A woman uses the Traveloka app to book a hotel online. Digital transformation as well as enhancing cooperation in the digital environment is the right choice for organisations, businesses, and digital service providers to strive to maintain operations in order to adapt flexibly and develop sustainably.Huynh Thi Mai Thy, Country Manager Traveloka Vietnam, said in the first half of this year, Vietnam welcomed around 413,000 foreigners and 60.8 million domestic visitors. The total tourism revenue reached 265 trillion VND. In addition, the volume of international searches for Vietnamese tourism has continued to surge, with one of the highest increases in the world, according to Google’s market trend tracker tool.Vietnam has also stepped up eight places in the 2021 Tourism and Travel Development Index (TTDI), according to the World Economic Forum (WEF) Report which was conducted based on enabling environment, travel and tourism policy and enabling conditions, infrastructure, travel and tourism demand drivers, travel and tourism sustainability. Digital transformation is more than just a temporary solution for the pandemic disruption, but is also a long-term journey for the whole tourism sector to develop sustainably./.

Permanent Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man (R) receives First Vice President of the Belgian Senate Andries Gryffroy (Photo: VNA)In its foreign policy , Vietnam always treasures its comprehensive partnership and cooperation with the European Union ( EU ) as well as Belgium and other EU member nations, Permanent Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man said at a reception for visiting First Vice President of the Belgian Senate Andries Gryffroy in Hanoi on November 16.Man highly appreciated Gryffroy's important contributions to promoting Vietnam-Belgium and Vietnam -EU relations, saying that Vietnam wishes to receive more support from Belgium in promoting stronger and more effective cooperative ties with the union.He thanked the Belgian government, parliament and people for donating 100,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine to Vietnam at the toughest time of the COVID-19 pandemic in September 2021.The Vice Chairman hoped that Belgian parliamentarians would continue to prompt the Belgian Parliament and parliaments of EU member states to soon ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), and promote the effective implantation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), thus creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese goods and agricultural products to enter the EU market.Man suggested the two sides enhance cooperation, effectively implement bilateral mechanisms, maintain the exchange of all-level delegations, and closely coordinate at multilateral forums, especially the ASEAN - EU Summit; foster the sharing of experience in law-making, supervision and decision-making.For his part, Gryffroy said he is delighted at the fruitful development in the relationship between the two countries and their legislative bodies in the recent past.He affirmed that the signing of the EVFTA and EVIPA is important to promoting the bilateral relations, bringing practical benefits to Vietnamese and European people.Agreeing with the Vietnamese leader's proposals, Gryffroy expressed his hope that the two sides will work closely to promote cooperation and the exchange of delegations between the legislative bodies of the two countries, helping to deepen the Vietnam - Belgium relations./.

National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue (R) shakes hands with newly-appointed French Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolas Warnery. (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam always attaches importance to its comprehensive partnership and cooperation with the European Union (EU), France and other EU members, National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue told newly-appointed French Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolas Warnery. The NA Chairman congratulated Warnery on his appointment as the French Ambassador to Vietnam and earlier the Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City. President of the French Senate Gérard Larcher is looking forward to his official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of Hue, the diplomat said, adding that the embassy and the French Senate are actively preparing for the trip. He expressed the belief that Larcher’s visit will contribute to deepening the Strategic Partnership between the two countries and the friendship and cooperation between their legislatures./.

Khanh Hoa issues master plan for Nha Trang Bay restorationThe People's Committee of Khanh Hoa south-central province has just issued a master plan to preserve and restore coral reefs in Nha Trang Bay. They will strengthen control over aquaculture activities in Nha Trang Bay; patrol and strictly protect Hon Mun conservation area, and promptly detect and handle violations of the environmental law in the Nha Trang Bay area. The Nha Trang city People's Committee and Nha Trang Bay Management Board will co-organise the plan implementation. The Institute of Fisheries Science and Technology under Nha Trang University will test coral restoration by using "Biorock" technology in Nha Trang Bay. She finished as second runner-up at Miss Globe Vietnam 2022 and is representing Vietnam at Miss Tourism International.

As of October, Hong Kong was the fifth largest investors of Vietnam, with 2,133 projects worth 28.9 billion USD, Thuy noted. The official said that along with organising activities to popularise products and market of Vietnam as well as investment environment to Hong Kong businesses, the Vietnam Trade Office in Hong Kong has provided domestic firms with consultations and information on the Hong Kong market. Along with close geographical distance that is convenient for the transportation of goods, Vietnam has enjoyed favourable tax policies of Hong Kong without any trade barriers, Thuy said. The four-day event, which commenced at the Vietnam National University of Forestry on Monday, involves representatives from the Ministry of Environment and National Resources, the Vietnam Administration of Forestry, the Vietnam National University of Forestry (VNUF), and the international organisations including WWF and IUCN Vietnam. Vietnam University of Fine Arts opens dual exhibitionsTwo exhibitions are taking place in parallel at the Việt Nam University of Fine Arts, showcasing art by both lecturers and students.

Nhi Thang family (Photo: JNTO)– The Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) in Vietnam on November 15 launched a campaign to promote Japanese tourism in the Southeast Asian nation, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties (1973-2023).During this campaign, “ Nhi Thang family ”, including renowned singer Dong Nhi, businessman Ong Cao Thang and their daughter Winnie, is appointed as the Japan tourism ambassador.Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Takio Yamada said he believes the campaign will contribute to boosting Vietnamese people's demand to travel to Japan, and create momentum towards the 50th anniversary next year.Deputy head of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Pham Van Thuy said that there are more and more Japanese people visiting Vietnam, and vice versa.In the first nine months of 2022, Vietnam welcomed 2.1 million foreign tourists, of whom nearly 97,000 come from Japan.According to the JNTO, a wide range of activities will be held to encourage more Japanese holidaymakers to travel to the Southeast Asian nation./.

An overview of UN General Assembly’s 11th Emergency Special Session. (Photo: VNA)Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang , Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations. (Photo: VNA)- Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), has stressed the need to give the top priority to ending the conflict, restoring peace, and protecting security and safety of civilians and civil infrastructure facilities in Ukraine Addressing the UN General Assembly’s 11th Emergency Special Session on the Ukrainian situation on November 14, Giang said that the parties involved need to persistently promote dialogues and negotiations to find a long-term peaceful solution to disagreements on the basis of conformity to and respect for international law and the UN Charter, with their legitimate interests and concerns taken into account, for peace and stability in the region and the world.Having experienced decades-long struggles for national independence and independence protection, Vietnam is deeply aware of the importance of overcoming war consequences to reconstruct the country, maintain sustainable peace and stabilise people's lives, he said.Therefore, Vietnam believes that in all conflicts, relevant parties and international partners should make every effort to contribute to the settlement of war consequences, in accordance with international law, he stressed.Emphasising the importance of ensuring the urgent humanitarian needs of people, the Vietnamese representative stated that the support of the international community is very necessary, and affirmed Vietnam is willing to make active contributions to the diplomatic process, and reconstruction and recovery in Ukraine.At the session, the UN General Assembly adopted a text titled “Furtherance of remedy and reparation for aggression against Ukraine” with 94 votes in favour, 14 against, and 73 abstentions./.

Vietnamese products showcased at the fair (Photo: VNA)More than 10 Vietnam ese enterprises are showcasing their products at the 41st India International Trade Fair ( IITF ), the biggest of its kind in South Asia, which began in New Delhi on November 14.The firms joined about 2,500 participants from India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belarus, Iran, Nepal, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, and Britain, among others.In addition, dozens of businesses from Vietnam have registered to visit and study the market at the event.Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Hai stated the embassy always supports and accompanies Vietnamese enterprises to study the Indian market and expand their operation there.The IITF is set to last until November 27, with various B2B and B2C activities across all fields to be held./.

Doan Quang Hoan (R) receives an insignia after finishing his working terms at RRB (Photo: VNA)- Vietnam has played an increasingly positive role in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and made deeper engagement in the union's activities, according to Doan Quang Hoan, who has just finished his mission at the union's Radio Regulations Board (RRB),Hoan, former Director of the Authority of Radio Frequency Directorate under the Ministry of Information and Communications, served at the RRB, an important body of the UTU, for two consecutive tenures from 2015-2022.He is also the first representative of Vietnam at the RRB which has 12 members from five different parts of the world.Hoan said during his working tenures, he was actively involved in the RRB meetings and discussions. This means from the position of a country with only proposing ideas, Vietnam has contributed to the decision-making process of this body, he said.He said that he jointly proposed and had an important voice in promulgating a rule of procedure that will allow Vietnam to protect two geostationary satellite orbit positions that the is using with only one satellite, while successfully supporting many proposals of developing countries in Southeast Asia such as Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, as well as African countries.Vietnam has joined major ITU conferences such as the Plenipotentiary Conference, World Telecommunications Development Conference , and World Radiocommunication Conference, and made constructive voices at the events, he said.Particularly in the field of radio communication, Vietnam has contributed many experts in the position of vice-chairmen of ITU's research groups on frequency management, terrestrial mobile communications, and satellite communications. It is also actively participating in the development of international rules of the game in the field of telecommunications, not just waiting for the implementation of the rules drafted by other countries, Hoan said.He also shared experience, especially for Vietnamese youngsters, in working in Geneva, where the headquarters of the UN and more than 30 international organisations are located, as well as skills they must have to seek a job as an expert in Geneva.He advised State management agencies to make plans to train young officials for the UN, and expressed his hope that more Vietnamese will be elected and recruited to major international organisations./.

Collins Chong Yew Keat, lecturer of the University of Malaysia (Photo: VNA)– Vietnam always makes positive contributions to the ASEAN cooperation, according to an expert.Not a member right after the establishment of the regional grouping, yet Vietnam is always fully aware the important role of ASEAN, and strives to cement solidarity in the bloc as well as its centrality, said Collins Chong Yew Keat , lecturer of the University of Malaysia, to the Vietnam News Agency.The expert also spoke highly of Vietnam’s viewpoint on pushing ASEAN cooperation , making it a regional platform in building on trust, helping maintain peace and prevent threats in the region. Vietnam has proved itself a member with responsible and effective contributions to the region, not only in the field of developing economic power but also settling both traditional and non-traditional challenges, he stressed.Vietnam has also taken an active part in intra-bloc and trans-border economic and trade initiatives, thereby helping those countries achieve economic benefits and boosting the trade of the bloc with partners, the expert highlighted./.

– The national COVID-19 caseload rose to 11,508,447 with 227 new cases recorded on November 12, according to the Ministry of Health With 198 patients given the all clear during the day, the number of recoveries rose to 10,605,867.Meanwhile, there are 68 patients needing breathing support.No death from COVID-19 was recorded in the past 24 hours. The total fatalities stood at 43,166.As many as 63,818 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered so far./.

He vowed to assist ASEAN in building the Community and upholding its role in regional and global forums. ASEAN and China remain the top trade partners of each other with two-way trade hitting 669 billion USD and China’s foreign direct investment (FDI) into ASEAN reaching 13.6 billion USD last year. ASEAN proposed China expand coordination in digital transformation, digital economy, climate change response, energy transition, green and sustainable development. ASEAN and the UN pledged to strengthen coordination to effectively implement the Roadmap for Mutual Assistance for the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the UN Agenda for Sustainable Development till 2030. The block affirmed its readiness to play a constructive role and facilitate dialogues among stakeholders in mechanisms chaired by ASEAN./.

Hanoi (VNA) – Minister of Public Security Gen. To Lam has expressed his hope that new Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam Kees van Baar, with his experience, will contribute to further strengthening friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the Netherlands. During a reception in Hanoi on November 11, Lam said since the establishment of diplomatic ties on April 9, 1973, Vietnam and the Netherlands have witnessed growing friendship and cooperation in the fields of politics, diplomacy, economy, trade, education and training. They have regularly maintained high-level visits and exchanges, conducted diverse activities to raise mutual understanding, and broaden collaboration in priority areas. At the same time, ties between the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and Dutch law enforcement agencies have been increasingly tightened in various fields, particularly in crime prevention and control. The two sides have maintained and promoted the exchange of high-level delegations and experts to discuss and launch specific cooperation contents.

Vietnam sends representative to Miss World University 2022Vietnamese beauty Ha Phuong is set to represent Vietnam at the upcoming Miss World University 2022 beauty pageant. Most notably, she competed in Miss World Vietnam 2022 and finished in the top 5 of the Miss Talent segment. Addressing problems from water security, water supply safety, floods in urban areas, and wastewater treatment is a challenge for the Vietnamese water industry, Hương said. Delivering an opening remark at the Vietnam Water Week on Thursday, Nguyễn Ngọc Điệp, chairman of the Vietnam Water Supply and Sewerage Association (VWSA), said safety and security in water sector activities are as important as other factors, such as poverty reduction and improvement of life quality, and serves as a foundation for other development goals of each country. The Ministry of Construction and Vietnam Water Supply and Sewerage Association organised the event from November 9 to 11.

An overview of the meeting (Photo: VNA)– Measures to remove obstacles in procedures in applying for work permits and visas for foreign labourers , especially those from the Republic of Korea (RoK), were discussed at an event in Ho Chi Minh City on November 10.Cao Thi Phi Van, Vice Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC), said that since Vietnam and the RoK set up diplomatic relations in 1992, their partnership has grown fast and strongly, especially in investment and trade.She noted that RoK’s investment in Ho Chi Minh City has risen impressively recently despite impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.As of October 2022, the RoK had been the largest investor in the city with 2,027 projects worth over 5.4 billion USD, accounting for 9.81% of the total FDI amount.She noted that the local administration has provided great support to foreign enterprises, while improving its business environment to attract more investors.Han Jae-jin, Vice President of the Korea Chamber of Business and Industry in the South & Middle of Vietnam (KOCHAM), highly valued the local administration’s efforts and its willingness to listen to and support businesses in dealing with their difficulties.At the meeting, Korean firms suggested that immigration management agencies of Vietnam allow them to use visa application service or designate reputable service companies to carry out the application process.Nguyen Phan Hoa, deputy head of the Foreigner Management Division at the Vietnam Immigration Department in Ho Chi Minh City, said that the Immigration Law of Vietnam stipulates that guaranteeing agencies, organisations and individuals must directly submit dossiers at the Immigration Department. If there are difficulties in preparing documents, businesses can contact consulting services for assistance, he said.Hoa also answered questions on what cases dossiers must be submitted at the Immigration Division and what case at the Immigration Department, the extension of visas for processing work permit application.Nguyen Van Lam, Vice Director of the HCM City Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, said that the department is preparing to provide level-4 online public services, allowing the issuance of work permits online, which means people can submit their dossiers and receive response at home.This will help limit problems arising during direct contact and enhancing transparency during the process, thus creating favourable conditions for businesses and investors to invest in the city, he said./.