Two Vietnamese airlines among the top 25 best airlines in the world

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AirlineRatings.com, the global airline rating organization, has just announced the list of the best airlines in the world for 2024. Among them, two Vietnamese airlines made it into the top 25.

AirlineRatings.com evaluates airlines by combining government and safety audits with 12 key factors, including fleet age, passenger reviews, profitability, safety ratings, product ratings, innovation, and forward fleet orders.

At the top of the 2024 ranking is Qatar Airways, which was named Airline of the Year for its outstanding service and innovation. This victory allowed Qatar Airways to surpass Air New Zealand, which topped the list in 2023.

The global aviation market is expected to explode this year

This year’s top 5 includes: Korean Air, Cathay Pacific Airways, Air New Zealand, and Emirates.

Vietnam’s national carrier, Vietnam Airlines, nearly made it to the top 10, ranking 11th, just after Air France, All Nippon Airways, Etihad Airways, Qantas, Virgin Australia, and above notable names like Singapore Airlines, EVA Air, United Airlines, American Airlines…

In addition to the overall ranking of global airlines, AirlineRatings.com also awards airlines in various categories. This year, Qatar Airways was honored as the best business class for the fifth consecutive year, as well as the best catering.

Other notable winners for 2024 include Air New Zealand (best economy class), Singapore Airlines (best first class), Virgin Australia (best cabin crew), Emirates (best in-flight entertainment, best premium economy), Qantas (best lounges), and Etihad Airways (best environmental airline).

AirlineRatings.com also ranks the best low-cost airlines by region, and the winners are Southwest (for the Americas), Fly Dubai (Middle East), AirAsia Group (Asia), Jetstar Group (Australia/Pacific), and easyJet (Europe).

Vietnamese airline Vietjet won two awards for best low-cost airline and best low-cost airline for onboard hospitality (recognizing the value of onboard service).

The top 25 best low-cost airlines in the world include: AirAsia Group, Air Baltic, Air Canada Rouge, Cebu Pacific, easyJet, Eurowings, FlyDubai, FlyNAS, GOL, Jetblue, Jet2, Jetstar Group, Jeju Air, Norwegian, Peach, Ryanair, Scoot, Spicejet, Suncountry, Southwest, Transavia, Vietjet, Volotea, Vueling, WizzAir.

@Thanhnien.vn

Vietnamese tourists to Thailand double Thai visitors to Vietnam

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Thailand is seeking to attract more Vietnamese tourists, even though the number of Vietnamese visitors is already double that of Thai visitors to Vietnam.

Tour operators on the resort island of Phuket, in southern Thailand, are hopeful to welcome more Vietnamese tourists following a recent promotional campaign in the country’s two largest cities.

Specifically, travel companies aim to welcome at least 120,000 Vietnamese tourists this year, a 50% increase from 80,000 last year, following destination promotion events held in Ho Chi Minh City on May 21 and in Hanoi two days later, said Thanet Tantipiriyakit, Chairman of the Phuket Tourism Association, as reported by the Bangkok Post.

Vietnamese tourists coming to Thailand are increasingly crowded

According to data from the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports, around 290,000 Vietnamese tourists visited Thailand from January to April this year, a decrease of 5.4% compared to the same period last year.

Nevertheless, this figure is still much higher than the number of Thai tourists visiting Vietnam in the past four months. Specifically, in the first four months of 2024, there were 164,000 Thai visitors to Vietnam, an 18% decrease compared to the same period in 2023.

Thailand recorded approximately 1 million Vietnamese tourists last year, but only 8% chose Phuket as one of their destinations. He added that operators hope to see at least 12% of the total Vietnamese tourists visiting Phuket, thanks to direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City.

This figure of 1 million tourists is more than double the number of Thai tourists visiting Vietnam. According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Vietnam attracted about 489,000 Thai tourists last year.

Vietnamese travel companies cite several reasons for the increasing number of Vietnamese tourists to Thailand, such as diverse flight routes, cheap airfare, many constantly updated entertainment venues, subsidized tour programs resulting in low package prices, and especially frequent promotional programs organized to attract tourists directly in the Vietnamese market.

@Thanhnien.vn

Decline in international tourists visiting Vietnam in May

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In May, Vietnam welcomed nearly 1.4 million international visitors, a 10% decrease compared to April. Besides the end of the peak season, high airfares were also a factor causing the decline in visitor numbers.

The open visa policy has attracted tourists to Vietnam. Photo: Linh Huynh.

According to data recently released by the General Statistics Office (National Tourism Administration) on the morning of May 29, in the first five months of the year, Vietnam’s tourism sector received approximately 7.6 million international visitors, an increase of nearly 65% compared to the same period last year, and nearly 4% higher than the same period in 2019.

Thanks to an open visa policy and tourism promotion programs implemented nationwide, the number of visitors was significantly higher compared to the same period last year and saw an increase compared to the same period in 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic occurred.

In May alone, the number of international visitors to Vietnam reached 1.4 million, down 10% from April but up more than 50% compared to the same period in 2023. Most international visitors arrived in Vietnam by air, totaling over 6.3 million, accounting for about 83.7% of the total visitors to Vietnam in the first five months of the year.

Tourists prioritize using means of transport such as trains, ships, and buses when exploring Vietnam. Photo: Linh Huynh.

The high cost of air tickets to Vietnam is also one of the reasons why the number of tourists from the European and American markets is not as high as in previous years. Lemar, a Russian tourist, said that traveling in Vietnam is very inexpensive. “Most of our budget is spent on airfare, the rest doesn’t require much consideration,” he said.

The peak season for international visitors in Vietnam is from October to the end of April, so the 10% decrease in international visitors in May compared to the previous month is normal.

In the first five months of the year, South Korea continued to be the largest source market for visitors to Vietnam with 1.9 million arrivals, followed by China with 1.2 million arrivals. May saw a positive recovery in the Chinese market with 357,000 arrivals (surpassing South Korea’s 351,000 arrivals), bringing optimistic signals with rapidly increasing visitor numbers.

Statistics also show that the number of visitors arriving in Vietnam by land in the first five months of the year reached nearly 1.1 million, accounting for 14.2%, and by sea reached 162,400 visitors, accounting for 2.1%, a 3.2 times increase compared to the same period last year.

@Znews

BBC promotes Vietnam tourism

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The image of Vietnam as a destination will appear in two episodes of The Travel Show on BBC TV.

Nguyen Trung Khanh, Director General of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, on May 28, had a meeting and worked with Mr. John Williams, Vice President of Southeast Asia – Global Media and Online Company BBC Studios (a subsidiary of the BBC Media Group), regarding the proposed plan to produce The Travel Show Special Vietnam to promote Vietnam tourism on the BBC.

According to Mr. John Williams, The Travel Show on BBC TV is attracting a large audience worldwide.

Director Nguyen Trung Khanh presented souvenirs to BBC leaders

The Travel Show will take viewers on an adventure of exploration and experience with real-life characters, creating memories together. Notably, the participants in the BBC program have diverse experiences and backgrounds, affirming the BBC’s criterion that travel is for everyone, thereby conveying a positive message and inspiring travel, exploration of people, and culture.

The proposed project by the BBC is named The Travel Show Special Vietnam, comprising two episodes, each 23 minutes long, scheduled to air in October 2024. The goal of The Travel Show Special Vietnam is to promote the beautiful and attractive destinations, friendly people, long-standing history, and rich cultural identity of Vietnam. Mr. John Williams believes this is a great opportunity for the BBC and the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism to collaborate in promoting and spreading the image of Vietnam tourism worldwide.

Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh highly appreciated the idea of BBC TV and affirmed his readiness to support the film crew in carrying out this special project, assigning focal points from the units under the Administration to coordinate during the implementation process.

Previously, Vietnam tourism has promoted destinations on various BBC channels multiple times.

@Thanhnien.vn

Chinese visitors to Vietnam increases dramatically

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In May, the number of international visitors to Vietnam reached nearly 1.4 million, an increase of 51% compared to the same period last year, even during the low season. Notably, for the first time in five years, China regained the top spot in terms of the number of visitors to Vietnam.

According to the General Statistics Office, in the first five months of 2024, Vietnam welcomed nearly 7.6 million international visitors, an increase of nearly 65% compared to the same period last year and an increase of 3.9% compared to the same period in 2019, the year before the Covid-19 pandemic.

At that time, Vietnam only received nearly 1.33 million visitors in May, and for the first five months of 2019, it was approximately 7.3 million visitors.

Among these, for the first time, China regained the leading position in the Vietnamese tourism market in May, with nearly 357,200 visitors, an increase of 143% compared to the same period last year. The total number of Chinese visitors in the first five months of this year reached 1.6 million, an increase of more than 300% compared to the same period last year.

However, overall for the five months, the number of Chinese visitors to Vietnam was still lower than that of South Korean visitors, with 1.95 million. In May, Vietnam welcomed over 351,000 South Korean visitors.

The total number of Korean visitors to Vietnam in the first 5 months of this year is still higher than Chinese visitors. Photo: Hoang Ha

Vietnam also saw a significant increase in international visitors from Taiwan (China) with nearly 111,000 visitors, up 90%; the US with more than 48,600 visitors, up 10.7%; Cambodia with 41,200 visitors, up 30%; and India with over 38,300 visitors, up 31%, among others.

Some distant markets like Europe also saw significant increases, with Italy up nearly 52%, Spain up 34.4%, France up 30%, the Netherlands and Switzerland up 25%, and Australia up 23.4%.

The Russian market began to recover, with more than 16,000 visitors to Vietnam in May, an increase of more than 80% compared to the same period last year. Although the number of Polish visitors was still small, just over 2,240, it recorded an impressive increase of over 300%.

The strong increase in international visitors to Vietnam during the low season (the peak inbound season is from September of the previous year to April of the following year) is attributed to favorable visa policies and strengthened tourism promotion programs in 2024, which have initially shown results.

According to the General Statistics Office, this has led to revenue from accommodation and food services nationwide in the first five months of 2024 being estimated at 296.3 trillion VND, an increase of 15.1% compared to the same period last year.

Some localities saw significant increases, such as Khanh Hoa up 26.4%; Quang Ninh up 23.5%; Da Nang up 22.2%; Hai Phong up 14.9%; Hanoi up 12.4%; and Can Tho up 11.5%.

Revenue from travel services in the first five months of the year is also estimated at 24.2 trillion VND, an increase of 45.1% compared to the same period last year. Among these, Da Nang increased by 52%; Ho Chi Minh City by 46%; Hanoi by 44.6%; and Quang Ninh by 18%.

@Vietnamnet

Top Benefits of Using a San Diego Car Service to San Diego Airport

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Imagine waking up and fe­eling relaxed. You’re­ all set for your big trip! You don’t need to worry about ge­tting to the airport. You’ve hired a San Die­go car service. Every de­tail is taken care of. No stress, no rushing. Just a smooth ride­ from your home to the terminal. This is what happe­ns when you use a professional car se­rvice. Let’s look at the top re­asons to book one for your next trip.

Unbeatable­ Convenience: Door-to-Door Se­rvice

Have you eve­r struggled with heavy bags while looking for airport parking? Those­ days are over with car se­rvice to san diego airport. A professional driver picks you up at your door. The­y drop you off right at your terminal. No need to worry about parking traffic or carrying bags across huge­ parking lots. This is helpful when you’re­ in a hurry or traveling with family.

Easy Booking

San Diego car service­s make booking simple. With user-frie­ndly online sites, you can rese­rve your ride quickly. Pick your vehicle­ to note any special reque­sts and get instant confirmation. The hassle-fre­e approach lets you focus on other parts of your trip. Your transportation is all se­t.

Superior Comfort and Luxury: Travel in Style

Why se­ttle for an ordinary ride? San Diego car se­rvices offer a flee­t of luxurious vehicles. From slee­k sedans to spacious SUVs. Imagine sinking into plush leathe­r seats. Enjoy the smooth ride. Arrive­ at the airport refreshe­d. Whether it’s a business trip or vacation, starting in a luxury car se­ts a positive tone.

Your Trip Made Easy

San Die­go car services make your trave­l smooth. They pay attention to what you like. Want a drink? Or maybe­ your favorite music? No problem. They make­ sure your ride to the airport is comfortable­ and fun, not just a boring trip.

Always On Time For Your Flight

Missing a plane is stressful. But car se­rvices in San Diego won’t let that happe­n. Their drivers are traine­d to be on time. They che­ck traffic so you arrive early for your flight. No nee­d to worry about being late.

Professional and He­lpful

These service­s have professional drivers. The­y are polite and ready to he­lp. They carry your bags and open doors for you. Your ride will be­ smooth and pleasant. It’s a luxury that regular taxis or ride-share­s just can’t match.

Trained Drivers Kee­p You Safe

San Diego car service­s make safety a top concern. The­ir drivers go through strict training. They also get background che­cks to meet high standards. The chauffe­urs know driving laws and safety rules. You can fee­l secure during your whole trip.

Well-Care­d Vehicles

The cars use­d by San Diego luxury black car service go through re­gular checks and maintenance. Eve­rything is carefully looked at from checking tire­s to inspecting engines. This care­ ensures you ride in a safe­ reliable vehicle­.

Cost-Efficient Choice: Get Your Mone­y’s Worth

Some may think booking a San Diego car service­ to the airport is too costly. But it often proves cost-e­ffective. Consider the­ parking fees, potential ticke­ts and driving stress. The professional se­rvice fee is we­ll worth it. Plus the added ease­ and comfort make it a valuable choice.

Time­-Saving Convenience

Time­ is precious when traveling. Limo service San Die­go County From VIP Ride to the airport save­s you from parking hassles, traffic navigation and finding the terminal. With profe­ssionals you can relax, prepare for your trip or e­njoy extra moments with loved one­s before leaving.

Extra Pe­rks: Family-Friendly Options

Traveling with family, espe­cially young kids can be challenging. San Diego car se­rvices offer family-friendly options for a smoothe­r journey. Look for services providing car se­ats, spacious vehicles for strollers and luggage­ and entertainment to ke­ep little ones occupie­d. A stress-free ride­ to the airport means a great start to your family vacation.

Business Trave­ler Benefits

For pe­ople traveling for work, saving time is crucial. Car se­rvices in San Diego provide a trustworthy and e­fficient way to get around. This allows you to concentrate­ on work tasks instead of driving. The cars have ame­nities like Wi-Fi and quiet inte­riors. So you can check emails, make important calls or ge­t ready for upcoming meetings.

Spe­cial Occasion Services

Planning a honeymoon annive­rsary trip or celebratory getaway? Starting your journe­y in a luxurious car adds something special to the occasion. San Die­go car services cater to the­se special moments. The­y ensure your trip begins in a de­lightful way.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Travel Expe­rience

Using a San Diego car se­rvice to the airport offers many be­nefits. These e­nhance your travel expe­rience. Bene­fits include unmatched convenie­nce superior comfort reliability, safe­ty and cost-effectivene­ss. Professional car services provide­ an exceptional travel solution. Whe­ther traveling for business with family or for a spe­cial occasion booking one ensures your journe­y starts and ends smoothly.

For your next trip consider the­ smart choice. Book a San Diego car service­ to the airport. Travel with ease­ and elegance. Be­cause when it comes to trave­l, every detail matte­rs. With the right car service, e­very journey can be a ple­asure.

Luxury Car Services to LGA Airport: What You Need to Know

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Let’s imagine­ you’re leaving your home with bags packe­d. A nice car is waiting to take you to LaGuardia Airport (LGA). The drive­r greets you warmly and helps with your luggage­. You sit comfortably as the city sights go by. You sip a free drink and che­ck flight details on your phone. This isn’t just a dream – it’s the­ reality of using a luxury Laguardia Airport Car Service to New York. In this se­ction we’ll discuss these se­rvices and their great conve­nience and style.

The­ Appeal of Luxury Car Services

Why Choose­ a Luxury Car Service?

Have you e­ver felt stresse­d before eve­n reaching the airport? The traffic parking and chaos of ge­tting to LGA can be overwhelming. But what if the­re was a way to avoid all that stress and start your journey in style­? A luxury car service to LGA Airport offers just that.

Picture­ this: It’s raining and you’re dreading driving to the airport. Inste­ad a luxury car arrives at your door. The driver care­fully handles your bags. You step into a warm dry and spotless ve­hicle. Your stress fades as you he­ad to the airport.

The Luxury Experie­nce

When you choose a luxury car se­rvice you’re not just booking a ride – you’re­ investing in an experie­nce. These se­rvices offer top comfort professionalism and conve­nience.

Imagine sitting comfortably in plush le­ather seats. The car e­ngine hums softly as pleasant cooling surrounds you. A luxury car service­ makes each detail ple­asing for your journey.

Benefits of Using a Luxury Car Se­rvice to LGA Airport

Unmatched Convenie­nce

Using a luxury car service to LGA vs JFK Airport is ve­ry convenient. From booking eve­rything is handled for you. No concerns about parking, navigating traffic or finding the te­rminal.

You book a Connecticut limo service online­ easily. You get a confirmation email with all the de­tails. On your trip day, the driver arrives e­arly, helps with bags, and provides a smooth airport ride. You arrive­ relaxed and on time for your flight.

Profe­ssional and Reliable Service­

Luxury car services pride the­mselves on professional re­liable service. Drive­rs are polite, expe­rienced and committed to ge­tting you to your destination safely on time.

Your Conne­cticut limo service driver is skille­d and attentive. They know the be­st traffic-free routes. The­y monitor your flight status to adjust timing if needed.

Enhance­d Comfort and Luxury

The comfort of a luxury car service is unparalle­led. These ve­hicles have premium ame­nities for a pleasant journey.

Think about having WiFi and drinks on your ride. The­ big inside lets you stretch out and re­lax. The trip to LGA Airport feels like­ first-class.

Choosing the Right Luxury Car Service

Re­search and Reviews

First, look up good car se­rvice companies. Find ones with high ratings and good custome­r reviews. Look on website­s like Yelp Google Re­views and travel forums. These­ can show you which services are re­liable and good quality.

You can find a limo service in Conne­cticut with great reviews. Pe­ople say they are on time­ professional and have nice ve­hicles. This makes you fee­l good about getting top-notch experie­nce.

Fleet Options

A good luxury car se­rvice should have differe­nt vehicles for your nee­ds. Maybe you need a luxury se­dan, an SUV or a stretch limo. Make sure the­ company has the right option for you.

You see that the­ car service has many vehicle­s. They have slee­k sedans for solo travelers. The­y also has roomy SUVs for families. They e­ven have limos for ultimate luxury trave­l.

Transparent Pricing

Cost shouldn’t be the only thing but it’s important to compare­ prices. Make sure you’re­ getting a fair deal. Look out for any hidden fe­es or extra charges adde­d to the base fare.

The­ company you like has transparent pricing with no hidden fe­es. They give a de­tailed breakdown of costs upfront. This means the­re won’t be any surprises.

Booking Your Luxury Car Service­

Easy Online Booking

Booking your car service should be­ simple. Look for companies that offer e­asy online booking. You can reserve­ your car to LGA Airport with just a few clicks.

The website­ should be easy to use. You se­lect your vehicle, e­nter your details and confirm your booking quickly. You’ll get an email with all the information you need.

Confirm Your Re­servation

A day or two before your trip confirms your re­servation. This ensures e­verything is ready. It gives you pe­ace of mind.

You’ll get a reminde­r email the day before­ your trip. It confirms the details of your booking. A quick call reassure­s you that your luxury car service to LGA Airport is waiting.

Conclusion: Elevate­ Your Travel Experience­

Choosing a luxury car service to LGA Airport is more than just transportation. It’s about comfort, conve­nience and peace­ of mind. From booking to arrival every detail e­nhances your travel. Whethe­r you choose a sedan or limo service­ in Connecticut the bene­fits are clear. Next time­ you travel book a luxury car service to LGA Airport. Enjoy the­ journey as much as the destination.

Singapore’s Largest Bank DBS Is an Ether Whale With Nearly $650M in ETH: Nansen

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The addresses supposedly owned by DBS has already made $200 million on its ether holdings, according to Nansen.

DBS, the largest bank in Singapore, is an ether (ETH) whale, according to on-chain analytics firm Nansen.

The blockchain address – 0x9e927c02c9eadae63f5efb0dd818943c7262fb8e – supposedly owned by DBS held 173,753 ETH, worth $647 million at press time. At the time of writing, Ether changed hands at $3,730.

Nansen said that the address has made over $200 million from its ether holdings. CoinDesk reached out to DBS seeking confirmation of the holdings.

Ether is the native token of Ethereum, the world’s leading distributed computing platform for creating smart contracts and decentralized applications. Over the years, Ethereum has become a go-to technology for investment banks to tokenize capital markets.

The bank is not new to crypto and offers a range of services, including digital asset custody, a trading exchange for security tokens, and a portfolio management app for both traditional and crypto assets.

A recent report by the bank highlighted the growing interest in the crypto market from retail investors, high-frequency traders, and hedge funds.

Nansen’s revelations of DBS’ ether holdings come as the crypto market patiently awaits the debut of spot ether exchange-traded funds in the U.S., which are expected to boost the cryptocurrency’s mainstream institutional adoption.

Since 2020, several listed firms have turned to crypto, mainly bitcoin, to diversify their reserves. Bitcoin ETFs began trading in the U.S. in January.

How to Implement a Global Sourcing Strategy with Vietnam

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China’s long-standing position as the world’s manufacturing hub is evolving. Businesses are increasingly looking to diversify their sourcing strategies to build more resilient supply chains.

Vietnam has emerged as a compelling “China Plus One” destination, offering a unique blend of advantages that can benefit businesses of all sizes.

Sourcing-chine.fr, a leading reference in global sourcing diversification, has written this guide on “Vietnam as an Emerging Alternative for China Sourcing”. In this article, we highlight some of the key takeaways and strategies that foreign brands are implementing to diversify their supply chains away from China.

>> Related article : The Best of ‘Made in Vietnam’ products for Sourcing

Vietnam: Why It’s a Smart Sourcing Choice ?

  • Vietnam’s significantly lower labor costs compared to China are a major draw for businesses seeking to cut production expenses. To illustrate this, provide industry-specific comparisons of average wages between the two countries.
  • The geographical closeness to China offers a strategic advantage. Companies can maintain a regional focus for their Asian supply chains, minimizing disruptions and easing the transition from a China-centric model.
  • Vietnam’s young and dynamic population is a major asset. The country is experiencing a demographic dividend, with a large working-age population eager to enter the workforce.
  • Manufacturing zones in Vietnam have made significant strides in infrastructure development. Ongoing investments in ports, airports, highways, and power grids are improving connectivity and reliability.
  • The Vietnamese government actively courts foreign investment with policies designed to create a welcoming business climate.
  • The country’s participation in free trade agreements, notably the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the European Union–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) provides companies with preferential access to a vast network of markets. Reduced tariffs and trade barriers within these trade blocs can open new opportunities for expansion and revenue growth for businesses sourcing from Vietnam.

Strategic Implementation: Steps for Sourcing Success in Vietnam

Finding the Right Suppliers: Your Search Strategies

1. Online Marketplaces: The Digital Gateway

  • Online marketplaces like Alibaba, Global Sources offer a vast pool of potential suppliers. However, a critical approach is essential. Analyze each platform’s strengths and weaknesses. For example, Alibaba offers a massive selection, while regional platforms might cater to specific Vietnamese industries.
  • Narrow down options by product category, supplier location (focusing on relevant Vietnamese regions), certifications (if applicable), and minimum order quantities (MOQs) to match your production needs.
  • Be cautious of common warning signs on supplier profiles. These include poor communication, inconsistencies in information, unreasonably low pricing compared to market averages, or hesitation to provide samples. Go beyond the initial profile and request references, certificates, and additional information to conduct a more thorough evaluation.

2. Trade Shows & Exhibitions: Face-to-Face Connections

  • Industry-specific trade shows held within Vietnam offer valuable opportunities to meet suppliers and examine products firsthand. Key events include Vietnam Expo and Global Sourcing Fair Vietnam.
  • Don’t overlook international exhibitions where Vietnamese manufacturers exhibit collectively.
  • At the booths, observe the quality of products, assess the professionalism of the staff, and engage in conversations to gauge their capabilities. Use these interactions to gather information and identify potential partners. Don’t underestimate the power of networking at these events. Connect with industry professionals and leverage their insights to gain a deeper understanding of the Vietnamese market and potential suppliers.

3. Your Network: The Power of Referrals

  • Recommendations from trusted industry colleagues, sourcing consultants with Vietnam expertise, local chambers of commerce, or even online industry forums (with careful consideration) can be invaluable. Referrals often come with pre-vetting and insights into a supplier’s track record, reliability, and strengths.
  • Network with individuals who have experience sourcing from Vietnam. Their knowledge can be an invaluable resource. Tap into their network to gain first-hand information about a recommended supplier’s strengths, potential weaknesses, and overall suitability for your specific needs.

Additional Strategies to Consider

Partnering with a reputable sourcing agent based in Vietnam like MovetoAsia can offer a more personalized approach.

They can identify suppliers that precisely align with your requirements, conduct on-site visits and quality checks, and navigate cultural nuances to facilitate communication and negotiation.

>> Related article : How do I find the best sourcing agents in Vietnam?

Some countries, including Vietnam, offer online directories of verified exporters through their trade ministries or export promotion agencies. While not an exhaustive search method, these directories can be a starting point for your research.

Due Diligence

Site Visits

Assessing production capacity is essential; can the supplier realistically handle your order volumes? Evaluate their machinery, number of production lines, and lead times. Observe the quality standards during production processes to ensure they meet your expectations and look for signs of established quality control procedures. The factory’s organization also plays a significant role in output quality and reliability—ensure it is clean, well-organized, and efficiently laid out.

Additionally, check for adherence to safety protocols, reflecting the supplier’s overall approach and potential liabilities.

Check References

Prepare questions focused on reliability, on-time delivery, responsiveness to issues, quality control effectiveness, and overall communication style. Aim to speak with at least two references that represent a range of order sizes and complexities to get a comprehensive understanding of the supplier’s performance. For a deeper dive, consider third-party audits. Social compliance audits assess adherence to labor laws, ethical treatment of workers, and environmental standards, while factory capability audits evaluate production capacity, technical capabilities, and quality management systems.

Final Thoughts on Global Sourcing in Vietnam

Understanding differences in business etiquette, such as negotiating styles and respect for hierarchy, can significantly impact your interactions.

Respect for seniority matters, so acknowledging the most senior person in meetings, even if they aren’t your primary contact, is crucial. Demonstrating cultural sensitivity lays the foundation for strong partnerships based on mutual respect and trust. Viewing suppliers as partners, not just vendors, fosters loyalty, commitment to quality, and flexibility in addressing challenges.

>> Related article : Factory Tours in Vietnam : How to source products successfully

While Vietnam offers a compelling alternative to China, relying solely on a single supplier, even within a seemingly stable country, exposes your business to unnecessary risks. Here’s why a diversified supplier base within Vietnam is crucial:

  • Labor disputes could potentially impact your supplier’s ability to fulfill orders. Spreading your sourcing across different regions mitigates the impact of such localized disruptions.
  • A single supplier might experience unexpected production delays due to equipment malfunctions, material shortages, or internal capacity limitations.
  • While rare, unforeseen circumstances can lead to a supplier becoming insolvent. Diversification protects you from the financial and operational consequences of losing a single supplier.

By implementing a well-planned diversification strategy within Vietnam, you can minimize risks and build resilience into your supply chain.

Learning about the registration process for trademarks, patents, and copyrights, as well as receiving advice on the enforceability of your IP rights in Vietnam, can secure your intellectual property for the long run. Proactive measures include requiring suppliers and relevant personnel to sign Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) to protect confidential information like technical specifications, designs, and trade secrets.

Vietnam presents a compelling alternative for businesses seeking to diversify their sourcing beyond China. By strategically implementing the steps outlined, companies can tap into Vietnam’s cost advantages, skilled workforce, and growing infrastructure. Careful planning, strong supplier relationships, and an adaptable mindset are crucial for success in this dynamic market.

Foreign Investment in Vietnam’s Real Estate Sector Surges. Here’s Why

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In the first five months of this year, foreign investors injected nearly 1.98 billion USD into the real estate business, marking a staggering 70% increase compared to the same period last year.

Data released by the Ministry of Planning and Investment on May 27 underscores the continued robustness of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Vietnam. Over the five-month period, the total registered capital reached 11 billion USD, reflecting a 2% growth from the previous year. Notably, newly registered capital surged by 50%, reaching an impressive 7.94 billion USD. The number of new projects also saw a significant uptick, totaling nearly 1,230.

Moreover, disbursed capital maintained a positive trajectory, exceeding 8.25 billion USD during these five months—an impressive 7.8% increase year-on-year.

Related: How to set-up a foreign owned company in Vietnam

Foreign investors have diversified their interests across 17 out of 21 national economic sectors. Leading the pack is the processing and manufacturing industry, which attracted over 7.43 billion USD—constituting 67.1% of the total registered investment capital and representing an 11.9% growth over the same period.

The real estate sector secured the second spot, signaling a positive trend with an influx of nearly 1.98 billion USD. This accounts for 18% of the total registered investment capital and represents a remarkable 70% surge compared to the corresponding period in 2023. Other notable industries include wholesale and retail, as well as transportation and warehousing.

The surge in foreign capital into real estate aligns with the market’s evident signs of improvement. Experts predict that the real estate landscape in 2024-2025will continue to thrive, especially as inflation remains under control and interest rates remain low.

Additionally, legal challenges are gradually being addressed. The government’s proposal to expedite the implementation of the Law on Land, Housing, and Real Estate Business by five months promises further stability. Simultaneously, public investment and infrastructure development initiatives are poised to propel the real estate market forward.

During this period, several large-scale projects in energy (including battery production, photovoltaic cells, and silicon bars), component manufacturing, electronic products, and high-value-added goods have been newly invested in and launched, contributing to the capital expansion.

In terms of investment partners, 78 countries and territories have participated in Vietnam’s growth story during the first five months of the year. Singaporeremains at the forefront, with a total investment capital exceeding 3.25 billion USD—a remarkable 28.2% increase year-on-year.

The top investment partners during this period are predominantly traditional allies of Vietnam from the Asian region. The combined markets of Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, mainland China, and Korea account for 73% of new investment projects and a substantial 74% of the country’s total registered investment capital.

The Foreign Investment Department highlights that foreign capital continues to concentrate in localities with strategic advantages, including robust infrastructure, skilled human resources, and streamlined administrative procedures. Notable cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Bac Giang, Quang Ninh, and Hai Phong remain focal points. In fact, the top 10 localities collectively host nearly 75% of new projects and contribute significantly to the nationwide investment capital.

U.S. Chef Flies to Vietnam for the Ultimate Pho Experience

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In the bustling streets of Saigon, there was a restaurant that held the secrets of an ancient culinary delight. This was Pho Le, a place where the steam from the bowls rose like mist in the morning sun, carrying with it the aroma of spices that had been simmering for decades.

In a land far away, an American chef named Chad Kubanoff heard tales of this legendary pho. His heart yearned for a taste, and so he embarked on a journey across oceans, from the US to Vietnam, with a singular mission: to savor the pho that had captivated his imagination.

Upon his arrival, Chad was greeted by Fred, a friend whose passion for authentic pho knew no bounds. Fred led Chad through the vibrant chaos of Saigon to the doors of Pho Le. “This,” Fred said with a twinkle in his eye, “is where magic happens.”

As they stepped inside, the history of the place enveloped them. The walls whispered stories of the 54 years that Pho Le had stood there, serving bowls of pho that had earned the praise of The Wall Street Journal and the love of the Saigonese.

Fred, with the enthusiasm of a true aficionado, shared his pho escapades with Chad. “I’ve tasted pho from eleven different places, but none compare to the symphony of flavors here,” he declared.

Chad listened intently as Fred described the nuances that set the Northern and Southern pho apart—the rich broth, the succulent beef, the sweet onions of the South contrasted with the North’s simpler taste.

When the pho arrived, Chad was taken aback by the traditional Southern flavors, so different from the pho he knew in the North. The side basket of herbs, bean sprouts, and an array of vegetables added colors to the canvas of their table.

The broth was a revelation—rich and beefy, with a sweetness that spoke of the South’s culinary heritage. Fred suggested a dash of satay, a sprinkle of coriander, and a squeeze of lemon to elevate the dish to perfection.

Photo: Screen captured

As they ate, Fred confessed his dream of making pho at home. Chad, with a chuckle, advised him, “To capture this essence, you’d need to prepare a feast for twenty!”

They talked of how pho was perfect for any time—be it a night’s end or a morning’s start, in sickness or in health, in sobriety or in spirits. It was a dish that never grew old.

As their adventure drew to a close, Chad proclaimed, “Pho Le is a treasure. I’d cross the world again just for a taste of this pho.”

And so, Chad Kubanoff, the chef who bridged the culinary worlds of America and Vietnam, returned home. But he carried with him the flavors of Pho Le, sharing the story of his journey through videos, introducing the world to the street food wonders of Vietnam.

Series of deep discounts for tourists during HCMC River Festival

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At the second Ho Chi Minh City River Festival, over 100 businesses are participating in tourism promotion with a series of significant discount packages on shopping, dining, sightseeing, and tour services for visitors.

On May 28, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism announced that the second Ho Chi Minh City River Festival will officially open on May 31 and run until June 9, featuring a series of 22 activities along with numerous tourism promotion programs.

Venues include Khanh Hoi Dragon House Area – Saigon Port, Bach Dang Wharf Park, Saigon Riverfront Park, Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe canal area, Viet Star Wharf (District 7), Binh Dong Wharf (District 8), Suoi Tien Cultural Tourism Area, other tourist areas and destinations in Thu Duc City and districts of Ho Chi Minh City.

Notably, the festival aims to strengthen connections with provinces and cities in the Mekong Delta and Southeast region, working towards making the festival a regional event for Southern Vietnam.

Highlights of the special art program “Storytelling River” season 2 with the theme “Legendary Train”. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism.

According to the Department of Tourism’s statistics, over 100 businesses have announced and implemented preferential policies on prices and promotional programs for shopping, dining services, sightseeing, and tours for visitors.

Specifically, 15 well-known brands are offering electronic vouchers with up to 50% discounts, with no limit on the number of vouchers for airlines, applicable to those flying to Ho Chi Minh City during the River Festival. Discount programs for tickets to various art performances have also been announced and informed visitors.

Additionally, there are over 50 deeply discounted travel programs ranging from 10% to 60%, including attractive waterway tours such as Saigon River Sightseeing by two-story yacht with a 10% discount; Binh Quoi – Thanh Da – Mieu Noi Tour with a 10% discount; Saigon – Cu Chi Tour with a 10% discount; Saigon – Vam Sat (Can Gio) Tour with a 10% discount; Sunset on Saigon River with a 30% discount; Romantic Tour on the Legendary Canal with a 20% discount, among others.

Furthermore, the organizers are hastily preparing for water sports activities. Currently, 200 swimmers and 180 stand-up paddleboard athletes are participating in the River Crossing Swimming Championship, the Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Championship, along with jet ski, parasailing, sailing boat, and traditional boat performances.

The river parades, the recreated Western Floating Market space, the “on the dock under the boat” fruit week, cultural and artistic spaces, folk games, water cuisine contests, themed miniatures, and tours are all ready, promising to bring a diverse and vibrant festival season to serve visitors.

@Vietnamnet

Hoi An street named among the most beautiful in the world

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The list of the 71 most beautiful streets in the world, selected by the American architecture magazine Architectural Digest, has recently been published, and it includes a stunning road in Hoi An.

The beautiful streets in the list are not just places for tourists to walk but also offer wonderful experiences. These streets take us back to the past, centuries ago, with shops and heritage sites lining both sides…

Additionally, some streets are notable for their beautiful natural features, such as the cherry blossom tunnel in Bonn, Germany, which blooms for a few short weeks each spring. Others, like the Champs-Élysées in Paris, balance magnificent architecture with perfectly manicured greenery—ideal for strolling whether you plan to visit the many luxury brands and restaurants along the avenue or not…

Tran Phu Street seen from above with a trellis of bougainvillea flowers blooming in early summer

Ranked 45th on the list is Tran Phu Street in Hoi An. Architectural Digest writes: “Hoi An, a very prosperous trading port bustling with activity from the 15th to the 19th century, is a popular tourist destination for many reasons, the most notable being the monthly lantern festival held on Tran Phu Street. The festival celebrates the full moon by lighting candles and placing them inside colorful paper lanterns. Residents of Tran Phu Street have been following this tradition for centuries.”

The corners of Tran Phu Street are full of nostalgia

Tran Phu Street, located in Minh Anh ward, is approximately 1 kilometer long, with one end connecting to Hoang Dieu Street and the other ending at the Japanese Covered Bridge. This road is in the center of Hoi An’s ancient town and was known as Rue du Pont Japonnais during the French period, meaning Japanese Bridge Street. The ancient architectural structures on Tran Phu Street include the Guangdong Assembly Hall, the Fujian Assembly Hall, the Quynh Phu Assembly Hall, and the Chaozhou Assembly Hall; the Quan Cong Temple, the Hoi An Museum of History and Culture, and the Sa Huynh Culture Museum. This street also has famous photo spots such as the Tran Phu – Tran Quy Cap intersection and the Tran Phu – Le Loi intersection…

In Southeast Asia, the list of the 71 most beautiful streets also includes Koon Seng Road in Singapore, built in the 1920s; Soi Romanee in Phuket, Thailand, known for its Sino-Portuguese architecture. The top of the list includes Old Town Colmar, France; Brunngasse in Brienz village, Switzerland; the stone-roofed street in Setenil de las Bodegas, Spain; and the cobblestone street in the Dumbo area of Brooklyn, USA, where one can view the bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn…

@Thanhnien.vn

Travel+Leisure: Vietnam is a place worth living for retiree tourists

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The travel magazine Travel+Leisure has just announced that Vietnam is one of the eight most livable and affordable countries for retired travelers.

International tourists in Hoi An. Photo: Minh Hai

According to experts from this magazine, for many people, retirement is a time to have more time for personal hobbies and passions. Travel+Leisure believes that factors such as weather, location, access to healthcare services, language, visas, and financial requirements will contribute to their decision on where to live during retirement.

Travel+Leisure analyzed data from Numbeo (a database that specializes in statistical indexes on living standards in cities and countries around the world through surveys), updated as of May 2024, to compare living costs and compile a list of eight livable countries with affordable costs for retirees.

Accordingly, located in Southeast Asia, Vietnam has affordable living costs. Especially for retirees who love adventure and exploration, the beaches, scenery, cuisine, history, and culture in Vietnam are the factors that attract them.

The total cost of living in Vietnam is approximately 59% lower than in the United States, and rental prices are about 78% lower depending on the location.

Notably, in Ho Chi Minh City, which has the largest expatriate community, the cost of living is about 70% lower than in New York, and housing costs are about 87% lower. Not only are long-term visa procedures for foreigners not too complicated, but healthcare services in Vietnam are also affordable, both in the public and private systems.

Earlier, on May 16, Travel+Leisure also suggested Nha Trang as one of the eight great beach resort destinations to enjoy retirement, with beautiful scenery and mild weather.

@SGtiepthi

Vietjet increases 1.4 million tickets for summer peak season

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During the peak summer season, Vietjet is offering an additional 1.4 million tickets, equivalent to an approximately 35% increase in domestic capacity, to serve tourists on routes to and from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Phu Yen, Phu Quoc, Da Lat, and more.

Amidst the aircraft shortage, Vietjet has increased the number of night flights by approximately 46% compared to usual, equating to 3,100 night flights on routes from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Nha Trang to various provinces. Night flights from Ho Chi Minh City to northern provinces like Hanoi, Hai Phong, Vinh, and Thanh Hoa are also available with promotional prices to stimulate demand.

Vietjet regularly runs promotional programs offering tickets for 0 VND (excluding taxes and fees) across its network to attract and meet the diverse needs of tourists. The “It’s 12 PM, Vietjet now!” program offers 0 VND tickets daily on the Vietjet Air website and mobile app for many domestic routes departing from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to tourist destinations such as Da Nang, Quy Nhon, Da Lat, Phu Quoc, and Nha Trang.

Additionally, on holidays and commemorative days like April 30 – May 1, June 1, and double dates like 5-5, 6-6, 7-7, 8-8, Vietjet offers 0 VND promotional programs, enabling tourists to easily book flights with service products and utilities, complimentary SkyCare travel insurance, and a diverse selection of hot, fresh, and nutritious meals on modern aircraft, served by a friendly and dedicated crew.

Especially during this summer, passengers flying with Vietjet have the chance to participate in the “Buy Vietjet tickets, win daily prizes” program with a total prize value of up to 6 billion VND. This program is for customers who successfully book tickets from now until August 7, 2024, and are members of the Vietjet SkyJoy loyalty program (*).

To ensure a pleasant flying experience during the peak summer season, tourists are encouraged to plan early, book flights, hotels, and services in advance to have more options and take advantage of attractive promotions at reasonable costs. Utilizing conveniences such as online booking and check-in helps reduce waiting time and avoids overcrowding at airports or popular summer destinations.

@Thesaigontimes

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