Exploring Vietnam-Australia Trade Sustainability

Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Pham Hung Tam welcomed a delegation from the Australia Vietnam Business Council (AVBC), discussing avenues to bolster bilateral cooperation.

AVBC President Dinh Kiem highlighted the recent elevation of relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, providing a solid foundation for enhanced collaboration in trade, investment, education, tourism, innovation, and high technology.

Australian businesses from diverse sectors accompanied the delegation, including education, technology, and tourism. Some have already established a presence in Vietnam and expressed their desire to strengthen bilateral trade relations and cultural exchanges.

The ambassador proposed that the AVBC further enhance business connections and support Vietnamese provincial delegations in promoting trade and investment in areas of mutual interest, such as semiconductor engineering and clean energy.

Vietnam Shines at World Travel Awards 2024 Nominations

Vietnam has been shortlisted in multiple categories at the prestigious 31st World Travel Awards, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) on May 11.

The country is nominated for Asia’s Leading Beach, Culture, Destination, Heritage, Natural, and Youth Travel Destination in 2024. The VNAT is also recognized in the Asia’s Leading Tourism Board category.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism departments are nominated for the Asia’s Leading City Tourist Board, while Quang Nam province is recognized for its regional tourism efforts.

Hoi An, Hue, Ha Giang, and Ha Nam are also recognized for their cultural and emerging tourism potential. Phu Quoc and Moc Chau are nominated for luxury and regional natural destination awards, while Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City are celebrated for their festivals and events.

Voting is open until July 23 at www.worldtravelawards.com, where Vietnam is also nominated in aviation, hotel, and travel categories.

Vietnam’s Human Rights Report Approved at UPR Working Session

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHCR) endorsed Vietnam’s National Report at its 46th session in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 10.

The working group acknowledged Vietnam’s National Report, the session’s content, and 320 recommendations from 133 countries. These recommendations span legal reforms, human rights policies, socio-economic development, and the protection of vulnerable groups.

Addressing the session, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet emphasized the importance of the UPR mechanism and Vietnam’s commitment to promoting and protecting human rights through the implementation of UPR recommendations.

Viet affirmed Vietnam’s willingness to cooperate with other countries and stakeholders, upholding respect, understanding, dialogue, and cooperation for universal human rights.

Vietnam and China Unite for Border River Cleanup

Authorities from Hoanh Mo commune in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam, and Dong Zhong town in Fangchenggang city, China, joined forces to clean up their shared border river from May 9 to 11.

The cleanup at the Hoanh Mo border gate was part of twinning activities, maintaining a clean border area and facilitating trade. Around tens of tons of waste were collected for treatment.

Cultural and sports exchange activities further strengthened the bond between the two localities.

HCM City: A Hub of Wealth Growth Potential

Ho Chi Minh City is recognized as one of three cities with exceptional wealth growth potential over the next decade by Henley & Partners, according to the 2024 World’s Wealthiest Cities Report.

The report highlights the city’s impressive growth, with an 82% increase in high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) over the past ten years, including 15 centimillionaires and three billionaires.

The report cites Ho Chi Minh City’s thriving sectors, including financial services, textiles, technology, electronics, and tourism, solidifying its position as a rising millionaire hotspot in Asia.