Living quarters have been well planned but lack the electricity, water and finishing touches. — VNS Photo Lê Hoa By Vũ Lê Hoa As an avid traveller, I have set myself a target of visiting 100 countries around the world. North Korea stands at 67, so I’m two thirds there. On my list, I visited Latvia in the Baltics the year before, and last year I went to Mongolia. So this year, when a new tour to North Korea was announced after the unsuccessful Trump-Kim summit in Hà Nội, I boarded the first tour heading to Pyongyang. At 3am, we arrived at the airport. I had expected two groups of people on my tour: a group of wealthy elderly people visiting North Korea out of curiosity, and maybe younger people in their 30s or 40s who were single and wanted to tick off one more destination on their bucket lists. We flew from Hà Nội to Beijing, then Pyongyang, a secretive city … [Read more...] about Unveil the secrecy of North Korea
How poor is north korea
Why int’l experts say Vietnam should be economic model for North Korea?
The Hanoitimes - Vietnam and North Korea have similar background in national protection. But how they responded has set them on different paths after decades. Trump touts Vietnam's economy as model for North Korea The selection of Vietnam for the second summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has somewhat guided the possible reproduction of some economic models that have portrayed Vietnam one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Vietnamese President Nguyen Phu Trong and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Hanoi on March 1. Photo: VNS First of all, Vietnam serves as case study of foe-turned-ally. Vietnam and the US, once military enemies, are now parties in trade. Trade between Vietnam and the US has skyrocketed, growing from US$451 million in 1995 to roughly US$60 billion in 2018, according to the two countries' statistics. People in HCM City welcome US President Barack Obama in May 2016. … [Read more...] about Why int’l experts say Vietnam should be economic model for North Korea?
Why world experts say Vietnam should be economic model for North Korea?
The Hanoitimes - Vietnam and North Korea have similar background in national protection. But how they responded has set them on different paths after decades. Trump touts Vietnam's economy as model for North Korea The selection of Vietnam for the second summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has somewhat guided the possible reproduction of some economic models that have portrayed Vietnam one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Vietnamese President Nguyen Phu Trong and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Hanoi on March 1. Photo: VNS First of all, Vietnam serves as case study of foe-turned-ally. Vietnam and the US, once military enemies, are now parties in trade. Trade between Vietnam and the US has skyrocketed, growing from US$451 million in 1995 to roughly US$60 billion in 2018, according to statistics. People in HCM City welcome US President Barack Obama in May 2016. Photo: Soha … [Read more...] about Why world experts say Vietnam should be economic model for North Korea?
North Korea can learn from Vietnam’s achievements and its mistakes – VnExpress International
Raymond Mallon, economist When I first visited Viet Nam as an ADB economist in 1988, the country was facing a serious economic crisis. Weaknesses in the central planning development model and the ongoing U.S.-led economic embargo were compounded by a drastic reduction in external support from the former East European bloc. Poverty was widespread, there were food shortages, annual inflation was over 500 percent, and there was limited economic links with the rapidly developing neighboring countries. Vietnamese people and businesses had limited access to ideas, technology and capital from rapidly developing regional economies. Productivity, incomes and living standards were far behind most other countries. Recognising that the old development model was not achieving national social development objectives, Vietnamese leaders began looking at other options to national social and economic development goals. In particular, leaders studied the experiences of regional economies to … [Read more...] about North Korea can learn from Vietnam’s achievements and its mistakes – VnExpress International
Hanoians chuffed to host Trump-Kim summit
"I am happy and proud to see such a high-profile summit being held in Hanoi," said Nguyen Thi Yen, 25, employee of an international firm, said as she finished emailing a foreign partner. "It proves that our country is neutral, safe and effective in diplomacy." Yen felt Vietnam’s reputation will be boosted by hosting the event. Having followed the news about the previous Trump-Kim meeting, Yen was both curious and hopeful about the outcome of this summit. "I am looking forward to the result. It’s great if they can reach an agreement," Yen said. "I hope it can contribute to bringing peace to the region." Yen also said this event was an opportunity for Hanoi residents to show off their fast developing city to the two leaders and the rest of the world. "Some of my foreign friends think that Vietnam is very poor right now," said Yen, whose study and business trips to Europe and other Asian countries have allowed her to make many foreign friends and partners. "I think the summit … [Read more...] about Hanoians chuffed to host Trump-Kim summit