợ đêm nhạc “Take Us To Your Heart” của nhóm nhạc Michael Learns To Rock  tại Nhà thi đấu Phú Thọ vào 17/11 sắp tới, Prudential Việt Nam mong muốn mang đến cho khách hàng tham gia bảo hiểm qua Kênh Hợp tác Ngân hàng những trải nghiệm đầy cảm xúc khi được hòa mình vào những bản hit lừng danh đã trở thành thanh xuân của nhiều thế hệ khán giả yêu nhạc US-UK. 

Hoạt động đồng hành này nằm trong khuôn khổ chiến dịch khách hàng “Sống lại tiếng yêu đầu”. Chiến dịch nhằm khơi gợi những kỷ niệm đẹp về tình yêu và các mối quan hệ quý giá cần được bảo vệ và nuôi dưỡng bền chặt qua thời gian.

 Được biết, đêm nhạc Michael Learns To Rock – Take Us To Your Heart Asia Tour 2024 đánh dấu lần thứ tư những “ông chú quốc dân” đến từ Đan Mạch quay trở lại Việt Nam, nằm trong hành trình lưu diễn qua 6 quốc gia tại châu Á. Nhóm nhạc huyền thoại hứa hẹn đưa đến đêm nhạc những ca khúc nổi tiếng và cả những bản hit mới đến với các khán giả trung thành. 

Đồng hành cùng sự kiện âm nhạc này, Prudential khẳng định cam kết chăm sóc trải nghiệm khách hàng một cách tốt nhất, thông qua việc hợp tác cùng các Ngân hàng Đối tác, triển khai chương trình khuyến mại tặng vé tham dự sự kiện âm nhạc của Michael Learns To Rock. Theo đó, các khách hàng có hợp đồng hợp lệ do Prudential phát hành thông qua các đối tác ngân hàng theo quy định tại thể lệ chương trình khuyến mại sẽ nhận 1 cặp vé tham dự đêm nhạc. Chi tiết thể lệ chương trình xem tại đây: https://bit.ly/SLTYD. 

Vietjet Pioneers Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Flights in Vietnam

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Petrolimex Aviation supplies the SAF used in these flights. SAF is produced from renewable sources such as used cooking oil, agricultural by-products, wood biomass, and urban waste. Compared to traditional fuels, SAF can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% and meets strict international aviation standards for commercial use.

Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Authority Director, Dinh Viet Thang, praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of sustainable fuel in meeting environmental commitments and reinforcing Vietnam’s position as a responsible member of the global aviation community.

Phạm Văn Thanh, Chairman of Petrolimex, emphasized the long-term strategy of the company to become a green, environmentally friendly energy group by 2045. Vietjet CEO Đinh Việt Phương also reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development.

The first flight using SAF in Vietnam, operated by Vietjet, took off this morning from Tan Son Nhat Airport, Ho Chi Minh City to Melbourne (Australia).

Vietjet is collaborating with international partners to advance SAF research and development as part of Vietnam’s Net Zero commitment by 2050, made at COP26. As production costs decrease, SAF is expected to play a crucial role in the future of commercial aviation.

This move builds on Vietjet’s decade-long efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability, including e-tickets, online check-ins, and fuel-saving programs. The airline is also known for its environmental initiatives, from tree planting to beach cleanups, and remains committed to leading the aviation industry’s green transition.

Taobao mở rộng tầm ảnh hưởng toàn cầu: Bao phủ 10 địa điểm hàng đầu, Việt Nam gia nhập khu vực miễn phí vận chuyển

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Trước thềm sự kiện mua sắm “Double 11”, Taobao tiếp tục đẩy mạnh chiến lược toàn cầu hóa, mở rộng khu vực miễn phí vận chuyển lên 10 trạm. Đáng chú ý, Việt Nam đã chính thức góp mặt trong danh sách này!

“Kế Hoạch Phát Triển Toàn Cầu Taobao Tmall” đang ghi nhận những bước tiến đáng kể. Ngoài việc mở rộng cửa cho các thương hiệu nước ngoài, Taobao còn áp dụng chính sách miễn phí vận chuyển đến nhiều khu vực hơn. Nhật Bản, Thái Lan, Việt Nam và Campuchia là bốn điểm đến mới nhất, nâng tổng số địa điểm được hưởng ưu đãi này từ 6 lên 10.

Hiện nay, Singapore, Malaysia, Thái Lan, Nhật Bản, Hàn Quốc, Việt Nam, Campuchia cùng Hong Kong, Macau và Đài Loan đã trở thành khu vực miễn phí vận chuyển của Taobao. Đặc biệt, khách hàng Việt Nam chỉ cần đặt đơn hàng trị giá từ 99 tệ (khoảng 330.000 đồng) là đã được hưởng ưu đãi miễn phí vận chuyển. Phần lớn các mặt hàng trên Taobao đều nằm trong diện được áp dụng chính sách này.

Nhìn lại hành trình vươn ra thị trường quốc tế của Taobao, ta thấy mọi thứ diễn ra nhanh chóng. Giữa tháng 7 vừa qua, họ khởi động “Kế Hoạch Miễn Phí Vận Chuyển Toàn Cầu Cho Các Sản Phẩm May Mặc Cỡ Lớn”. Đến ngày 2/8, dịch vụ miễn phí vận chuyển quốc tế chính thức ra mắt, bao gồm 6 địa điểm đầu tiên: Singapore, Malaysia, Hàn Quốc, Hong Kong, Macau và Đài Loan.

Ngày 23/9, Taobao quyết định nâng cấp chiến lược, biến “Kế Hoạch Miễn Phí Vận Chuyển Toàn Cầu cho Các Sản Phẩm May Mặc Cỡ Lớn” thành “Kế Hoạch Phát Triển Toàn Cầu Taobao Tmall”. Điều này mở rộng phạm vi sang tất cả các ngành hàng, từ mỹ phẩm, đồ mẹ và bé, thiết bị điện tử, đồ thể thao ngoài trời, nội thất thời trang cho đến các thiết bị gia dụng nhỏ. Tất cả đều được hưởng lợi từ làn sóng vươn ra thị trường quốc tế này.

Chỉ trong vòng 3 tháng, Taobao đã mở rộng khu vực miễn phí vận chuyển toàn cầu lên 10 khu vực, thể hiện tốc độ phát triển quốc tế ấn tượng. Chiến lược nâng cao trải nghiệm cho người tiêu dùng quốc tế hứa hẹn sẽ mang về lượng đơn hàng lớn cho các nhà bán hàng trong dịp “Double 11” sắp tới của Tmall, mở ra cơ hội tăng trưởng mới. Những thương hiệu tiên phong tham gia chương trình miễn phí vận chuyển đã nhanh chóng ghi nhận kết quả tích cực. Điển hình như “Shenlang Plus Size Women’s Clothing” – thương hiệu chuyên về trang phục nữ cỡ lớn, đã đạt doanh số 1 triệu tệ từ thị trường nước ngoài chỉ sau chưa đầy một tháng.

Nhiều nhà bán hàng Taobao trong lĩnh vực đồ chơi thời trang, thiết bị điện tử, nội thất cũng đón nhận nhiều đơn đặt hàng từ khắp nơi trên thế giới. Ví dụ, mảng đồ chơi thời trang có thị trường rộng lớn ở nước ngoài. Các thương hiệu như “dudu Toy” và “iwant Toy” có hơn 50% đơn hàng được gửi ra nước ngoài, doanh số hàng tháng từ thị trường quốc tế đạt hàng triệu tệ. Mảng thiết bị điện tử cũng là một lĩnh vực đầy tiềm năng. Các cửa hàng phụ kiện điện thoại như Shanmo, WOB và Torras cũng ghi nhận doanh số hàng triệu tệ mỗi tháng từ khách hàng quốc tế.

Đồ nội thất cũng là một danh mục được người Hoa ở nước ngoài ưa chuộng trên Taobao. Ví dụ, Luhe – thương hiệu hàng đầu trong lĩnh vực lưu trữ gia đình, có tới 40% đơn hàng hàng tháng đến từ khách quốc tế. Với sự kiện mua sắm “Double 11” của Tmall đang cận kề, hàng chục triệu nhà bán hàng trên Taobao và Tmall đang tích cực chuẩn bị hàng hóa, kỳ vọng sẽ đón nhận làn sóng tăng trưởng mạnh mẽ từ thị trường nước ngoài trong dịp này.

Trong bối cảnh cạnh tranh trong nước ngày càng gay gắt và tốc độ tăng trưởng của các nền tảng mới nổi như thương mại điện tử theo sở thích cũng chậm lại, nhiều thương hiệu đang hướng đến thị trường quốc tế. Các nền tảng thương mại điện tử cũng đang tìm kiếm những hướng đi mới để vươn ra toàn cầu. Khác với mô hình của các nền tảng khác, những ai tham gia “Kế Hoạch Phát Triển Toàn Cầu Taobao Tmall” được toàn quyền định giá sản phẩm của mình và không cần thực hiện thêm bất kỳ thao tác nào. Họ chỉ cần gửi hàng đến các kho container trong nước là xong. Giới chuyên gia nhận định, với mô hình này, các thương hiệu không cần mở thêm cửa hàng hay định hình pallet riêng. Gánh nặng vận hành nay được giảm thiểu và quyền tự chủ theo đó tăng cao hơn. Điều này đặc biệt có lợi cho các doanh nghiệp vừa và nhỏ muốn thương hiệu riêng của mình vươn ra thị trường quốc tế.

Russia Strengthens Export Strategy Towards Asia

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In response to shifting geopolitical landscapes and restructuring global economic relationships, Russia has been actively pursuing new trade opportunities and building stronger partnerships, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.

This strategy was a key focus at the “Made in Russia” International Export Forum held in Moscow on October 14.

In the first nine months of this year, Russia set a new record for meat exports, shipping around 570,000 tons, mainly to Asia and the Middle East. Russian grain exports also saw a 12% increase, with Asian countries accounting for a growing share. The Russian Export Center, which supports businesses exporting to Asia, provided nearly 13,000 services in 2024—surpassing the total number of services provided in 2023.

Veronika Nikishina, CEO of the Russian Export Center, commented, “The shifts in global trade have opened up new markets for Russian producers. Although some countries have taken steps to limit Russia’s foreign trade, our primary export markets continue to be developing and friendly nations. We’ve significantly realigned our focus and have been able to maintain export volumes throughout the first two years of sanctions.”

Russia’s export roadmap through 2030 identifies key markets in the Southern Hemisphere, with China, India, Egypt, and Southeast Asian countries being top priorities. Since 2017, the Russian Export Center has been promoting the “Made in Russia” brand, and today, Russian products are available in over 70 countries.

Ilya Koltygin, the head of the Russian Export Center in Vietnam, noted, “We’re seeing more Russian companies entering the Vietnamese market—not just with consumer goods like food, but also with machinery, pharmaceuticals, and raw materials. By setting up legal entities, establishing production facilities, and obtaining Vietnamese certificates of origin, Russian companies can access other Southeast Asian markets.”

Following the realignment of its export strategy, Russia’s exports to Asia rose from $290 billion to nearly $307 billion in 2023. To further unlock this potential, Russian companies are encouraged to expand beyond traditional trade and invest in innovation, technology, and creative industries.

By the end of 2023, Asia’s share of Russia’s overall exports had surpassed 70%. With Asian economies expected to continue growing, significant opportunities lie ahead for Russian businesses looking to expand their global footprint.

Cambodia Cracks Down on Surrogacy Ring Through Online Recruitment

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These women were discovered through online recruitment and were found by police during a raid at a villa in Kandal Province.

Earlier in October, the women were found to be pregnant and charged under Cambodia’s Anti-Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation Law.

The expectant mothers are currently receiving care at a hospital in the capital, Phnom Penh. After childbirth, the 13 women could face prison terms ranging from 2 to 5 years.

Details surrounding the operation and those involved remain unclear. Authorities have not yet identified who is responsible for recruiting the surrogate mothers.

The Philippine Embassy in Cambodia stated that the women had been questioned in the presence of embassy representatives during the investigation process.

According to Cambodian authorities, the women are not considered victims but rather criminals colluding with organizers of the surrogacy ring to sell babies for profit.

Surrogacy operations have surged in Cambodia after being tightly restricted in countries like Thailand and India. The Cambodian government is now increasing legal measures to curb such criminal activities.

As a result, prospective parents have turned to Cambodia due to lower costs compared to countries like the United States and Australia, where surrogacy services can reach up to $150,000.

However, Cambodia banned commercial surrogacy in 2016, forcing illegal operations underground.

In recent years, Cambodia has been grappling with rising human trafficking cases, including online scams involving foreigners tricked into forced labor.

Bamboo Airways Resumes International Flights After One Year

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Bamboo Airways has officially reestablished its international flight network with the route from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok (Thailand), after pausing for a full year to focus on restructuring.

Starting from November 26, Bamboo Airways will operate regular direct flights connecting Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) with Don Mueang International Airport (Bangkok, Thailand). The route will have a frequency of one round-trip flight per day, with departure times set for 11:15 AM – 12:55 PM (outbound) and 2:00 PM – 3:45 PM (return).

According to Luong Hoai Nam, CEO of Bamboo Airways, this event marks a significant milestone as the airline official resumes its regular international flight network after a year of suspension to focus on restructuring. He stated that this is a strong indication of Bamboo Airways’ positive recovery and a step forward in the right direction according to its planned roadmap.

“With daily flights connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok, two major economic hubs of Vietnam and Thailand, Bamboo Airways hopes to offer a convenient and accessible travel option for passengers from both countries, especially during the peak holiday and Tet season,” added Luong Hoai Nam.

To celebrate the reopening of this route, Bamboo Airways has announced special promotional fares starting from 0 VND per leg (excluding taxes and fees), applicable across all of the airline’s official distribution channels.

Previously, Bamboo Airways had operated regular flights on the Ho Chi Minh City – Bangkok route (starting in April 2022) and the Hanoi – Bangkok route (starting in March 2023).

Additionally, to meet the increased demand for travel during the year-end and 2025 Lunar New Year peak season, Bamboo Airways plans to add two new aircraft by the end of 2024. Based on this expansion, the airline will consider increasing the frequency of its existing routes, while also resuming several domestic routes to Thanh Hoa, Phu Quoc, and other regular international routes, starting with the connection to Thailand.

@Znews

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