Ngo Xuan Nam, Deputy Director of the Notification Office and National Inquiry Point for Sanitation, Epidemiology, and Animal and Plant Quarantine in Vietnam (SPS Vietnam), has noted that on average, the office updates about 100 draft or effective notices monthly regarding food safety and animal and plant disease safety measures from WTO members. However, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of notifications drafting such measures recently, indicating a growing emphasis on stringent food safety protocols globally.
To prevent the potential suspension of dragon fruit imports, SPS Vietnam leaders recommend that businesses must stay updated on and adhere to the EU’s food safety regulations. This includes a thorough understanding of and compliance with regulations on microbial control, and maximum residue levels of pesticides, antibiotics, and food additives. Proper compliance is crucial to ensure the safety and quality of the exported fruit and to maintain market access.
Mr. Nam emphasized the importance of exporters and businesses seeking detailed guidance from competent authorities or the Vietnam SPS Office. By doing so, they can ensure they meet the specific food safety requirements for each product, thereby minimizing the risk of their shipments being rejected or flagged by EU inspectors.
While the increased inspection frequency poses a significant challenge, it also underscores the need for Vietnamese exporters to rigorously follow food safety regulations to sustain their market presence in the EU. This proactive approach is essential for preventing potential disruptions in trade and ensuring the continued export of Vietnamese dragon fruits to this important market.
Quang Binh, known for its natural tourist and entertainment spots, is preparing for the peak summer tourist season. To enhance its appeal, key attractions in the region are taking steps to draw more visitors.
According to the Quang Binh Department of Tourism, Phong Nha – Ke Bang welcomed over 29,000 tourists during the recent holidays from April 30 to May 1, marking a 5% increase compared to the same period last year. However, tourist numbers have significantly declined since then.
In response, the tourism center has implemented various ticket price reductions to offer tourists more affordable options this summer.
Starting May 13, ticket prices for the Chay River – Dark Cave tourist site will be reduced from 270,000 VND to 250,000 VND per person. Additionally, a new river entertainment service priced at 150,000 VND per person has been introduced, which includes services at Chay River but excludes the 400-meter Zipline.
For the Nuoc Mooc stream tourist destination, the center will maintain the service ticket price at Ghenh Mooc at 100,000 VND per person. The price at Ghenh Chum will be reduced from 100,000 VND to 80,000 VND per person.
A combo ticket for guests using services at both rapids will be available for 220,000 VND per guest. Children under 1.3 meters tall will receive free admission.
Bahrain-based crypto exchange Rain fell victim to a $14.8 million exploit, according to blockchain sleuth ZachXBT.
The stolen funds have been divided up into wallets containing 137.9 BTC and 1,881 ETH, both of which have been inactive since the exploit occurred on April 29.
“It appears the crypto exchange Rain was likely exploited for $14.8M on April 29, 2024 after their BTC, ETH, SOL, and XRP wallets saw suspicious outflows. Funds were quickly transferred to instant exchanges and swapped for BTC and ETH,” ZachXBT wrote on Telegram.
The exchange’s “pro” version, which is an advanced trading platform, has been intermittently down since May 5, according to Rain’s website.
Rain obtained a license to operate a virtual asset brokerage and custody service in the United Arab Emirates in 2023.
Crypto investors lost $2 billion to hacks and exploits across the crypto industry last year. An additional $333 million was stolen in the first quarter of this year.
Airfare remains high during the peak summer months from July to September, with no cheap tickets available even when booked 2-3 months in advance.
Peak summer ticket prices show no signs of “cooling down”. Photo: Department of Aviation.
Due to the increasing trend in airfare prices during the first four months of the year, many people have already planned to purchase tickets for their summer travels. However, despite booking in advance, airfare prices during the peak summer period from July to September remain high and are predicted to continue rising.
Ms. Ngoc Anh (from Thu Duc District, Ho Chi Minh City) estimated that her family of four would spend around 15-20 million Vietnamese dong on airfare, whether traveling back to their hometown or for leisure trips during the summer.
“In previous years, I could find cheap tickets and only spent about 10 million dong for the whole family. This year, despite carefully checking ticket prices early on, I couldn’t find any cheap tickets. Therefore, I have to consider alternative modes of transportation because I can’t afford the airfare,” added Ms. Ngoc Anh.
Specifically, during the survey period from July 1st to 5th, the cheapest fare for the Ho Chi Minh City – Hanoi route was 3.5 million dong round trip with Vietjet. Flying with Vietravel Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and Vietnam Airlines would cost passengers 4-5 million dong. These prices continue to remain high for the next two months of the summer season.
For the Ho Chi Minh City – Vinh route, prices range from 3.2-4 million dong with Vietjet, Vietnam Airlines, and Bamboo Airways. However, traveling to Thanh Hoa costs slightly higher, ranging from 3.2-4.2 million dong with fewer flights available from Vietjet and Vietnam Airlines.
The Ho Chi Minh City – Da Nang route has the cheapest fare at 2.3 million dong round trip with Vietravel Airlines, followed by Vietjet at 2.5 million dong. Bamboo Airways and Vietnam Airlines offer fares ranging from 2.7-3.5 million dong.
Round-trip fares from Ho Chi Minh City to tourist cities like Quy Nhon/Nha Trang/Phu Quoc/Con Dao continue to show no signs of cooling down.
For instance, the Ho Chi Minh City – Quy Nhon route is priced at 2.4-2.7 million dong round trip for all airlines. Traveling to Nha Trang, the cheapest fare is 1.8 million dong with Vietjet, while other airlines offer fares ranging from 2.3-2.6 million dong.
The Ho Chi Minh City – Phu Quoc route has the cheapest fare at 2.1 million dong with Vietravel Airlines, while Vietjet’s fare ranges from 2.3-2.5 million dong. Only Vietnam Airlines operates flights to Con Dao, with fares at 3.2 million dong.
Passengers flying to Nha Trang from Hanoi will pay prices ranging from 3.3-3.9 million dong. The Hanoi – Phu Quoc route is priced at 3.1-3.3 million dong with Vietjet, while Vietnam Airlines offers fares ranging from 4.9-5.5 million dong.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority, the increase in airfare prices is part of a global trend influenced by factors such as rising fuel prices, exchange rate differentials, the recall of Pratt & Whitney engines, increasing aircraft leasing costs, and the supply-demand situation in air transportation.
Management agencies believe that this supply-demand imbalance will continue during the peak summer period of 2024. This also puts a certain pressure on domestic flight ticket prices, especially flights to tourist and resort destinations.
According to research and assessment by the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), airfare prices worldwide are expected to continue rising in the near future.
Alongside Seoul (South Korea), Tokyo (Japan)… Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) is one of the longest-staying tourist destinations in the Asian region, according to Agoda.
International visitors in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Dat Thanh
The digital travel platform Agoda (with a global network of 4.2 million hotels and resorts worldwide) has recently announced standout destinations in Asia for slow travel, characterized by long, leisurely trips. Leading this list is Khao Lak, Thailand – a place where tourists linger the longest.
Following that, notable destinations attracting long-term stays include Seoul (South Korea), Perhentian Island (Malaysia), Tokyo (Japan), Siargao Island (Philippines), Pekanbaru (Indonesia), Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), and Ahmedabad (India).
Particularly, among 8 markets in the Asian region, Ho Chi Minh City ranks 7th based on Agoda’s booking data for the first 3 months of 2024.
In Vietnam, apart from Ho Chi Minh City being the place where tourists stay the longest on average, Bac Ninh and Phu Quoc Island respectively rank 2nd and 3rd. Conversely, for international travel, Vietnamese tourists spend more time exploring Manila (Philippines) to enjoy the experiences of slow travel.
Ho Chi Minh City is renowned for its bustling streets. However, if visitors immerse themselves in the local lifestyle, they will feel that Ho Chi Minh City also has its tranquil moments. Agoda suggests that travelers can start their day with a traditional iced coffee, stroll around the city to discover street food, and then find a peaceful corner in green spaces like Tao Dan Park.
The high-speed ferry route from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao will commence its first voyage, scheduled to begin on May 13th.
Photo: Phu Quoc Express
Tickets for the ferry are now officially available for purchase on the website, ranging in price from 615,000 VND to 1.1 million VND per trip. The investor of this high-speed ferry route has also collaborated with the Ho Chi Minh City Public Passenger Transport Center to devise a plan to connect with the Hiep Phuoc port, ensuring convenient travel for passengers.
The ferry will operate one trip per day, departing at 8 a.m. from the Saigon – Hiep Phuoc port, covering a distance of 230km in a 5-hour journey each way. Passengers can either directly go to the port or arrive at the Bach Dang pier in District 1 to take the connecting high-speed ferry to the port.
The Ho Chi Minh City – Con Dao high-speed ferry route plays a role in promoting domestic waterway transportation development, meeting the travel demand of residents as Con Dao prepares to implement a project to upgrade its airport.
The company has also secured registrations in India and Dubai.
Liminal, a Singapore-headquartered provider of custody services, won regulatory approval in Abu Dhabi as its expansion outside its home base takes another step forward, its representatives told CoinDesk in an interview Monday.
The firm’s First Answer Middle East subsidiary received the Financial Services Permission (FSP) from the Abu Dhabi Global Market’s (ADGM) Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) on Thursday, allowing it to provide custody in the region. It was granted in-principal approval last year.
In the past few weeks, Liminal has seen a series of regulatory positives in the Asian Pacific (APAC) and Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Late last month, its Dubai entity, First Answer Custody FZE, secured initial approval from the emirate’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA). Liminal’s Indian subsidy, First Answer India Technologies, is also registered as a reporting entity.
“We initiated a strategic drive two years ago to secure regulatory licenses in key markets across APAC and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa), strategically positioning ourselves to cater to institutional clients,” said Manan Vora, senior vice president of strategy and business operations. “Our strategic vision is to expand from our present technology presence in Europe and Taiwan to pushing for regulatory victories there. In Indonesia, we are already working as a technology provider for the nation’s sovereign digital asset exchange.”
Last week, an official of India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) told CoinDesk that Liminal’s unit in the country had been registered as a reporting entity. That makes it the first digital asset custodian registered with the FIU, company representatives said. In November, the nation’s premier investigating police agency, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), appointed Liminal to manage seized digital assets.
Liminal has also been active at home. When Singapore introduced new licensing requirements for custody solutions providers in April, Liminal was already providing custody solutions and was thus grandfathered into the new guidelines. That arrangement lasts for six months. Liminal has notified the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) that it has begun the process of applying for a license.
According to the Vietnamese Ambassador to Poland, Ha Hoang Hai, the shopping center housed approximately 1,400 stores, with around one-third owned by Vietnamese entrepreneurs.
Although no casualties were reported, the fire consumed almost all the properties within the shopping center. The blaze, which started early in the morning, spread rapidly due to the abundance of goods, including garments, and dry weather conditions.
In response to the emergency, the Vietnamese Embassy in Poland swiftly dispatched a working group to the scene and collaborated with the Vietnamese Association in Poland to assess the situation and initiate citizen protection efforts.
The embassy established a hotline for citizen protection to gather information from overseas Vietnamese, offering assistance in liaising with local authorities, shopping center management, firefighting teams, and insurance agencies to mitigate the fire’s impact.
Furthermore, the embassy pledged full support in reissuing documents for those who lost them in the fire and received directives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to continue collaborating with local authorities to safeguard the rights and interests of affected individuals.
Tran Tuan Anh, Chairman of the Vietnamese Association in Poland, revealed that the entire shopping center in Poland’s capital, Warsaw, suffered severe damage. The association is actively working alongside the embassy to provide information, extend encouragement, visit affected stall owners, and mobilize donations for initial relief efforts.
Phu Quoc Express Joint Stock Company has announced the launch of a new fixed passenger transport route from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao (Ba Ria – Vung Tau) and vice versa, utilizing the state-of-the-art Thang Long supership. Ticket prices are flexible, varying from 615,000 VND to 1.1 million VND per trip, depending on factors such as passenger category, ticket class, and departure time. To ensure passenger convenience, the company will arrange shuttle buses departing from September 23 Park, from 5:00 a.m. until 5:20 p.m., to Saigon – Hiep Phuoc port (Nha Be district).
The current schedule offers three trips per week (every other day) from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao, departing at 7:00 a.m. from Saigon – Hiep Phuoc port to Con Dao, with return trips from Con Dao to Ho Chi Minh City at 1:00 p.m. from Ben Dam port. The estimated travel time is just over 4 hours. Tickets are now available for purchase at all agents and box offices within the company’s system, as well as online through the website https://online.phuquocexpress.com.
The Thang Long supership can accommodate up to 1,017 passengers and is equipped with modern facilities, ensuring the highest safety standards in the world. With speeds of up to 35 knots per hour, this vessel offers swift travel times, covering the distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao in just over 4 hours and from Vung Tau in just over 3 hours under favorable weather conditions.
The fashion industry, with its rapid trend cycles and emphasis on low cost, is a major contributor to global pollution. It accounts for approximately 10% of worldwide carbon emissions and heavily impacts water resources. However, a greener revolution is underway, and Vietnam is emerging as a key player in the arena of sustainable textiles.
The Environmental Toll of “Fast Fashion”
The relentless pursuit of low-cost, ever-changing trends in the fashion industry, often termed “fast fashion,” comes at a steep environmental price.
Explore the innovative world of one of the latest trade show about “Sustainable Textiles in Vietnam”, a groundbreaking trade show dedicated to the latest trends in sustainable fabrics, where we’ll dive into the fascinating realm of banana and pineapple fiber clothing, as well as other eco-friendly materials like recycled textiles and organic cotton.
Let’s delve into some of the most critical ways this model of production damages our planet:
Water Pollution and Depletion: Hazardous chemicals, including heavy metals, dyes, and bleaches, are often released directly into rivers and streams, contaminating vital freshwater sources. Moreover, traditional cotton production is incredibly water-intensive. It takes a staggering 2,700 liters of water to produce enough cotton for a single t-shirt – enough to quench one person’s thirst for two and a half years. This excessive water consumption puts a major strain on water resources, especially in areas already facing water scarcity.
Energy Consumption and Carbon Emissions: This heavy reliance on fossil fuels contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, fueling the climate crisis. The fashion industry as a whole is estimated to be responsible for up to 10% of global carbon emissions – a figure surpassing the combined emissions from all international flights and maritime shipping.
Synthetic Fibers and Microplastics: Synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and acrylic are derived from petrochemicals and don’t readily biodegrade. Every time we wash clothes made from these synthetic fabrics, they release tiny microfibers that flow into wastewater. These microplastics ultimately reach our oceans, polluting marine ecosystems and entering the food chain.
The true cost of fast fashion extends far beyond the price tag. It’s paid for by polluted waterways, depleted resources, and the acceleration of climate change. Understanding these environmental consequences is crucial for making informed choices about the clothes we buy and the brands we support.
Innovative Textile Pioneers
Several Vietnamese companies are at the forefront of the sustainable textile movement, demonstrating incredible resourcefulness and creativity. Let’s highlight a few key players:
Greenyarn: This innovative company turns waste into wearable fashion with their unique yarns. Their signature creation combines recycled coffee grounds with plastic bottles, reducing landfill waste and offering a remarkably soft and functional fabric.
Faslink: A champion of natural fibers, Faslink focuses on materials like linen and hemp. These textiles require minimal water and pesticides compared to conventional cotton, making them an excellent choice from an ecological standpoint.
Well Fabric: This company draws inspiration from the national flower of Vietnam, the lotus. They’ve developed an exquisite, silk-like fabric derived from lotus stems, demonstrating the potential of harnessing traditional resources for high-end sustainable fashion.
The Future Looks Bright
Vietnam’s sustainable textile industry has tremendous potential to reshape how fashion is created and consumed:
As major international brands prioritize ethical and environmentally responsible sourcing, Vietnam is poised to become a key supplier of eco-friendly textiles. This shift can bring significant investment and job creation to the country.
Investments in sustainable textile technologies and practices in Vietnam can have ripple effects across the global fashion industry. Vietnam can act as a model for how to reduce pollution, preserve resources, and promote closed-loop production systems.
Government policies, such as incentives for sustainable textile companies and regulations to curb pollution, can further accelerate this green transformation. Proactive policy will position Vietnam as a true leader, not just a follower, in the world of sustainable fashion.
Vietnam’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its dynamic textile industry. Its mix of resources, skilled workforce, and drive for innovation establishes a solid foundation for a greener fashion future. This transition holds promise for both environmental progress and new economic opportunities. Conscious consumers looking to make a positive impact should keep a keen eye on the “Made in Vietnam” label – it’s increasingly becoming synonymous with a more thoughtful and responsible approach to fashion.
The announcement comes as the yen, one of the top five global reserve currencies, bears the brunt of Japan’s fiscal imprudence.
Tokyo-listed Metaplanet has adopted bitcoin (BTC) as a strategic reserve asset as a hedge against Japan’s debt burden and the resulting volatility in the yen.
“Metaplanet has adopted bitcoin as its strategic reserve asset. The move is a direct response to sustained economic pressures in Japan, notably high government debt levels, prolonged periods of negative real interest rates, and the consequently weak yen,” the company said in the press release on Monday.
Since April, Metaplanet has acquired 117.7 BTC ($7.19 million), following the strategy pursued by U.S.-listed MicroStrategy (MSTR), which has acquired several billion dollars worth of bitcoin, per Bitcointreasuries.net. Metaplanet, an early-stage investment firm, has moved away from any involvement in Web3 and is now only focused on bitcoin alongside exposure to commercial real estate.
The move stands out because it comes at a time when Japan’s fiscal crisis is said to be playing out in the currency market. Crypto propounders have long hailed bitcoin as a hedge against fiscal and monetary imprudence.
The ratio between Japan’s gross debt and gross domestic product (GDP) currently exceeds 254%, the highest in the advanced world, according to data tracked by the International Monetary Fund. The U.S. debt-to-GDP ratio has exceeded 123%.
The relatively higher debt has kept the Bank of Japan (BOJ) from raising interest rates in lockstep with the Federal Reserve (Fed) and other major central banks. Higher interest rates raise the cost of servicing debt, further complicating the fiscal issues.
While the Fed has lifted rates above 5% since early 2022, the benchmark borrowing cost in Japan remains near zero. As such, the yen, one of the top five global reserve currencies, has depreciated sharply. Interest rate differentials heavily impact fiat currency exchange rates.
Data from the charting platform TradingView show that the Japanese yen has depreciated by 50% against the U.S. dollar since early 2021. The yen recently slipped past 155 per U.S. dollar, reaching a 34-year low. The sell-off reportedly saw BOJ sell dollars to put a floor under the yen in a classic currency market intervention.
“As the yen continues to weaken, Bitcoin offers a non-sovereign store of value that has, and may continue, to appreciate against traditional fiat currencies,” Metaplanet said, adding that BOJ’s strategy of keeping rates low while intervening in the FX markets represents an “unsustainable monetary paradox.”
The company plans to hold bitcoin for the long term to ensure minimally realized taxable gains and to acquire more bitcoin by issuing long-dated yen liabilities when the opportunity arises.
In branding and packaging, the most minor aspect could have the largest effect. Something as small as a sticker can elevate a product’s perceived value and desirability. And when that sticker boasts an eye-catching metallic foil finish, the message of quality and luxury is heard. The radiant metallic sheen is very attractive, giving the product an absolute premium value appeal.
However, the advantages go far beyond just aesthetic appeal. Many functional benefits are associated with foil stickers. This is why they find high applications in brand stickers, product stickers, enhanced packaging, and many more.
This article will explore the key benefits of incorporating foil stickers into your product packaging and branding strategy.
1. Eye-Catching Visual Appeal
Perhaps the most apparent benefit of foil stickers is their stunning visual appeal. The brilliant metallic sheen of custom gold foil stickers instantly grabs attention and conveys a sense of luxury and quality. This eye-catching appeal makes foil stickers an excellent choice for products that need to stand out on crowded retail shelves or online marketplaces.
Moreover, the characteristic of foil is also identified as reflective, meaning that it makes the designs and logos dynamic from multiple dimensions. In addition, from the quality dimension, it provides depth and interest to the packaging for the consumers; these are more visually dynamic.
Also, foil stickers usually have a metallic finish that creates an impression of sophistication and elegance, raising the product’s value in the customers’ eyes. In a way, it does seem to justify the use of foil stickers with high-end or luxury goods, for whom packaging represents one of the major tools of brand identity and positioning.
One of the most compelling benefits of foil stickers is their exceptional durability. Unlike traditional paper or vinyl stickers that can tear, fade, or peel over time, metallic foil labels are designed to withstand the rigors of shipping, handling, and everyday use.
The foil material is highly resistant to moisture, sunlight, and other environmental factors that can degrade standard stickers. This makes foil labels ideal for products exposed to the elements or subjected to frequent handling. Beverages, cosmetics, outdoor gear, and other products that require durable labeling can benefit greatly from the longevity of foil stickers.
Additionally, the adhesive used on foil labels is often higher than that found on regular stickers, ensuring a strong, long-lasting bond to the surface. This reduces the risk of peeling, lifting, or falling off, even in demanding conditions.
3. Versatile Applications
Another key advantage of foil stickers is their versatility. These metallic labels can be applied to various surfaces and materials, making them suitable for virtually any product or packaging application.
The pressure adhesive on these foil stickers is such that they stick very well to smooth or even slightly uneven surfaces, e.g., glass, plastic, metal, and wood. This flexible feature of the foil sticker makes it possible to use across different packaging looks and product designs.
The foil stickers are in various shapes and sizes, from small circle labels to larger rectangular or oval designs, making them very flexible. With this, the brands can easily determine the right size and shape of labels to give their packaging.
A brand’s identity and perception of value are crucial to success and attracting customers.
Metallic foil stickers communicate premium, luxurious flair, and value perception to the product. Most consumers associate metallic finishes with quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. Foil stickers on the product packaging can give consumers the impression that this is a rare piece and contribute to the high quality of the product, which might change the buying decision of consumers.
Besides, foil stickers can be an excellent tool for brand recognition. The shiny nature and eye-catching metallic foil help the customer easily recognize the brand from the goods piled up in a store or any online platform.
5. Customization and Branding Opportunities
The biggest advantage that comes along with custom foil stickers is that they can be made according to almost every branding requirement. Foil stickers can even be designed with your company logo, branded colors, and unique design details, contrary to pre-printed stock labels.
The level of customization goes to an extent such that the customer will really put his flair into the product and, therefore, leave a lot of personal or branding presence. The possibilities in design are endless, from intricate patterns and textures to metallic accents or gradients.
Despite their premium appearance, foil stickers can be a cost-effective way to elevate your packaging and branding. Compared to other costly packaging materials, custom metallic foil stickers give the expensive look of a luxurious, high-end appeal.
You can also order these stickers in bulk, making the foil sticker even cheaper and, thus, quite affordable for all businesses. As your business develops and you diversify your product range, you will, therefore, benefit from economies of scale that will allow you to make increasing order quantities of foil labels at a reducing unit cost.
Not to mention, the foil stickers are durable and remain permanent, reducing the period one spends replacing the labels every now and then, therefore saving in the long run.
Final Thought
In branding and packaging, foil stickers offer a powerful combination of visual appeal, durability, and versatility. Incorporating these radiant metallic labels into your strategy can elevate your brand’s perceived value, reinforce brand recognition, and leave a lasting impression on consumers. Embrace the benefits of foil stickers and watch your products shine.
Compared to 2023, the current domestic airline fleet has 199 aircraft, of which only 165 to 170 are in operation, a decrease of about 40 to 45 aircraft.
As of early May 2024, the aircraft fleet of Vietnamese airlines will decrease by about 40 – 45 aircraft compared to 2023. Illustration photo: TL
According to the Civil Aviation Authority, as of May 8, 2024, the total number of aircraft operated by domestic airlines is 199, with the number of aircraft in operation ranging from 165 to 170, a decrease of about 40 to 45 compared to 2023, according to TTXVN.
The main reason for the decrease in the number of aircraft operated by domestic airlines is attributed to the engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney (PW) recalling PW1100 engines for in-depth inspection and repair to address production flaws.
In Vietnam, these engines are used on A321NEO aircraft operated by Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, causing some aircraft to be grounded in 2024 – 2025. The grounding period started in January 2024 and could last from 140 to 160 days, even up to 365 days.
To address the aircraft shortage and meet market demand, the Civil Aviation Authority has requested airlines to supplement the deficient aircraft, review procedures to reduce aircraft turnaround time from 45 to 35 minutes, increase night flying time, and introduce wide-body aircraft into operation.
For over 10 years, the Red Flamboyant Festival in Hai Phong has become the city’s cultural highlight event every May.
This year, the festival holds even greater significance as it coincides with the recognition of Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
Under the theme “Hai Phong – Illuminating the Heritage Land”, this year’s Red Flamboyant Festival is inspired by the “Moonlight – Lighthouse – Sunlight” motif. It’s also the first year the event is held at the performance space of the Hai Phong Center for Political and Administrative Affairs.
Mr. Le Khac Nam – Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong People’s Committee, stated: “We have chosen the theme Hai Phong – Illuminating the Heritage Land. Especially with a square capable of accommodating 10,000 people, this year’s festival can adequately meet the demands of visitors attending the Red Flamboyant Festival.”
This year, a new stage has been invested in on a large scale. The overall stage is composed of curved LED screens inspired by the image of blooming flamboyant flowers, creating an infinite sensation.
Ms. Tran Thi Hoang Mai – Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Hai Phong City, said: “The endless inspiration about a city named after a very special flower is the emotion that the creative team has dedicated to this year’s festival. And through the festival, these cultural heritage products will be known to the people and international friends.”
The highlight of the 2024 Red Flamboyant Festival in Hai Phong is the artistic program featuring the participation of many famous artists from domestic and international, low-altitude and high-altitude fireworks displays, along with other meaningful cultural activities will be broadcast live on VTV1 channel at 20:10 on Saturday, May 11th.
Binh Thuan province has collaborated with media units to implement a survey program on tour routes, new tourism products, and a tourism promotion campaign on Phu Quy Island.
In late April 2024, the Binh Thuan Tourism Promotion Information Center, in collaboration with media units, began implementing a survey program on tour routes, new tourism products, and a tourism promotion campaign in Phu Quy district.
During this time, the team conducted surveys at tourist attractions on Phu Quy Island such as Ganh Hang, Sovereignty Milestone, Phuot Slope, Thay’s Tomb, Linh Son Pagoda, Lach Du, sunset viewing point at Trieu Duong Bay, and Ngu Phụng Embankment… From these attractions, the Binh Thuan Tourism Promotion Information Center will develop tours suitable for various needs of tourists, especially those who enjoy experiencing and exploring nature. In addition to surveying to develop new tourism tours, Binh Thuan aims to develop eco-tourism, closely linked with a campaign to protect the marine and island environment.
Mr. Ngo Tan Luc, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Phu Quy Island district, stated that Phu Quy is currently collaborating with various units to develop more attractive tourism products to attract tourists. Especially, developing tourism products with an environmental protection orientation is also a goal that Phu Quy is aiming for.
Trieu Duong Bay
Located 56 nautical miles east-southeast of Phan Thiet city, Phu Quy Island district is known to have great economic potential, especially in the tourism sector. In recent years, tourism in Phu Quy has seen significant development, especially since the island has had 24/7 electricity supply, opening up a new era for Phu Quy. In 2023, there were over 165,000 tourists visiting Phu Quy Island; in the first three months of 2024, the island welcomed nearly 24,000 tourists, an increase of 14,000 compared to the same period in 2023.
Phu Quy is endowed with not only abundant natural resources but also scenic landscapes such as Forbidden Mountain, High Sand Mountain, Hon Tranh Island, and surrounding smaller islands… With its picturesque beaches, coral reefs, clusters of black rocks, and bizarrely shaped, spectacular headlands amidst countless waves. The cool, fresh climate here all year round is an attractive factor for domestic and international tourists alike.
