Effective policies and procedures

Illustrative image (Source: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam’s visa policy should be more open to lure international tourists , insiders have said. Although the country has offered unilateral visa exemption and e-visas, the policy is not competitive enough as the 15-day visa exemption has yet to satisfy the need of visitors from such markets as Europe, North America and Australia, who often stay from three to four weeks in Vietnam, according to the Ministry of Culture , Sports and Tourism (MCST). Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa said the ministry should propose the Government instruct the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to expand the list of countries and territories qualified for visa exemption and e-visa, and restore visa granting at border gates. She also suggested simplifying visa procedures for visitors who get infected with COVID-19 during their stay in Vietnam and undergo treatment in the Southeast Asian nation. The … [Read more...] about Relaxing visa policy to attract more foreign tourists: insiders

At a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam on Wednesday, Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa, director of the HCMC Department of Tourism, proposed the government order the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to consider waiving visas for more countries, instead of the present 24 . She also urged the government to extend visa-free stays for tourists from Western European countries from the current 15 to 30 days because Westerners tend to make longer trips, Vietnam News Agency reported. She also expected the government to simplify e-visa issuance procedures to facilitate tourist entry. Nguyen Thien Phuc, product manager of Ho Chi Minh City-based Vidotour Indochina Travel, also petitioned the government to remove visa obstacles to attract foreign tourists for the rest of the year. Nguyen Van Hung, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, admitted though Vietnam reopened its borders to foreign tourists, its visa policies are less attractive than neighboring countries. Earlier, he … [Read more...] about Tourism industry insiders urge govt to ease visa requirements

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc (front, second from left) greets economic security officials of the Economic Security Department on August 18. (Photo: VNA) On behalf of the Party and State leaders, the President offered congratulations on the 77th anniversary of the Traditional Day of the People’s Public Security Force (August 19). He highly valued the economic security force’s timely detection and effective settlement of complex issues emerging during the international economic integration process, as well as its firm safeguarding of the country’s independence and self-reliance during economic development, thus helping stamp out threats to national security and protect economic development policies in many important areas. The force has obtained numerous achievements in the crime fight while coordinating with ministries, sectors, and localities to protect economic resources for national development. President Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks at the meeting with the Economic Security … [Read more...] about State leader commends economic security force

In 2020, chairman Nguyen Van Dat appointed you as CEO of Phat Dat. Taking on this new responsibility, how did you feel back then? Throughout Phat Dat's 16-year history, the chairman and founder exerted his influence on every decision. In such a context, I found myself in a favourable situation thanks to the inherited strategic orientations from the chairman and the determined management team. Besides this, Phat Dat has embarked on an ambitious plan for 2019-2023 to restructure its investment portfolio, targeting billions USD in market cap and exceeding 50 per cent in compound growth rate. Growing up inside the organisation, I am enthusiastic about Phat Dat's development. My new task, which capitalises on the past achievements and simultaneously accompanies the chairman to write Phat Dat's further development, is really challenging. When I received the appointment decision, many thoughts crossed my mind. I immediately told myself that I must live well, grow strongly, and see … [Read more...] about Phat Dat’s strategy to successfully acquire new real estate projects

Electric motorbikes manufactured by Vinfast. Many UK businesses are looking into electric mobility industry in Vietnamwhich is expected to grow by double digits in the next few years. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Many British investors are seeking investment opportunities in Vietnam in the hope of cashing in on free trade agreements ( FTA s) that Vietnam has signed with the UK and other economies worldwide. The UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA), which officially took effect in May 2021, was one of the first trade deals inked by the UK after it left the European Union by the end of 2020, which reflected the importance of Vietnam in the UK’s trade policy. Bilateral trade and investment between the two economies have grown significantly with a growth rate of 17% last year. Data of the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment showed as of October 20, 2021, the UK had 439 valid projects amounting to nearly 4 billion USD in registered … [Read more...] about More British investors look at Vietnam to cash in on free trade agreements

Hanoi (VNA) – The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency on August 18. - President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Chairman of the National Defence and Security Council, had a meeting with the Economic Security Department of the Ministry of Public Security on August 18. He highly valued the economic security force’s timely detection and effective settlement of complex issues emerging during the international economic integration process, as well as its firm safeguarding of the country’s independence and self-reliance during economic development, thus helping stamp out threats to national security and protect economic development policies in many important areas. Read full story - The Vietnam – Cuba Friendship Association (VCFA) on August 17 sent out a letter calling for donations to Cuban people to help them overcome current difficulties. The VCFA will receive donations till August 31. Read full story -  The fire prevention and fighting … [Read more...] about ☕ Afternoon briefing on August 18