Germany hosts Vietnamese cultural festival in Berlin
| The 2023 cultural festival is held at the Dong Xuan Center in Berlin. Photo: VNA |
Berlin and the district of Lichtenberg will host the first "Living in Berlin" cultural festival on July 25-28 at the Dong Xuan Center in Berlin. Organized by Vietnamese entrepreneurs, the event will showcase Vietnamese pop culture through music, comedy, film, performing arts, and cuisine. It features up-and-coming Vietnamese artists who represent the mix of cultures growing up in Berlin. The opening press conference featured Vietnamese-German comedian Mai My. Martin Schaefer, Mayor of Lichtenberg, emphasized that the festival symbolizes decades of friendship and integration between Vietnam and Germany.
Laos and Vietnam to allow cross-border payments
Laos and Vietnam will launch cross-border payment services via QR code in the third quarter, it was announced at the 7th National Assembly of Laos. The initiative aims to boost tourism by allowing tourists to use smartphones to make payments without exchanging currency. The system, which will also be linked to Thailand, is designed to facilitate payments and remittances. Laos is fighting inflation, which reached 25.8% in May due to a weak local currency and rising agricultural prices, by encouraging businesses to open bank accounts.
50% reduction for 36 fees and charges from July
From July 1 to December 31, 2024, some 36 fees and charges will be slashed by 10-50%, according to a new circular issued by the Ministry of Finance to further resolve difficulties and support production and business activities. Specifically, the license fee for the establishment and operation of banks will be lowered by 50%, the fire prevention and firefighting design review fee will be reduced by 50%, and various other fees will be cut.
Foreign investment registered in Vietnam up 13% in 1H 2024
The Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment reported that the total registered foreign investment in the first half of 2024 was nearly US$15.2 billion, up 13.1% year-on-year. Implemented capital reached about US$10.84 billion, up 8.2% from the same period in 2023.
Nearly 1,540 new projects were registered with a total capital of nearly $9.54 billion, an increase of 18.9% in the number of projects and 46.9% in capital. Singapore led the way with $5.58 billion (36.7% of the total), followed by Japan, Hong Kong (China), South Korea, and China.
Danang joins global "Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces" initiative
The central city of Danang officially joined the global Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces initiative for women and girls on June 28. Launched by UN Women in 2011, the initiative aims to help local governments address sustainable development goals related to women and children. By joining, Danang will gain access to technical support and best practices from 56 cities worldwide.
The Danang's lead in coordinating with UN Women to implement the initiative is the municipal Women's Union. UN Women has also launched the "30 Bus 2030" campaign, which recognizes achievements in gender equality in Vietnam. Danang has implemented several measures to prevent violence against women and children, following Ho Chi Minh City, which joined the campaign in 2017.
Business concerns about AI
A seminar on the application of AI in business on June 28 highlighted that many Vietnamese businesses are reluctant to adopt AI due to fears of job loss among employees, while AI increases productivity. AI is widely used in fields such as engineering, banking, retail, healthcare, marketing, and education. However, many small and medium-sized enterprises in Vietnam fear AI will replace workers. Businesses are advised to view AI as a growth tool and train employees in AI skills to boost work efficiency.
Agricultural, forestry and aquatic exports up 62% in 1H 2024
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the total export revenue of agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products in the first half of this year is estimated at US$29.2 billion, up 19% year on year. The total import value of agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products reached about US$20.92 billion.
Seven products or product groups with export values exceeding $1 billion include coffee, rubber, rice, fruits and vegetables, cashew nuts, shrimp, and wood products. The United States, China, and Japan remain the top three export markets for Vietnam's agriculture, forestry, and seafood products.
Contest to raise awareness of gender equality attracts Vietnamese youth
The contest to create awareness-raising communication products on digital platforms about gender equality in ethnic minorities and mountainous areas is expected to attract Vietnamese youth and children at home and abroad.
Entries can be registered from June 28 to August 28 on the website: https://binhdanggioi.doanthanhnien.vn. This activity promotes the role and participation of young people in activities that foster gender equality and address issues related to female youth and children in ethnic minorities and mountainous areas.
