Vietnam News Today (Jul. 21): Hoi An, Phu Quoc Listed Among World’s Leading Destinations by US Magazine

Covid-19 vaccination. Photo: VNA

Vietnam records 1,162 new Covid-19 cases on July 20

Vietnam reported 1,162 new Covid-19 cases on July 20, lifting the country’s total caseload since the pandemic broke out to 10,763,694.

The same day, 9,072 patients were declared to be free from coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, raising the total number of recoveries to 9,832,646.

Meanwhile, the death toll from the disease was still kept at 43,091, accounting for 0.4% of the total infections, as no fatality was logged on the day, cited VNA.

So far, nearly 240.47 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been administered.

Vietnam, Indonesia set sights on US$15 billion trade by 2028

Vietnam and Indonesia will ramp up bilateral cooperation across various fields to raise their two-way trade value to US$15 billion by 2028.

The agreement was reached during the fourth meeting of the Vietnam – Indonesia Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation held in Jakarta on July 20. The meeting was co-hosted by Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and his Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son who is in Jakarta for a three-day visit.

The two sides shared the view that the relations between Vietnam and Indonesia have developed positively, especially since the two countries established their strategic partnership in June 2013.

Despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the two sides have maintained contact and high-level exchanges of visits in a flexible form, contributing to increasing trust and political cohesion.

The two FMs brief media workers on the results of the meeting. Photo: VOV

Notably, progress has been made in enhancing bilateral economic and trade cooperation, with two-way trade last year hitting US$11.5 billion, a year-on-year rise of 40% and exceeding the US$10 billion target set for 2019 - 2023.

In the first six months of 2022, their trade turnover hit US$6.9 billion, up 24% over the same period in 2021.

The two sides have well implemented the Joint Vision Statement on Defense Cooperation for 2017 - 2022 and regularly maintained cooperation mechanisms between the two Defense Ministries.

Progress has also been made in other cooperation areas such as agriculture, fisheries, energy, aviation, culture, education-training and tourism, according to VOV.

To bring into full play the recorded gains, the two sides agreed to increase exchanges and contact at all levels, maintain the effectiveness of existing cooperation mechanisms, and encourage the resumption of art and people-to-people exchanges, especially in 2023 when Vietnam and Indonesia celebrate 10 years of their strategic partnership.

The two sides consented to increase defense cooperation, focusing on well implementing the Joint Vision Statement on Defense Cooperation for 2017-2022, sharing information and coordinating closely in the fight against transnational crimes.

To meet the US$15 billion trade target set for 2028, the two sides will soon convene the eighth meeting of the Joint Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, create favourable conditions for enterprises of the two countries to get involved in import – export activities, and seek opportunities to expand and diversify investment, especially in potential fields such as fisheries, infrastructure construction, renewable energy, digital transformation, among others.

Minister Bui Thanh Son suggested that the two countries work closely together to cope with the risk of a global food crisis. He also suggested that Indonesia limit the application of trade remedies to Vietnamese exports, soon sign a cooperation document on rice trading for the next four years, and support Halal products of Vietnamese origin in accessing its market.

The two sides consented to encourage their airlines to increase frequency and consider opening new routes connecting their major tourist destinations. They also agreed to promote the exchange of culture, trade, and tourism activities between localities of the two countries.

Exchanging views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, the two FMs highly appreciated the coordination of the two countries at multilateral organizations and forums, contributing to strengthening the solidarity and central role of ASEAN, as well as to maintaining peace, stability, cooperation and development regionally and globally.

They vowed to continue strengthening coordination and mutual support within the framework of ASEAN, the United Nations and other regional and international mechanisms. They reaffirmed their support for maintaining ASEAN’s unity and agreed principles regarding the East Sea issue, in accordance with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The two FMs signed the minutes of meeting and agreed to hold the next meeting in Vietnam in 2024 or 2025.

Hoi An, Phu Quoc listed among world’s leading destinations by US magazine

The ancient Hoi An town in Vietnam’s central province of Quang Nam has found itself voted to the 20th place in a new global listing of 25 best cities chosen by readers of US magazine Travel + Leisure.

Readers ranked the cities based on factors such as the quality of hotels and restaurants, cultural heritage, attractions, cuisine, and Covid-19 protocols.

Oaxaca in Mexico was voted the best city with a score of 92.96. San Miguel de Allende in Mexico came second followed by Ubud in Indonesia.

Hoi An used to be a busy international commercial port from the 16th to 19th centuries, attracting merchant ships from China and Japan. It is a World Heritage site recognised by UNESCO.

Phu Quoc island. Photo: VNA

Meanwhile, Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island off the southern province of Kien Giang, has been selected one of 25 best islands in the world by readers of the magazine.

According to the magazine, readers' enthusiasm for the island stems from "its white-sand beaches and delectable food."

The island is renowned for its production of fish sauce, an indispensable Vietnamese condiment, and peppercorns.

Other attractions include its coral reefs and dense tropical forest, the magazine wrote.

For this year’s World Best Awards survey, Travel + Leisure asked its readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe to choose the world’s best islands based on activities, sights, natural attractions, beaches, food and friendliness.

Ischia island in Italy topped the list, followed by the Maldives and Bali in Indonesia.

Phu Quoc has gained popularity after the government allowed 30-day visa free entry in 2014.

Largest energy expos in HCM City attract local, foreign businesses

Ho Chi Minh City welcomed the start of the International Exhibition on Electrical Technology and Equipment (Vietnam ETE 2022) and the Exhibition on Products, Technologies of Energy Saving and Green Power (Enertec Expo 2022) on July 20.

The trade shows are to help local firms promote the business of energy-saving products and develop new energy sources.

Nguyen Thi Kim Ngoc, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade, said the events have attracted the participation of approximately 300 domestic and foreign enterprises.

On display throughout the 500 booths on offer are a range of cutting-edge products, including equipment and power generation and transmission systems, smart electrical equipment, lighting technologies, civil electrical equipment, industrial automation and control devices, as well as renewable energy and green energy products, VOV reported.

Representatives of businesses introduce their products at the expos. Photo: congthuong.vn

Addressing the opening ceremony of the expos, Bui Thi Thanh An, deputy director of the Trade Promotion Department, highlighted Vietnam’s efforts to promote the scientific and technological innovation of electrical equipment and develop fresh energy sources.

She expressed her belief that the expos will serve to create greater opportunities for domestic and international investors, as well as manufacturers and traders, to introduce electrical equipment and energy-saving products.

Furthermore, the expos will provide an ideal technological forum for local firms to come together to exchange cutting-edge technologies with international friends, she noted.

As part of the expos, the Korea Electrical Manufacturers Association (KOEMA) will host the Korea Smart Electric & Energy Fair (KOSEF) to introduce the Korean businesses’ latest achievements in the field of electrical equipment.

RoK tourists show greatest interest in visiting Vietnam: Agoda

According to details provided by Agoda, Thailand leads the way among countries which have attracted the highest number of Vietnamese tourists.

The latest booking data assessment of the top trending holiday destinations conducted by digital travel platform Agoda shows that tourists from the Republic of Korea (RoK) have shown the greatest interest in visiting Vietnam.

Other countries featured in the list include Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand.

The latest booking data assessment of the top trending holiday destinations conducted by digital travel platform Agoda shows that tourists from the Republic of Korea (RoK) have shown the greatest interest in visiting Vietnam. Photo: VnExpress

According to details provided by Agoda, Thailand leads the way among countries which have attracted the highest number of Vietnamese tourists.

It is followed by Singapore, France, the RoK, and Indonesia.

Furthermore, Vietnamese tourists remain keen on travelling to domestic destinations during summer, with Ho Chi Minh City topping the rankings.

Other popular domestic spots in the nation among Vietnamese travelers include Da Nang, Hanoi, Vung Tau, Da Lat, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Ha Long, Hoi An, and Phan Thiet.

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