VIETNAM: NEW ERA

Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long has signed a decision approving a scheme on global integration in education and training until 2030, aimed at fostering socio-economic development, people-to-people diplomacy and international cooperation across various sectors.

The statistical visualisation platform Seasia Stats recently ranked Vietnam among the top 15 economies in Asia, with projected economic output reaching some 506 billion USD in 2025.

On December 15, 2024, the United Kingdom became the first European nation to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), officially becoming the trade bloc's 12th member.

The statistical visualisation platform Seasia Stats recently ranked Vietnam among the top 15 economies in Asia, with projected economic output reaching some 506 billion USD in 2025.

Specialised agencies have recently announced the discovery of 112 new species in Vietnam, including 106 endemic species.

Ha Long Bay, a breathtaking gem of Vietnam, was recognised as a World Natural Heritage site three decades ago, on December 17, 1994. This 30-year milestone not only marks a moment of pride for Vietnam but also underscores the immense responsibility that comes with safeguarding such a natural treasure.

According to a Nielsen IQ Vietnam survey, Vietnamese consumers spend an average of 13 hours per week watching livestream sales. The country ranks 11th globally for online shopping activity.

As of November 30, 2024, the total newly registered capital, adjusted capital, and capital contributions or share purchases by foreign investors in Vietnam reached nearly 31.4 billion USD, up 1% increase compared to the same period last year.

The southeastern region, the economic heart of the country, is riding a wave of profound growth model transformation, with the development of multiple high-tech and sustainable industrial parks.Innovative and sustainable growth models are being applied widely.  

In the first 11 months of this year, Vietnam’s total import-export turnover reached 715.55 billion USD, up 15.4% against the same period last year, of which exports rose by 14.4% and imports up 16.4%. In the reviewed period, Vietnam enjoyed a trade surplus of 24.31 billion USD.

Coffee prices have increased by over 50% on average this year, enabling the export revenue to potentially surpass 5 billion USD for the first time.

Hanoi achieves rather comprehensive results in its socio-economic development in 2024, with 23/24 targets completed or exceeded.

Quang Trach – Pho Noi 500kV circuit-3 power transmission line is a key project with a total investment of nearly 880 million USD. Spanning 9 provinces, the 519-km power transmission line plays an important role in enhancing the operational stability for the electricity supply system in the north in 2024 and following years, contributing to ensuring the national energy security.

In the first 11 months of 2024, Vietnam welcomed more than 15.8 million international visitors, up 41% over the same period last year. Visitors by continent included: Asia (12.61 million), Europe (1.78 million), and America (0.91 million), among others.

Nearly 80% of foreign arrivals in Vietnam so far this year hailed from Asia, with a significant 60% coming from the Republic of Korea, China, Taiwan (China), and Japan.

An international conference on rural tourism is taking place in Hoi An ancient town in the central province of Quang Nam on December 9-11.

With its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural diversity, Vietnam was named the “World’s Leading Heritage Destination” for the fifth time at the 2024 World Travel Awards. The awards ceremony took place on the evening of November 24, in Portugal.

Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long has signed the Prime Minister’s directive on accelerating workforce training for semiconductor industry and core digital technology sectors.

The Ba Chua Xu (Holy Mother of the Realm) Festival at Sam mountain in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang was officially recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage of humanity at the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Paraguay on December 4. With this recognition, the festival has become the 16th intangible cultural heritage element of Vietnam recognised by UNESCO.

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has just revealed its list of 100 most inspiring and influential women for 2024 from around the world. This year’s list celebrates those who – through their resilience – are pushing for change, as the world changes around them. Vietnamese film director Xuan Phuong was honored in the category of culture and education.