Sixty-five individuals have been arrested for allegedly smuggling drugs into Vietnam. The arrests were made after a nationwide investigation involving law enforcement agencies from both Vietnam and other countries. The drugs, which included heroin, methamphetamine, and other narcotics, were being smuggled into the country from various parts of the world. The individuals arrested are facing serious charges and potential prison sentences. The investigation is ongoing and further arrests are expected.
| One of the four flight attendants detained in mid-March for allegedly smuggling drugs into Vietnam. Photo: The Hanoi Times |
Some 65 people have been arrested and charged with trafficking drugs into Vietnam, with around 50 kilograms of drugs being confiscated, according to the police on April 26. An overseas Vietnamese based in France was allegedly stuffing the drugs into small containers such as toothpaste tubes and food boxes, and then hiring other overseas Vietnamese to bring the packages to Vietnam for distribution.
The case was opened after four Vietnam Airlines flight attendants were apprehended for attempting to smuggle 11.4 kilograms of drugs, concealed in 327 toothpaste tubes, from Paris to Ho Chi Minh City on March 16. Upon investigation, there was no evidence that the attendants were aware of the illicit substances, and they were consequently released.
HCM City is facing high land clearance costs for its planned ring road, with the cost per square metre reaching US$3,100. This marks a significant increase over the estimated cost of US$2,300 per m2, and is putting pressure on the budget for the project.
The high cost of land clearance has been attributed to the need to resettle more than 4,000 households, as well as the location of the road, which passes through densely populated areas. The route cuts through 11 districts, including Binh Tan, Go Vap, Tan Phu, Tan Binh, Phu Nhuan, District 9, Thu Duc, Hoc Mon, Binh Chanh, Can Giuoc and Nha Be.
The project is expected to ease traffic congestion in the city, reduce travel times and improve air quality. The city government has pledged to provide fair compensation to those affected by the project, and to ensure that construction takes place according to the highest standards.
HCM City’s authorities have given their stamp of approval for the maximum compensation amount for clearing land for the construction of Ring Road 3. According to the decision, the Thu Duc authorities may have to pay up to VND73 million (US$3,100) for every square meter of land cleared for the project. Meanwhile, the maximum cost of clearing set for the three districts of Cu Chi, Hoc Mon, and Binh Chanh will be between VND19.5 million and VND42.7 million (US$830-1,800).
Local authorities are expected to transfer 70-85% of the land necessary for the project by June 15th. Ring Road 3, which connects Ho Chi Minh City with Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Long An provinces, is 76 kilometers long. The section in Ho Chi Minh City is 47 kilometers long, covers 397 hectares of land, and necessitates the relocation of nearly 1,700 families.
Vietnam has approved an agreement with South Korea on social insurance, allowing citizens of both countries to benefit from social insurance programs in either country. The agreement was signed between the two countries on April 20th, 2020 and will come into force on July 1st, 2020.
This agreement marks an important step in strengthening economic ties between Vietnam and South Korea. The agreement will enable citizens of both countries to receive social insurance benefits when working in either country. It will also allow citizens to transfer social insurance benefits from one country to the other.
This agreement is a significant move towards improving the social security of citizens of both countries. It will give citizens of both countries access to social insurance programs that would otherwise be unavailable to them. Furthermore, it will help to reduce the burden of social security costs on both countries.
The agreement is a testament to the strong relationship between Vietnam and South Korea and the willingness of both countries to work together to improve the lives of citizens. It is hoped that this agreement will lead to further collaboration between the two countries in the future.
The Vietnamese Government has approved an historic agreement on social insurance signed with the Republic of Korea on December 14, 2021. This comprehensive deal, consisting of five chapters and 24 articles, will help increase the exchange of workers between the two nations and safeguard their rights and interests through social insurance regulations.
According to the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, more than 9,900 Vietnamese people were sent to the Republic of Korea in 2022, bringing the total number to around 40,000. This agreement ensures that Vietnamese and Korean citizens are not subject to double social insurance payments when working abroad. Moreover, it provides added protection for those working outside their home countries.
Vietnam is set to host the inaugural Vietnam-Southeast Asia Culture and Cuisine Festival this month. This festival will showcase the unique and diverse cultures of the Southeast Asian region, as well as the delicious and varied cuisines of the area. It will be a great opportunity for visitors to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of the region in one place.
The festival will feature a wide range of activities, including traditional music and dance performances, cooking demonstrations, and various workshops. There will also be stalls selling local delicacies and ingredients, as well as handicrafts, souvenirs, and other items.
The event will be held in the capital city of Hanoi from April 15th to April 20th. It is hoped that this festival will help to boost the economy of the region, as well as promote regional integration and understanding.
This festival promises to be an exciting event, with something for everyone to enjoy. So if you’re looking for a unique cultural experience, don’t miss out on the 1st Vietnam-Southeast Asia Culture and Cuisine Festival!
Attendees will also be able to enjoy a variety of cultural activities, such as traditional dance and music performances, cooking demonstrations, and art exhibitions.
The first Vietnam-Southeast Asia Cuisine and Culture Festival will take place from May 25 to May 28 at the Hoa Lu Sports Center in HCM City’s District 1. The festival will feature more than 200 booths that introduce traditional foods and specialties from Vietnam and other Southeast Asian nations. Attendees will also be able to enjoy a variety of cultural activities, such as traditional dance and music performances, cooking demonstrations, and art exhibitions.
During the festival, attendees will have the opportunity to explore and appreciate various aspects of Vietnamese culture, such as traditional music, dance, and cuisine. Conferences will be held to discuss ways to promote and protect the unique cultural traits of Vietnam, and local businesses will be supported in registering their brands for protection. Furthermore, the festival will mark the 56th anniversary of the founding of ASEAN, falling on August 8, and further strengthen Vietnam-ASEAN relations.
Attendees will be immersed in an array of Vietnamese culture, including traditional music, dance, and cuisine. Additionally, conferences will be held to explore strategies for protecting and promoting the distinctive cultural characteristics of Vietnam, and local companies will be provided with assistance in registering their brands for protection. Moreover, the festival will commemorate the 56th anniversary of the founding of ASEAN, celebrated on August 8, and serve to further enhance Vietnam-ASEAN relations.
Shopee and FoodMap have come together to launch a supportive project to help local farm produce. This project aims to provide farmers with better access to markets and increase the sale of their goods. The project will involve developing a platform that connects farmers with buyers, as well as providing them with marketing and technical support. Furthermore, Shopee and FoodMap will also be offering incentives to farmers and buyers in order to encourage participation in the project. With this initiative, Shopee and FoodMap hope to empower farmers by increasing their income and helping them to build a sustainable livelihood.
On April 25, e-commerce platform Shopee and safe agricultural product distributor FoodMap launched a project designed to support sustainable operations for Vietnamese farmers. This project, which is set to run until December 2023, will serve to bolster local brands and advance local socio-economic development.
By working together, Shopee and FoodMap will provide farmers with the resources they need to improve their operations. This includes access to a secure market, training to improve their skills and knowledge, and more. The project will also help farmers increase their incomes, encouraging them to continue farming and ultimately promoting agricultural sustainability in the long run.
The collaboration between Shopee and FoodMap is part of a larger effort to create a sustainable future for Vietnam’s agricultural industry. This project is expected to play a key role in achieving this goal, enabling the country to experience greater economic growth and social progress.
During the project, the two companies will assist farmers in maximizing local crops and upgrading their production lines to meet VietGAP standards, collecting seasonal farm products, providing efficient transportation, and facilitating agricultural products for sale on the Shopee platform.
Vietnam and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have joined forces to launch a new guidebook to help businesses navigate digital transformation, which is becoming increasingly critical in the current global economy.
The guidebook, titled “Digital Transformation for Business: A Guide for Vietnamese Companies,” is designed to provide businesses with the information and tools they need to transform their operations and take advantage of the benefits of digital technology.
The guidebook covers topics such as the fundamentals of digital transformation, the basics of digital marketing and social media, and how to use data and analytics to improve decision-making. It also includes case studies and examples of how businesses in Vietnam have successfully adopted digital transformation strategies.
The guidebook, which was developed in collaboration with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), is designed to help businesses of all sizes and industries to better understand the digital transformation process and how it can add value to their operations.
The launch of the guidebook is part of a larger effort by USAID to support Vietnam’s digital economy and promote economic growth and job creation. USAID and VCCI have already launched a series of digital transformation workshops to help businesses learn more about the guidebook and how to use it to their advantage.
Vietnam and USAID have introduced a comprehensive guidebook to assist businesses in navigating digital transformation. The guidebook, titled “Digital Transformation for Business: A Guide for Vietnamese Companies,” provides businesses with the information and tools they need to transform their operations and take advantage of the benefits of digital technology. It covers topics such as the fundamentals of digital transformation, the basics of digital marketing and social media, and how to use data and analytics to improve decision-making. The guidebook also includes case studies and examples of how businesses in Vietnam have successfully adopted digital transformation strategies. USAID and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) have launched a series of digital transformation workshops to help businesses learn more about the guidebook and how to use it to their advantage.
The Enterprise Development Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, in partnership with the US Agency for International Development (USAID), released the Yellow Book for Digital Transformation on April 25. This publication provides practical solutions to assist 40% of all enterprises that are unaware of digital transformation solutions, helping them to save time and money.
In its first edition, the guide will provide the business community with useful solutions to pursue digital transformation and an up-to-date database of resources to support their efforts. It will equip local companies with the knowledge and skills they need to stay ahead of the competition and remain competitive in the digital age.
