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
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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
Intel Capital invests in Vietnam for first time
Intel Capital, the investment arm of the world’s largest chipmaker, has announced it is pouring US$17 million into companies in Vietnam and Singapore, marking its first-ever investment in this country. The money will be split in undisclosed amounts between Vietnam Communications Corporation and Singapore’s Reebonz.com, Intel said during the World Economic Forum in Bangkok on May 31. The company called Southeast Asia one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for advanced technology, driven by robust economic growth and a rising middle class. “As a result, we’re seeing strong demand for e-commerce and cloud-based services across the region, and these investments will help to accelerate that trend,” said Gregory Bryant, vice president and general manager of Intel Asia-Pacific. Its Hanoi-based partner, an internet infrastructure and services company, declined to give a dollar figure for the investment. But, “It’s not a small sum,” the corporation’s deputy general director … [Read more...] about Intel Capital invests in Vietnam for first time
Defense leader meets with U.S. and U.N. officials
The Vietnamese general led a high-ranking Vietnamese military delegation to accompany Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh who was on his working trip to the U.S. to attend the ASEAN - U.S. Special Summit. On May 16, at the U.N. Headquarters, Sr. Lt. Gen. Pham Hoai Nam worked with General Birame Diop, military adviser and assistant secretary-general. At the meeting, the Vietnamese general thanked the U.N. for choosing and supporting Vietnam in deploying the Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 4 and the Engineering Company Rotation 1 to the U.N. peacekeeping missions in South Sudan (UNMISS) and Abyei (UNISFA). He hoped that the U.N. will continue backing Vietnam to deploy its military medical and engineering forces to suitable U.N. peacekeeping missions as well as to run for high positions at U.N. missions and headquarters. Gen. Nam suggested the U.N. expands cooperation in other fields with priority given to war legacy settlement, and humanitarian assistance and disaster consequence … [Read more...] about Defense leader meets with U.S. and U.N. officials
Vietnam attends int’l workshop on Algeria’s revolution
Jointly organized by the Ministry of War Veterans and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Committee of Algerians abroad, the event gathered hundreds of delegates from the Algerian government, historical witnesses of the Algerian revolution of various nationalities, and foreign researchers. Vietnam was one of the first countries to recognize the provisional government of Algeria (September 26, 1958), four years before the North African country actually gained independence. Participants discussed topics related to human values, the charters of the Algerian revolution and its role in strengthening relations with countries around the world. On the sidelines of the event, exhibitions are being arranged to introduce historical books and photos on friends of the Algerian revolution. Source: VNA … [Read more...] about Vietnam attends int’l workshop on Algeria’s revolution
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