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Ho Chi Minh City welcomes 71,000 visitors during Tourism Week

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Held from December 4th to 10th, the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Week featured a series of 45 cultural, artistic, sports, and tourism activities aimed at promoting the city’s diverse tourism products.

Under the theme “Green on Every Journey,” many activities centered around green communication and sustainable tourism, contributing to the development of sustainable tourism. Throughout the week, the city attracted 71,000 visitors to explore and experience various tourist spaces, achieving an 80% occupancy rate in accommodation, and increased revenue for businesses.

Speaking at the Closing Ceremony, Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, shared, “Tourism Week 2023 has ended, but it has opened up new emotions and beautiful memories, especially for those working in the tourism industry.” The event received positive responses and active participation from businesses, residents, and tourists.

Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Week with many interesting activities has officially ended. Photo: Linh Huynh.

The past week witnessed numerous highlighted activities and record-breaking figures. The event’s activities conveyed the “green” message, calling on the business community, tourism establishments, domestic and international tourists to join in environmental protection.

The program was accompanied by 120 Ambassadors of Tourism Week, individuals with prestige in various fields representing the city to inspire green tourism for residents and tourists.

With the message “Run for an Outstanding Vietnam,” the 6th edition of the Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon in 2023 attracted over 15,000 participants from 91 countries and 33 provinces and cities.

For the first time, Tourism Week received the collaboration of 22 districts/municipalities and Thu Duc City. Each locality provided information spaces, miniature landscapes, and characteristic tourism products.

Many typical tourism products of each locality have been introduced to residents and tourists. Photo: Linh Huynh.

At the event, a 3m x 22m Doodle painting created from 22 pieces symbolizing Thu Duc City and 21 districts/municipalities was recognized by the Vietnam Record Organization as the “Largest Doodle Painting on the Theme of Ho Chi Minh City Tourism in Vietnam.”

“The organizers hope that the artistic expressions of love for art and the city will soon turn into practical actions to collectively preserve, honor, and promote the cultural, historical, and culinary values of the 22 districts, municipalities, and Thu Duc City,” Ms. Anh Hoa shared.

Within the event framework, 100 promotional programs were announced, 20 new regular waterway tourism products were introduced, attracting many residents and tourists for exploration and enjoyment.

At the Closing Ceremony, the Organizing Committee awarded prizes and honors to entities that made efforts and contributions to Tourism Week and the sustainable development of the city’s tourism.

@Znews

Da Nang opens night tourism on Nguyen Van Troi bridge

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Da Nang is piloting the organization of night tourism services on the Nguyen Van Troi Bridge—the first bridge spanning the Han River.

Recently, the Da Nang City People’s Committee issued a document approving the trial plan for organizing night tourism services on the Nguyen Van Troi Bridge and the East Riverside Park at the foot of the Nguyen Van Troi Bridge, as proposed by the city’s Department of Tourism.

Nguyen Van Troi Bridge – the oldest bridge connecting the two banks of the Han River

According to the plan, in Phase 1 (2024), the area will be decorated with creative lighting for photo check-ins; photo exhibitions and displays of specialized products/artworks regularly on a quarterly basis and during holidays, and Tet; organizing ethnic music performances, folk music performances; street parades on Tran Hung Dao Street and Chuong Duong Street.

Events including flash mobs, yoga festivals, street art on the Nguyen Van Troi Bridge, book fairs, beer festivals, etc., will be held in the park area.

Additionally, community activities such as sports, wellness exercises, running, chess competitions, painting competitions, etc., will be organized; conducting walking tours, sightseeing, community activities, street music, events, festivals, etc., on the Nguyen Van Troi Bridge.

Children’s games, fast food services, take-away drinks, and souvenirs will also be provided.

In Phase 2, from Q1/2025 to the end of 2028, activities from Phase 1 will continue, and the tourism activities on the bridge and the East Riverside Park under the Nguyen Van Troi Bridge will be renovated, upgraded, and operated.

Street art performances such as portrait painting, magic shows, balloon art, rhythmic gymnastics, street music, etc., will be organized; business booths, souvenir shops, OCOP products, mobile stalls serving drinks and fast food will be set up.

Special events and festivals will be organized regularly on weekends and on holidays at the North or South Park of the East Riverside Park under the Nguyen Van Troi Bridge, and on the Nguyen Van Troi Bridge itself.

The Nguyen Van Troi Bridge is the first bridge across the Han River, built in the 1960s. The bridge consists of 14 steel spans, with a total length of 513.8m, a bridge width of 10.5m, and a road width of 8.5m. The Nguyen Van Troi Bridge is one of the rare arch steel girder bridges in Vietnam.

By 2015, through the renovation process, the Nguyen Van Troi Bridge has become the only pedestrian bridge across the Han River, designed with the function of being able to be raised and lowered for boat traffic, serving the needs of pedestrians, recreational activities, and sightseeing for residents and tourists.

@Vietnamnet

China reduces visa fees for Vietnamese tourists

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To attract international tourists, China has initiated a policy of reducing visa fees by 25% for several countries, including Vietnam.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chinese embassies on Friday, December 8, China will cut visa fees by 25% for tourists from countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Japan, and Mexico, starting from December 11 to December 31, 2024.

This is the latest measure in a series of actions that China has recently taken to increase the number of international tourists and foreign businesspeople to expedite the recovery of the world’s second-largest economy after the pandemic, according to Reuters.

Tourists visit the Forbidden City

The visa fees for Chinese visas for Vietnamese citizens are divided into several types, including single-entry for $60, double-entry for $90, and so on.

Earlier in late November, China announced a new policy temporarily waiving visas for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia. Specifically, from December 1 to November 30 of the following year, citizens of these countries visiting China for business, tourism, family visits, or transit for up to 15 days will not need a visa, according to the South China Morning Post.

China has implemented various measures in recent months, including the resumption of international flights, to revive the tourism industry after imposing strict restrictions for three years to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Also in November, China expanded its visa-free transit policy to citizens of Norway, increasing the number of eligible countries to 54. China also reinstated the 15-day visa-free policy for citizens of Singapore and Brunei.

@Thanhnien.vn

Crypto VC C1 With Coinbase Lineage Eyes Acquisition in Australia: Report

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Australia has taken a cautious approach to the larger crypto industry ever since the collapse of FTX.

Crypto venture capital firm C1, which is led by former Coinbase executives, has met with several cryptocurrency groups and Australian venture firms offering to buy private holdings from investors using its $500 million ($AUD 760 million) fund, according to the Australian Financial Review.

Among the cryptocurrency entities C1 has reached out to are gaming and metaverse-focused venture capital firm Animoca Brands and Chainalysis, the blockchain analysis entity. C1 has offered to buy private holdings from investors at between 50% and 80% discount on their last valuation, according to the report.

Australia has taken a cautious approach to the larger crypto industry ever since the collapse of FTX. Its government has proposed a regime that could take until 2025 for an Australian digital asset platform to receive a licence, updated its tax guidelines to impose capital gains tax on wrapped tokens too, and declared that it won’t be introducing a central bank digital currency (CBDC) for some years. But with the crypto market gaining momentum, sentiment may be changing down under.

The report attributed the information to a pitch deck outlining C1’s strategy – seek out entities with a “minimum valuation of $300 million in their last funding round, preferably Series C and later.” The report said C1 wants to write cheques between $20 million and $50 million.

“Due to current market conditions in the public and private markets, hyperinflation and rising interest rates, we believe the digital assets market offers very attractive valuations in the secondary market,” the deck reads, according to the report.

“C1 did not authorize this article, and we have not met with either company directly as of this time,” said Dr. Najam Kidwai, co-founder and managing partner of C1.

Animoca and Chainalysis did not immediately respond to CoinDesk’s request for comment.

Don’t miss these 4 specialty dishes when coming to Northwest Vietnam during the cold weather

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Tourists planning trips to explore Northwest Vietnam are excited to hear that frost may appear in the mountains when cold air arrives. Here are some of the specialties that visitors should not miss when visiting the Northwest.

Thắng Cố

Thang Co is a dish with a history of more than 200 years, originating from the cuisine of Yunnan province, China. The dish is made from horse internal organs, combined with all kinds of fresh vegetables. While traditional Thang Co only uses horses, new types of protein are added such as beef, buffalo, pork, and goat. This dish is seasoned with typical spices of the Northwest highlands, bringing characteristics that no other dish has. To fully enjoy the flavor of Thang Co, diners need to eat it while it is still hot.

Rêu đá (Stone moss)

Stone moss after being sorted and washed. (Photo: Hung Le)

The process of preparing the stone moss dish

Stone moss is a famous specialty in the Northwest. It was originally a simple dish in the meals of ethnic minorities, but now it has gained popularity. Moss season falls around late fall and early winter. Moss is collected by people upstream of streams where the water flows the clearest and cleanest. After cleaning, the stone moss is marinated with spices such as lemongrass, chili powder, dổi seeds (Michelia tonkinensis seeds), salt, and mắc khén (Indian Prickly Ash seeds), wrapped in dong leaves, and grilled. The dish has a unique flavor, both soft and fatty, rich in flavors from the Northwest mountains.

Pa Pỉnh Tộp

The way to make Pa Pinh Top is different from regular grilled fish, bringing a unique flavor. (Photo: Tran Trong)

Pa Pinh Top is a grilled fish dish by Thai people in the Northwest region. The dish is prepared with ginger, lemongrass, herbs, chili, garlic, and wild mắc khén seeds (Indian Prickly Ash seeds). After the spices are minced, chopped, and mixed, one part is stuffed into the fish’s belly, the rest is evenly placed into the fish’s body, and marinated for 30-40 minutes to absorb. Before grilling, the fish is folded upside down and put on a split bamboo stick to clamp. The dish is prepared simply and quickly but with rich flavor, it will bring a memorable experience to you even if you enjoy it for the first time.

Bê chao Mộc Châu (Moc Chau veal with fermented tofu)

Moc Chau veal with fermented tofu is a dish that visitors should not miss when coming to the Northwest. Veal meat is selected from male veal raised freely on pasture. The veal is grilled until golden brown, puffy, and crispy when enjoying the outer shell, while the meat still retains its softness, and the well-seasoned spices make the dish more attractive. When dipped in fermented tofu, it will increase the aroma and deliciousness of the dish.

@dulich.laodong.vn

Bitcoin’s 4% Drop Cools Overheated Funding Rates, Data Show

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Funding rates for major tokens, including BTC, have normalized to below 0.1%, indicating an exit of over leveraged bulls.

Bitcoin (BTC) fell early Monday, validating the caution signaled by the options market last week.

The 4% drop to $42,000 has cooled the overheated crypto perpetual futures market, clearing the way for a steady ascent into the year-end.

Perpetuals are futures with no expiry with a funding rate mechanism that helps tether perpetual prices to the index price. Funding rates are periodic payments of an asset between long (buy) and short (sell) position holders calculated and collected by exchanges every eight hours. A positive funding rate means the perpetual contract is trading at a premium to the spot prices; longs are dominant and are paying shorts to keep their positions open. A negative rate suggests otherwise.

A high funding rate, typically greater than 0.10% (for eight hours), is taken to represent excess bullish leverage or overcrowding of long positions.

According to data source Velo Data, funding rates for BTC, ETH and other major cryptocurrencies consistently tapped the 0.15% mark in the second half of last week, signifying an overheated leveraged market.

The situation has normalized with the early Asian session market-wide price drop, leaving funding rates for most coins in a healthy territory below 0.1%.

It’s a sign overleveraged traders have been shaken out of the market. Funding rates or costs associated with leverage become a burden when the momentum stalls, forcing overleveraged traders to exit and causing a minor bullish/bearish hiccup.

The market-wide decline in the notional open interest, or the dollar value locked in open crypto futures contracts, suggests the same. As of writing, XLM, UNI, LINK and XMR showed a double-digit slide in open interest for the past 24 hours.

Open interest in bitcoin and ether was down 1.3% and 6.7%, respectively.

Agritourism is on the rise in Vietnam. Here’s why

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Agricultural tourism can be a catalyst for holistic rural development according to RMIT Senior Program Manager for Tourism and Hospitality Management Dr Jackie Ong.

The emerging global phenomenon of agritourism has found a fitting home in Vietnam, a country characterised by extensive agricultural landscapes and a predominantly rural population constituting 62.7% (source: Statista). Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage, intertwined with a tradition of rice cultivation and vast orchards, sets the stage for this flourishing industry.

Agritourism encompasses tourism activities centred around agriculture, farmers, and rural landscapes. It can provide a comprehensive, immersive experience that is entertaining and educational.

Recently, Vietnam has seen a surge in agricultural tourism. Local governments, organisations, and individuals have invested in leveraging agricultural elements to develop culturally rich tourism products that meet tourist preferences. Utilising local food, beverages, handicrafts, and fruits elevates the experience.

In Northern Vietnam, tours highlight rice cultivation and traditional crafts, like the Cultural Rice Fields Experience and Heritage Trail in Duong Lam Ancient Village, Hanoi. In the Central and Highlands regions, offerings showcase agricultural diversity, like the Ethnic Minority Village Tour in Nam Giang District, Quang Nam Province. High-tech agricultural tourism has seen significant tourist growth across different localities as well.

Despite limited statistics, reports indicate growing participation in agricultural tourism, fostering income and economic development. Moreover, agritourism can play a pivotal role in preserving cultural identity. By infusing educational elements into agritourism experiences, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the traditions and culture, and the importance of sustainable practices, fostering a more meaningful connection with the destination.

This mutually beneficial interaction creates a sense of community and understanding between farmers and tourists, making agritourism a catalyst for holistic and sustainable rural development.

However, several challenges are impeding the realisation of agritourism to its full potential in Vietnam. One prominent issue lies in the realm of product development. Despite the country’s rich resources, the current landscape of agricultural tourism lacks a professional touch. Activities often emerge on a small, spontaneous scale, lacking a cohesive brand strategy. This has resulted in tourism products that struggle to captivate visitors’ interests.

Agricultural tourism also faces service quality challenges, with many local farmers lacking the requisite skills for professional hospitality. This deficiency translates into simple and underexploited tourism products, limiting the potential for visitor spending. The scarcity of high-quality offerings and lack of comprehensive services further hinder the sector’s growth.

Connectivity issues pose a third challenge as collaboration between travel businesses and agricultural destinations remains constrained. This limitation inhibits the creation of integrated and appealing tourism products, both domestically and internationally.

The shopping experience within agricultural tourism has its own set of challenges. Products often lack branding and attractive packaging, contributing to visitor hesitancy about quality and safety. Additionally, insufficient presentation and demonstration of production processes dampen the overall shopping experience.

Human resource shortages, especially in service-oriented roles, present a fifth challenge. The limited availability of skilled labour impacts the delivery of high-quality and innovative agricultural tourism experiences. A dearth of training in operational management for agricultural destinations and craft villages exacerbates these constraints.

Lastly, promotional and marketing efforts for agricultural tourism are deemed insufficient and non-specialised. Current strategies primarily focus on general tourism promotion, neglecting the distinct appeal of agricultural tourism products.

So, how can Vietnam navigate such challenges and position itself as a leader in agricultural tourism? Read the article “Cultivating success in agritourism” to find out more.

Story: Dr Jackie Ong, Senior Program Manager, Tourism and Hospitality Management, The Business School, RMIT University Vietnam

Six Steps for Initiating Your Foreign Business in Vietnam

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Launching a new business in Vietnam as a foreigner involves six distinct steps. You have the option to establish either a 100% foreign-owned company or a jointly foreign and domestic owned enterprise.

According to Sophie Dao, Senior Partner of GBS – an investment consulting firm in Vietnam, the preferred corporate structures include Joint Stock Companies (JSC) for intricate corporate needs, Limited Liability Companies (LLC) for standard foreign investments, or Representative Offices (Rep. Office) for market research in Vietnam.

If uncertain about the suitable structure, GBS is available to provide guidance on capital investment, full foreign ownership options, and shareholder requirements.

Hanoi Opera House. Credit: Olivier Ochanine

The following comprehensive guide outlines the six crucial steps to kickstart your business in Vietnam.

1. Prepare Necessary Documents for Application:
Ensure you have a lease agreement for your company’s registered location, proof of financial capacity, and investor documents notarized or legalized from your home country.

2. Apply for an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC):
Start by registering an “investment project,” outlining the purpose of your foreign company. The resulting IRC allows you to commence the establishment of your business in Vietnam, akin to the concept of “Foreign Investment Approval” in other jurisdictions.

3. Apply for an Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC):
Subsequent to obtaining the IRC, proceed with the application for an ERC, formalizing the registration of the investment project and marking the beginning of your company’s establishment.

4. Complete Initial Post-Establishment Registrations:
Conduct post-establishment procedures, such as making public notifications of your company’s establishment, obtaining and providing the company seal, announcing the seal specimen, and drafting the decision for the appointment of the general director or director.

5. Submit Additional Post-Licensing and Sub-Licensing Applications:
Depending on your business activity, apply for additional licenses or sub-licenses to comply with specific sector, industry, and business line requirements.

6. Contribute Charter Capital:
Fulfill the critical requirement of charter capital, the company’s enterprise capital, by ensuring members or shareholders fully contribute within 90 days from the date of the company’s establishment, as specified in the charter.

By diligently following these six key steps, foreign entrepreneurs can navigate the complexities of launching a business in Vietnam, ensuring a strong foundation for success in this dynamic market.

Would you like to speak to one of GBS’s advisers over the phone? Call, SMS, Viber, WhatsApp, iMessage: +84903189033 or just submit your details and we’ll be in touch shortly. You can also send an email to: sophie@gbs.com.vn if you would prefer.

Market Watch: Vietnam Financial Market updates for December 11, 2023

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Vietnam Insider presents the Market Watch newsletter dated December 11, 2023, with the latest financial insights:

On Friday, the VN-Index experienced a marginal increase, maintaining an average liquidity level and securing a close above the MA200 milestone at 1,118 points. Despite anticipated challenges in retesting this milestone, there is a 60% probability that the VN-Index will continue its upward trajectory towards the MA100 resistance at 1,155 points.

BCM has seen a boost in liquidity in recent sessions, leading the stock to surpass the MA50 resistance and form a bullish double-bottom pattern. Consider investing in BCM with a short-term target set at 72,500 (MA200) and a stop loss at 63,000.

MVIS has released the structural results for the MVSI MarketVector Vietnam Local Index basket. Notably, CEO will be added to the index basket, with no stocks being removed. These changes will take effect on Monday, December 18, 2023, following their application at the end of the day on Friday, December 15, 2023.

Fitch Ratings has upgraded Vietnam’s credit rating from BB to BB+ with a stable outlook, reflecting the country’s positive medium-term growth prospects. Fitch forecasts a 7% GDP growth in the medium term, driven by substantial foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows.

Derivatives Trading Strategy:

1. Comment:
The F2312 contract hovered around the resistance at 1,115 points, fluctuating within the range of 1,109-1,119 points. There is a prediction that F2312 might retest the 1,109 point mark before experiencing an upward movement. If it surpasses the 1,119 barrier, this contract could potentially reach the 1,125-1,135 range.

2. Strategy:
– Buy at 1,109 points
– Target (TP): 1,119 points
– Stop loss (SL) at 1,107 points.

Stay informed with daily updates by following Market Watch @ Vietnam Insider on Facebook.

Ho Chi Minh City will invite more than 100 KOLs to livestream to sell goods with Ben Thanh market traders

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Ho Chi Minh City has planned to host a unique event that will showcase the city’s vibrant culture and rich history. From December 14 to December 16, the city will invite 100 KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders) and KOCs (Key Opinion Consumers) to come and participate in a livestreaming event featuring the famous Ben Thanh market traders.

Apart from the KOLs and KOCs, around 70 famous TikTokers will also be attending the event. They will review the dishes and specialties sold at the market, and introduce the booths featuring traditional fabrics and the renowned ‘ao dai’ to tourists and consumers.

This event is the first of its kind in Ho Chi Minh City and marks a significant turning point in the approach and development of e-commerce and tourism. It is an excellent opportunity for the market traders to showcase their unique products and for the city to promote its cultural heritage and tourism products on social media platforms.

Details of the program

Day 1 (December 11) took place at the opening ceremony of “Ho Chi Minh City Online Shopping and Entertainment Festival 2023 – Ben Thanh Heritage Market” at Van Hanh Mall (Su Van Hanh Street, Ward 12, District 10); Workshop on digital transformation of sales channels, sharing livestream experiences; Promote and propagate directly to small businesses in Ben Thanh market.

Day 2 (December 12) and Day 3 (December 13) will guide Ben Thanh market traders on new sales methods such as creating a shop, managing orders, managing channels and preparing for livestream day at the market.

On December 4 (December 14) and December 5 (December 15), KOLs, KOCs and small businesses livestream to sell products of small businesses and some brands participating in the program. The same evening there will be an exchange program, music, and lucky draw.

On the last day (December 16), the organizers summarize the festival, then continue to livestream sales until the end of this day.

@vtv.vn

NESCAFÉ Breaks New Ground with Its Latest Coffee Concentrate Innovation

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In a bold move to cater to the unique tastes of Vietnamese coffee enthusiasts, Nestlé Vietnam’s NESCAFÉ brand proudly unveils its latest innovation – the NESCAFÉ Coffee Concentrate.

A first-of-its-kind in Vietnam, this product is an artful blend of tradition and convenience, meticulously crafted to embody the authentic taste of the beloved phin coffee. First of its kind in Vietnam, the product is a meticulous craft to deliver authentic phin coffee taste that Vietnamese coffee lovers crave without compromising quality.

Vietnam, known as the largest Robusta coffee beans exporter globally, boasts a vibrant coffee culture and a multitude of ways to enjoy the beloved coffee beverage. Coffee has become an integral part of Vietnamese life, reflecting the nation’s rich heritage. However, with the fast-paced nature of modern life, Vietnamese younger generations are seeking convenient coffee options that still deliver the rich and aromatic flavors of traditional phin coffee.

Understanding our consumers’ thinking, NESCAFÉ believes that coffee is not just a daily drink, it is a beloved ritual, a lifestyle, an opportunity for a new experience that will be enhanced via an innovative packaging and a great tasting product. NESCAFÉ Coffee Concentrate is a revolutionary concept that has captured the hearts of consumers with its unique liquid coffee characteristics. By simulating the traditional phin brewing technique, including compression, annealing, and extraction, NESCAFÉ ensures that the entire coffee essence remains fresh and captures the authentic aromatic and rich taste of Vietnamese coffee.

NESCAFÉ Coffee Concentrate not only offers exceptional taste but also meets the needs of coffee enthusiasts for quick convenience. With this product, consumers can simply add ice and enjoy their coffee, saving valuable time to match their busy schedules. The product is packaged in distinctive and eye-catching single-serve stick, featuring two classic flavors that cater to the preferences of Vietnamese consumers: black coffee and iced milk coffee.

Mr. Mostafa Youssef, Nestlé Vietnam’s Coffee & Beverages Business Executive Officer, shared: “I’m thrilled to share this groundbreaking innovation with all the coffee lovers in Vietnam. We are proud to offer a solution that will make our consumers indulge in the traditional essence of Vietnamese Phin coffee that is now reimagined with a modern and convenient twist. We are excited to introduce, for the very first time, the NESCAFÉ Liquid Concentrate! It is also a testament to our 30-year journey in Vietnam, where we have been dedicated to always delight our consumers with high-quality coffee products that embody the essence of Vietnam and have become an integral part of Vietnamese coffee culture.”

Over the years, NESCAFÉ has continuously offered consumers a diverse range of coffee experiences through its unique product portfolio. NESCAFÉ Coffee Concentrate, in particular, and NESCAFÉ products in general, are meticulously researched and developed to cater to the distinct taste preferences of Vietnamese consumers. These products are made from 100% Vietnamese coffee beans that meet the stringent technical standards of the NESCAFÉ Plan.

From 2011 to now, NESCAFÉ Plan in Vietnam has brought many technical innovations and new technology, which has positively impacted the sustainable development of Vietnam’s coffee industry. Endeavors to improve the quality of coffee beans and orient the transition to regenerative agriculture via agricultural standards training. All these efforts to bring quality coffee, contributing to the good life of the Vietnamese with good food and beverages.

NESCAFÉ Coffee Concentrate is now available in all supermarket chains and convenient store chains nationwide and is available for sale online on e-commerce platform.

Da Nang opens Manila flight

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The recently launched Manila (Philippines) – Da Nang flight is the most tangible outcome following the Routes Asia 2022 Forum.

On the evening of December 7th, the inaugural flight of the Manila (Philippines) – Da Nang route landed at Da Nang International Airport, bringing 177 passengers from the Philippines to explore and tour Da Nang city.

The flight, with the code 5J 5756, was operated by Cebu Pacific Air.

Prior to the launch, the airline, in collaboration with the relevant authorities of both countries, conducted market research to operate regular flights on the Manila (Philippines) – Da Nang route with a frequency of three flights per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, using A320 Neo aircraft with a capacity of 188 seats.

3 lucky tourists from the Philippines were given round-trip tickets on the occasion of opening a new flight

The first flight was celebrated with a welcoming ceremony at the international terminal of Da Nang International Airport, attended by the city’s leaders, the Department of Tourism, the City Tourism Association, and Cebu Pacific Air.

In addition to an art performance to welcome the guests, the Department of Tourism of Da Nang also presented commemorative gifts and free experience vouchers for entertainment facilities to all passengers on the inaugural flight.

Especially, three lucky passengers on the flight received round-trip flight vouchers for the Manila – Da Nang route from Cebu Pacific Air.

Mr. Tran Chi Cuong, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Da Nang City, stated, “The Philippines is one of the new and potential markets for Da Nang’s tourism industry. The direct Manila – Da Nang flight is the most practical result of the successful organization of the Routes Asia 2022 Forum. From this forum, we connected and worked with Cebu Pacific Air to promote the opening of a new flight route from Manila to Da Nang, contributing to the recovery and diversification of the international market to Da Nang. The flight will facilitate convenient connections and mutual exchange of passengers between the two markets.”

On this occasion, the Department of Tourism of Da Nang also organized receptions for survey delegations of tourism products and services in Da Nang, connecting with tourism businesses to build travel packages that align with the preferences of Filipino tourists, aiming to attract visitors and effectively exploit the Philippine market.

@Thanhnien.vn

Ha Long Bay Heritage in the world’s top 10 most attractive wonders

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With 2.6 million visitors annually, Ha Long Bay (Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam) ranks fourth among the 10 most visited natural wonders globally by international tourists.

Ha Long Bay Heritage is in the top 10 most attractive wonders in the world. Photo: MyBestPlace.

The renowned American travel website The Travel has recently released the list of the 10 Most Visited Natural Wonders in the world. Among them, Ha Long Bay, with 2.6 million annual visitors, stands fourth on this list.

Ha Long Bay boasts crystal-clear emerald waters and nearly 2,000 small limestone islands. This UNESCO World Heritage site has a particular allure for enthusiasts of outdoor activities such as long-distance hiking, swimming, diving, and mountain climbing.

For a long time, Ha Long Bay has been a must-visit destination for international travelers coming to Vietnam. This natural wonder consistently receives high praise from leading global travel magazines and international media.

Earlier in October, the American magazine Forbes ranked Ha Long Bay among the top 24 best destinations for 2024, noting it as “one of the most unique ecosystems and geological formations in the world. Few places combine natural beauty, outdoor activities, delicious food, tranquility, and easy accessibility.”

Also in late October, the internationally renowned Condé Nast Traveler magazine included Ha Long Bay in the list of the 51 most beautiful destinations in the world. The magazine has previously highlighted Ha Long Bay as one of the most colorful destinations globally.

In March 2023, CNN’s travel website voted Ha Long Bay among the top 25 most beautiful destinations in the world. In February 2023, Travel+Leisure magazine suggested Ha Long Bay as one of the four ideal places to witness stunning sunrises and sunsets that travelers can visit in any season.

Ha Long Bay has also served as an impressive backdrop for Hollywood films such as the blockbuster “Kong: The Skull of Island” and “The Creator,” a fantasy film directed by Gareth Edwards.

In the list of the 10 Most Visited Natural Wonders in the world, other famous sites include the Grand Canyon in Arizona (USA), ranking first with 5 million visitors annually; Table Mountain in South Africa, ranking second with 4.2 million visitors annually; and Moraine Lake in Canada, ranking third with 4 million visitors annually.

Following Ha Long Bay are wonders like Matterhorn (Switzerland and Italy), the Great Barrier Reef (Australia), Arches National Park in Utah (USA), Cliffs of Moher (Ireland), Iguazu Falls (Argentina and Brazil), and Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil).

The selection is based on evaluations by the Seven Natural Wonders organization, Google, and the latest surveys collected from Instagram, TikTok, and TripAdvisor based on annual visitor numbers.

@Znews

International visitors searching for Vietnam tourist destinations increases 300%

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Top 5 countries with the highest search volume for destinations in Vietnam are South Korea, the United States, Japan, Thailand, and Singapore, with a growth rate of up to 298% compared to the same period last year.

Many tourists like tourist destinations that can combine scuba diving. Photo: Le Minh Huyen.

Online travel platform Agoda has recently released its 2023 Search Data Report, revealing a significant increase in searches related to travel to Vietnam.

The 2023 search data from Agoda’s online travel platform indicates a global trend of international tourists and Vietnamese travelers alike showing increased interest in Vietnam. The research specifically highlights a growth rate of 298% compared to the same period last year in the search results for destinations in Vietnam.

“Vietnam is becoming increasingly attractive to international tourists as travel becomes easier. Positive promotion of Vietnam’s destinations in international markets, along with relaxed visa policies… Vietnam is becoming more ‘famous’ and appealing to foreign tourists,” shared Mr. Vu Ngoc Lam, Agoda’s Director in Vietnam.

According to the report, the top 5 countries with the highest search volume for destinations in Vietnam are South Korea, the United States, Japan, Thailand, and Singapore.

Meanwhile, Vietnamese travelers are also searching for more distant destinations to satisfy their wanderlust, with searches for international destinations surging by 45%. The top 5 international destinations searched most by Vietnamese travelers include Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, and Malaysia.

Interestingly, although Vietnamese travelers are increasingly searching for international trips, domestic destination searches have also risen by 17%. The top destinations of interest for Vietnamese travelers are Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau, Da Nang, Hanoi, and Da Lat.

Reflecting on these data results, Mr. Vu Ngoc Lam remarked, “The increased searches for travel to Vietnam are evidence of the appeal of Vietnam’s destinations for both international and domestic visitors. The data reflects a significantly increased interest in international destinations and the desire to explore the diverse landscapes and rich culture within Vietnam itself”.

@Znews

Apple Plans to Shift iPad Engineering Resources to Vietnam

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According to Nikkei Asia, Apple has, for the first time, allocated iPad product development resources to Vietnam, marking a significant move to strengthen the position of this Southeast Asian country.

In collaboration with BYD, a key iPad manufacturing partner, Apple has shifted New Product Introduction (NPI) resources to Vietnam. NPI is the collaborative process where technology companies work with suppliers on new product design and development to ensure functional designs. This marks the first instance of Apple transferring NPI resources to Vietnam for such a crucial device.

Sources informed Nikkei Asia that the technical appraisal process for the trial production of the iPad model is set to commence around mid-February 2024, with the model expected to be available in the second half of the following year.

BYD, Apple’s significant manufacturing partner, was also the first to relocate its iPad assembly line to Vietnam last year. However, this shift in NPI engineering resources focuses on lower-end models rather than the iPad Pro.

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The NPI process demands substantial resources from both technology companies and suppliers, including engineers and investments in lab equipment to test new features and functionality. Apple also plans to extend some iPhone NPI processes to India.

Data from IDC indicates that Apple is the world’s leading tablet maker, with a market share of 36.6% in the first three quarters of the year. Nevertheless, Counterpoint Research suggests that only about 10% of all iPads were produced in Vietnam this year, with the majority still manufactured in China.

Nikkei Asia observes that Vietnam is emerging as Apple’s most crucial production center outside of China. While Apple has urged suppliers to establish new production facilities for nearly all its products in Vietnam, excluding iPhones, the country is becoming increasingly central to Apple’s manufacturing strategy.

Ivan Lam, a technology analyst at Counterpoint Research, notes that Vietnam plays a pivotal role in Apple’s manufacturing strategy and has the potential to become a global manufacturing hub. He emphasizes that, given Vietnam’s current ideal production conditions and the lower difficulty level in iPad production, it is only a matter of time before Vietnam becomes an iPad production base, with an initial focus on non-professional products in sample form.

Bryan Ma, Vice President of IDC’s consumer device research, acknowledges that Vietnam is benefiting from the technology industry’s efforts to diversify the supply chain, encompassing not only tablets but also more complex products like personal computers.

Vincent Chen, President of CTBC Securities Investment Services, highlights the emergence of India and Vietnam as two crucial manufacturing ecosystems. He notes, however, that during the supply chain transition, Apple will continue to closely collaborate with Chinese suppliers.

As of now, Apple and BYD have not responded to Nikkei’s request for comments.