Apple sees Vietnam as an important link in its global value chain: CEO Tim Cook

Vietnam is one of the key links in Apple's global value chain, CEO Tim Cook said at a meeting with State President Vo Van Thuong in San Francisco on November 16 (local time). Multinational technology group Apple now operates several factories in Vietnam to produce Macbook laptops, Ipad and Apple Watch.

Tim said that Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing digital economies with high-quality engineers and technicians. He suggested that Vietnam improve its 5G-based technology infrastructure and complete the rules for the development of the digital economy. On the same day, President Thuong met with Brendon Nelson, Senior Vice President of the US-based Boeing Company.

Danang ranks second in 11 Best Places to Go in Asia

The beach city of Danang. Photo: danangfantasticity.vn

The beach city of Danang ranked second in the list of the 11 best places to visit in Asia in 2024, published by the US travel magazine CNTraveller on November 15. The list was selected based on new experiences, events and accommodation options. World travel experts praise the beaches in the "City of Bridges" and its prime location near the ancient city of Hoi An and the former capital of Hue.

Proposal to waive short-term visas for Chinese and Indian tourists

At a recent tourism conference, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung proposed that the government waive short-term visas for visitors from large and potential markets such as China and India to stimulate tourism demand. Vietnam will also promote and market promotion in various markets, including India, Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, Western Europe, North America, Australia and the Middle East.

In January-October, Vietnam welcomed nearly 10 million international visitors, an increase of 4.6 times year-on-year, exceeding the annual target. However, this number is still far from the 18 million before the Covid 19.

Cinnamon exports up nearly one-fifth in January-October

Vietnam exported nearly 80,000 tons of cinnamon worth US$220.3 million in January-October, according to the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association. The figures were up 19% year-on-year in volume but down 1.3% year-on-year in value. The average export price fell 17% year-on-year to nearly $2,950 per ton.

The largest export market for Vietnamese cinnamon was India, which bought 44% of Vietnam's total cinnamon exports. In 2022, Vietnam had the largest share of the global cinnamon market, selling $292 million worth of products around the world.

Nearly 300,000 people registered for public bicycles in Ho Chi Minh City

The pilot model of the public bicycle service is launched in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: congan.com.vn

From December 16, 2021, to October 31, 2023, the public bicycle service in Ho Chi Minh City has attracted nearly 300,000 registered users with over 475,000 trips, according to the city's Department of Transport. 

In addition to the existing 43 bicycle stations, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee recently approved the plan to open 16 new stations in District 1 and 11 in Phu Nhuan and Go Vap districts to improve connectivity with bus services and the planned HCMC Metro Line 1, which is expected to be operational in 2024.

Energy efficiency project launched for Vietnamese industrial enterprises

The Ministry of Industry and Trade and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) launched a project in Hanoi this week to accelerate energy efficiency in large industrial enterprises. The project is part of the EU-supported Vietnam-EU Sustainable Energy Transition Program (SEPT) and will last five years.

The project consists of three main components that focus on improving the legal system, implementing capacity-building programs, and implementing energy efficiency in local industrial enterprises.