American Justin Douglas told VnExpress International he was glad to hear the test requirement went on May 15. "At this point I think Covid is endemic and that testing serves no significant purpose anymore besides presenting a bureaucratic hassle for traveling. "In addition to the high costs, there was the added stress of finding out where you can get a suitable test, and getting it at the right time." "Vietnam is my favorite country and I have been waiting to go back." Yves Badaroux also of the U.S. said he backed the government's decision as many countries across the world have already done so. "Removing the test conveys a message that the country really wants tourists to come back. "We plan to visit Vietnam in October and November. We miss Vietnam. We have been there five times already and cannot wait to come back." Singaporean Ben Teh said: "This is great news. We don't have to bother to get a PCR or antigen rapid test done because it's really costly and makes no … [Read more...] about Foreigners happy as Vietnam lifts Covid testing requirement
Travel industry
Traditional fish sauce craft village facing risks of production stoppage
Empty fish sauce containers at Ba Hai fish sauce factory Currently, dozens of fish sauce production facilities are having hundreds of empty fish salt containers, the traditional fish sauce craft village has been facing risks of production stoppage, and the supply of traditional fish sauce products is in danger of being disrupted in the area. In the context that the consumption of traditional fish sauce is increasing strongly when the country’s economy in general and tourism, in particular, recover after the pandemic, the shortage of fish for fish sauce production is alarming as scores of fish sauce production establishments in Phan Thiet city have been awaiting fish supply. From the beginning of the year until now, about 40 percent of the fish sauce containers at Ba Hai traditional fish sauce factory in Phu Hai Ward in Phan Thiet City has been empty because there is no source of anchovies for the production of fish sauce, a staple found on tables up and down the country. … [Read more...] about Traditional fish sauce craft village facing risks of production stoppage
Vĩnh Phúc making most of SEA Games to boost tourism
Đầm Vạc Golf Course where the SEA Games 31's golf tournament takes place. — VNA/VNS Photo Hoàng Hùng VĨNH PHÚC — The northern province of Vĩnh Phúc, which will host competitions for Muay Thai and Golf at the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31), has organised a number of exciting activities to promote the province's culture and tourism. The provincial Tourism Promotion and Information Centre has worked with local businesses to promote travel services, tours, ‘One Commune, One Products’ (OCOP) programme, and local specialities at competition venues, making it easier for sports fans and tourists to get information, travel advice, and guidance. In addition, the centre also collaborated with local travel agencies to build intra-provincial trips and send guides to take tourists to three of Vĩnh Phúc's most popular tourist attractions: Tây Thiên landscape complex, Tam Đảo tourism area, and the eco-tourism area of Đại Lải Lake. Tam Đảo is a famous tourist destination in Vĩnh … [Read more...] about Vĩnh Phúc making most of SEA Games to boost tourism
PM Chinh meets US business community
He was speaking during a meeting with the US business community in Washington DC on May 12 (US time), as part of the Vietnamese leader’s trip to the US. The meeting was held by the US-ASEAN Business Council and the US Chamber of Commerce. PM Chinh affirmed that Vietnam always considers the US as a leading, important partner. He said the impressive growth of bilateral trade of between 17-20 per cent a year proves that there remains ample room for economic development between the two countries. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh meets US investors and business leaders in Washington DC on May 12 (US time) — VNA/VNS Photo Vietnam is the ninth largest trading partner of the US. Two-way trade turnover between the two countries in 2021 reached nearly US$112 billion in spite of difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the PM said. PM Chinh added that Vietnam is focusing on technology renovation, digital transformation and diversification of the supply chain. The … [Read more...] about PM Chinh meets US business community
Visitors to Vietnam no longer required Covid-19 testing
The latest decision is expected to boost the traveling of visitors to Vietnam in the context that the country's Covid-19 infections have dropped to a 10-month low. Vietnam has removed the pre-entry Covid-19 testing requirements for all arrivals, starting today [May 15], according to a recent government’s instruction. It comes as the numbers of Covid-19 infections and deaths drop both in Vietnam and around the world. Vietnam has reported no Covid-19 related deaths over the past week while infections fell to a 10-month low of around 1,800 cases per day. In an official document issued this weekend, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh cited a World Health Organization (WHO)’s report that the pandemic has tended to subside worldwide, shown by the reducing number of new contractions and fatalities, and that the vaccines are still effective against variants of the novel coronavirus. In such context, many countries have been taking steps to ease Covid-19 restrictions, including removing … [Read more...] about Visitors to Vietnam no longer required Covid-19 testing
Top legislator meets with voters in Hai Phong
During the meeting, N.A. Chairman Hue briefed participants on the recent socio-economic situation as the COVID-19 pandemic has gradually been put under control, saying that most industries and fields tend to recover and grow again. He emphasized the importance of maintaining macroeconomic stability in the long term, stating that more efforts are needed to achieve the set targets for the whole year. Voters at the event spoke highly of the recent sessions of the 15th N.A., expressing their support and confidence in the Party and State's anti-corruption effort. The legislative body issued the anti-corruption law and many legal documents, creating a solid legal foundation for the fight against corruption, contributing to strengthening the people's trust, they said. Taking note of the opinions of voters, the N.A. Chairman said that a project to continue improving the quality of the N.A.’s sessions needs more time to prepare, and the central role of N.A. deputies should be upheld in … [Read more...] about Top legislator meets with voters in Hai Phong