Because of strict visa policies, promotions to attract international tourists have not been as effective as expected, according to many businesses. Enterprises have made huge investments to welcome back tourists, but such illogical visa policies may slow down the tourism recovery pace. Being confused and facing difficulties Many travel companies in Da Nang City told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that visa policies for foreign tourists were still their biggest concern. Before the COVID-19 outbreak, Vietnam offered the visa waiver policy for citizens of many countries and the normal visa approval period was three to five days (visas which were valid for 30 days). However, the list of countries whose citizens are entitled to Vietnam’s visa waiver policy has been shortened and the visa processing period has been lengthened, putting enterprises at a disadvantage. Cao Tri Dung, chairman of the Da Nang Tourism Association, said that after the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of … [Read more...] about Strict visa policies hinder international guests from visiting Vietnam
Improving competitiveness of vietnams private firms
Effective policy implementation crucial for Vietnam to reach high-income status by 2045: WB
Institutions have become a major impediment to the nation’s aspiration to reach high income by 2045. Vietnam needs to shift its economic growth model and improve the government’s capacity to implement economic policy reforms and public investments, realizing its aspiration of reaching high-income status by 2045, a World Bank Group report says. Overview of the report launch. The World Bank Group’s Systematic Country Diagnostic Update, themed "How Will Vietnam Blossom? Reforming Institutions for Effective Implementation,” emphasizes that Vietnam's traditional growth model faces major challenges from the Covid-19 pandemic, slowing globalization, and the country’s increasing vulnerability to external shocks, especially climate risks. After identifying a series of policy responses and reform priorities, many of which are not new, the report argues that adapting institutions will be the key to success. “Vietnam’s GDP per capita has increased fivefold over the … [Read more...] about Effective policy implementation crucial for Vietnam to reach high-income status by 2045: WB
PepsiCo Foundation funds expansion of She Feeds the World programme
The MoU was signed between the Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture in Vietnam, the National Agriculture Extension, and CARE, paving the way forward for the rollout of the Farming for Change – She Feeds the World project in Vietnam (SFtW Vietnam). The project aims to ensure small-scale farmers in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, particularly women and ethnic minorities, have more secure and resilient livelihoods for food, nutrition, and water security. The Central Highlands in Vietnam are a major agricultural hub, producing key food crops. However, the agricultural system in the region faces serious environmental, economic, and societal issues, including unsustainable agricultural practices and weak market linkage. The overuse of pesticides, fertilisers, and water resources are lowering the productivity of the land which is further exacerbated when farmers sell their products to local collectors who have limited bargaining power, earning them lower incomes. This particularly … [Read more...] about PepsiCo Foundation funds expansion of She Feeds the World programme
Vietnamese premier discusses innovation, startup cooperation with US businesses
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended a forum on innovation and startups with leading U.S. firms in San Francisco, California on Tuesday morning (local time) within the framework of his working visit. During the event, which was organized by the Asia Society Northern California, PM Chinh stated that Vietnam identifies science and technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship as important driving forces for development in the new era. Startup collaboration between Vietnamese and U.S. partners should focus on climate change response, digital transformation, technology transformation, and supply chain diversification, he continued. Attention should also be paid to the innovation and startup movement among young people. The premier went on to discuss with leaders of major U.S. businesses about opportunities for cooperation in innovation, science, and technology. The Vietnamese government is improving mechanisms and policies to welcome new startups, he stated, adding … [Read more...] about Vietnamese premier discusses innovation, startup cooperation with US businesses