Japanese tourism targets Vietnamese big spenders

A group of Vietnamese travelers in Japan. Photo: Flamingo Redtours

Japanese tour operators are targeting Vietnam's big spenders, said Shusuke Uchida, Deputy Chief Representative of the Japan National Tourism Organisation in Vietnam. The Japanese authorities will develop new high-end products and services for the growing number of wealthy individuals traveling in Japan.

According to the Japanese agency, Vietnamese travelers were the ninth largest spenders in Japan, purchasing goods and services worth a total of JPY87 billion (US$600 million) in 2019.

Vietjet opens Hanoi-Dien Bien route

Vietjet has opened direct flights between Hanoi and Dien Bien, expanding trade and tourism opportunities between the northwest region and the capital and the northern delta provinces.

The new route will commence operations on March 1, 2024, with a frequency of three return flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The flight will depart Hanoi at 09:30 and arrive in Dien Bien at 10:25, while the return flight will depart Dien Bien at 11:00 and arrive in Hanoi at 11:50.

Hanoi students resume English contest after pandemic

More than 1,200 secondary school students began qualifying for the Hanoi English Olympiad 2023-2024 on January 14, marking its return after being canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Of the total, 200 students will qualify for the finals on March 3. Prizes are worth more than VND2 billion (US$81,600).

The competition has been held every year since its first edition in 2003 until 2020.

Vietnam to complete Internet protocol change in 2025

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang has approved a master plan that aims to make Vietnam one of the world's top 20 countries in 2025 completing the transition of Internet connectivity from Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) to IPv6. The plan also outlines other goals, including the nationwide provision of internet connectivity, integrated IoT devices, and high-speed broadband following the development of two new international cable routes.

In addition, the government is eyeing the development of hyperscale data centers to boost the big data sector and encourage the growth of the national database.

Cashew exports to reach US$3.64 billion in 2023

Vietnam's cashew industry exceeded its annual plan by 18% in 2023, posting an export turnover of US$3.64 billion, the highest result in recent years.

In 2023, cashew exports to major markets such as the US, China, and the Netherlands recorded significant growth. The exports to the US grew 5% to US$885 million, accounting for nearly 25% of the total export value of this commodity.

Hanoi to complete thousands of social housing units in 2024

As part of its housing targets for 2024, Hanoi plans to complete nearly 1,200 social housing units for low-income earners. Based on the targets set by the Prime Minister's Project to build at least one million social housing units for low-income earners and workers in industrial zones in 2021-2025, about 428,000 units will be completed in Hanoi.

According to the Ministry of Construction, Vietnam has completed 70 projects with 35,566 housing units, reaching 8.3% of the target.