VIETNAM: NEW ERA

Vietnam’s economy recovered rapidly in the first half of this year after a challenging period in late 2022 and early 2023, thanks to the government’s drastic actions. Paulo Medas, head of the International Monetary Fund’s 2024 Article IV Mission to Vietnam, has spoken to Vietnam News Agency’s correspondents in Washington D.C.

Stemming from a love for heritage and a passion for sketching historical landmarks and ancient relics, the Hanoi Urban Sketching Group has recently embarked on a journey called "Heritage Journey – Returning to Ninh Bình."

Thirty years ago, at 7:07pm on May 27, 1994, the 500kV power transmission line system was officially put into operation. This was said to be a miracle of the 20th century since it set unprecedented records such as the length of nearly 1,500km, complex technology, and design and construction conducted concurrently in just two years.

In the first half of this year, Vietnam's exports to the Republic of Korea (RoK) reached some 12 billion USD, an increase of nearly 11% compared to the same period last year. Notably, Vietnamese farming produce is increasingly favored by Koreans.

According to an Expat Insider 2024 survey, Vietnam is the most affordable country for expats, ranking first in the survey’s Personal Finance Index among 53 destinations. This marks the fourth consecutive year that Vietnam has topped this category.

In the treasure trove of the nation's folk culture and art, Cheo singing (Vietnamese traditional opera) is a type of theater rich in national identity. It seamlessly combines various elements such as singing, dancing, music, and drama into a uniquely integrated form.

With its pristine and peaceful beauty, Xuan Thanh beach in Ha Tinh province is an ideal destination for tourists to relax during the hot summer days.

With positive results seen in the first half of this year, foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow in 2024 is hoped to hit 40 billion USD in the whole year, contributing to boosting the country’s growth.

Domestic individual investors hold more than 7.98 million accounts for securities trading as of the end of June, or 8% of Vietnam’s population.

Vietnam’s export value of pepper reached nearly 630 million USD in the first six months of 2024, an increase of over 30% compared to the same period in 2023.

On July 16, 1999, Hanoi became the first city in Asia to be awarded the title "City for Peace" by UNESCO. Over the past 25 years, Hanoi has undergone significant positive changes, becoming a "safe and friendly" destination.

Seventy years ago, the Geneva Agreement was signed, opening up a new chapter in the national struggle for liberation and reunification. The process of negotiating, signing, and implementing the agreement is a valuable handbook on Vietnamese foreign policy.

Vietnam’s total export-import turnover hit 368.53 billion USD in the first half of this year, up 15.7% year-on-year. Exports increased by 14.5% and imports by 17%. The trade balance showed a surplus of 11.63 billion USD.

In some villages, kite flying has become an indispensable pastime for many, especially children. Ba Duong Noi village in Hong Ha commune, Dan Phuong district, Hanoi, is one such place.

We're exploring one of the world's most breathtaking natural wonders: Ha Long Bay. Renowned for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands, Ha Long Bay is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Vietnam’s economy shows robust growth across sectors in the first half of the year.

Intricate costumes, from trousers, shirts to scarves and hats, are made of brocade fabrics by skilled residents and artisans of ethnic group Lo Lo in Meo Vac district, Ha Giang province. The exceptionally unique products are rich in the traditional culture of the ethnic group.

The supply of new apartments in Hanoi increased fourfold in the second quarter of 2024 from the previous quarter, according to CBRE Vietnam.

Vietnam's economy grew by 6.42% in the first six months of 2024, slightly lower than the figure of 6.58% in the same time of 2022 within the 2020-2024 period.

Thuy Xuan incense making village is not only a famous traditional craft village that is attached to the locals’ spiritual lives in the ancient capital of Hue, but also an attractive tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors.