Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong is scheduled to visit Vietnam and co-chair the fifth Vietnam – Australia Foreign Ministers Meeting in Hanoi from August 21 to 24. (Photo: AAP).

Penny Wong to Embark on Official Trip to Vietnam Next Week

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, will be making an official visit to Vietnam from August 21 to 24. During her visit, she will be attending the fifth Vietnam – Australia Foreign Ministers Meeting.

Wong’s second visit to Vietnam closely follows the recent visits of Australian Governor-General David Hurley and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to the country.

The purpose of the visit is to implement cooperation agreements and enhance the strategic partnership between the two countries as they celebrate 50 years of bilateral diplomacy.

The fifth Vietnam – Australia Foreign Ministers Meeting will be co-chaired by Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong and her Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son during their visit to Hanoi, as reported by VOV.

The meeting aims to evaluate the progress made following the recent high-level visits, with a special focus on key areas such as economy, trade, investment, security-defense, education-training, labor, and agriculture.

Both parties will engage in discussions regarding matters of mutual concern at regional and international levels.

Vietnam Hopeful of Heightened Bilateral Relations with Kazakhstan Through President’s Visit

The official visit of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Vietnam from August 20-22 is anticipated to strengthen and advance the longstanding friendship between the two nations.

Vietnam and Kazakhstan established diplomatic relations on June 29, 1992. Since then, the two countries have seen significant development in their bilateral relations across multiple sectors.

In July 2008, the Vietnamese Embassy in Kazakhstan was officially inaugurated, marking the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Subsequently, the Central Asian country reciprocated by opening its embassy in Hanoi in March 2015.

According to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), the two countries have frequently engaged in high-level delegations and collaborated in both bilateral and multilateral forums.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh receives Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi on August 18, 2022 (Photo: VNA)

Kazakhstan has provided its support for Vietnam’s candidacy for the United Nations Human Rights Council for the term of 2023-2025, as well as the UNESCO Executive Board and Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage for the term of 2022-2026. In return, Vietnam has shown its support for Kazakhstan’s participation in the Mission to the Far East of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Vietnam consistently prioritizes the growth of its partnership with Kazakhstan, a key ally in Central Asia. In 2022, bilateral trade between the two nations amounted to a staggering $584 million, and during the first four months of this year alone, trade reached an impressive $124.1 million.

US and Vietnam Commemorate Advancements in STEM Education

The United States Mission to Vietnam, in collaboration with the US Agency for International Development (USAID), recently commemorated the fruitful collaboration with Vietnam and Arizona State University in enhancing STEM education in Vietnamese higher education institutions. This partnership has yielded significant progress over the course of eight years.

More than 200 industry leaders, educators, policymakers, and entrepreneurs gathered at the event, which took place on August 16 during the 8th annual Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math conference (STEMCON) in Hanoi.

“USAID’s BUILD-IT public-private alliance aims to foster collaboration between the US government and Vietnam towards enhancing higher education and equipping students with the necessary skills to thrive in the global economy,” stated Aler Grubbs, USAID/Vietnam Mission Director.

He added, “Through collaborative efforts, we united shared goals and dedication across industry, government, and universities to revolutionize STEM education in Vietnam, thus propelling economic advancement.”

The BUILD-IT project, which began in 2015, was an initiative that utilized the extensive capabilities of government, private sector, and academic partners. With a budget of US$8.7 million, the project aimed to develop strategic leadership skills, promote university autonomy, enhance program and instructional quality, and establish long-term partnerships with the private sector.

The project successfully created a lasting impact by establishing partnerships with eight prominent higher education institutions in Vietnam. These institutions include Can Tho University, University of Da Nang – University of Science and Technology, HCMC University of Technology and Education, Industrial University of HCMC, Vietnam National University HCMC – University of Technology, Lac Hong University, Hanoi University of Industry, and Phenikaa University. This was reported by VOV.

Photo: VOV

Our organization has successfully collaborated with 20 industry partners, resulting in an additional investment of US$8.7 million towards higher education initiatives in Vietnam.

Through these collaborations, a total of 121 educational programs have obtained regional and international accreditation. Notably, Vietnam has successfully secured 12 program accreditations under ABET, the most respected international accreditation organization for engineering and technology.

We have revamped over 2,000 courses to cater to the requirements of the evolving digital workforce. In addition, we have facilitated skill enhancement programs for 4,000 university leaders and staff in areas such as leadership, strategy, curriculum development, and industry partnerships. Furthermore, we have provided project-based curricula activities benefitting a total of 4,600 students.

The establishment of three Maker Innovation Spaces in Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Can Tho has greatly contributed to promoting student innovation, enhancing the university’s ability to integrate practical projects into its curricula, and fostering meaningful collaborations with industries.

The provided spaces serve as a sustainable mechanism for assisting university students in conceptualizing, constructing, and launching innovative solutions to various technical challenges.

Immigration Department Launches Online E-Visa Process

The Vietnam Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security has implemented a fully digitalized procedure for e-visa applications. This streamlined approach encompasses all stages, including application submission, request processing, visa issuance, and fee payment, all of which are conducted online.

On August 14th, the Government issued Resolution 127/NQ-CP, which grants e-visas to citizens from all countries and territories.

Foreigners who wish to visit Vietnam for purposes such as travel, market surveys, or investment explorations, among others, can now easily apply for e-visas on their own. Gone are the days when invitations or guarantees from Vietnamese agencies, organizations, or individuals were required. Simply follow the straightforward application process and enjoy your visit to Vietnam hassle-free.

All procedures related to applying for, processing, and obtaining e-visas for Vietnam are conducted exclusively online. This means that foreigners can conveniently print their visas without having to visit visa granting agencies in Vietnam or international ports of entry, nor rely on third-party intermediaries.

According to the Ministry of Public Security, the department will evaluate, handle, and respond to e-visa applicants through the public service portal within a three-day timeframe upon receipt of complete e-visa application details and fees. This information was reported by the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

A foreigner waits to have his entry procedures handled. (Photo: VNA)

As per the Government’s directive, individuals with e-visas may enter or exit Vietnam through a total of 13 air border gates, 16 land border gates, and 13 sea border gates.

There are 13 air border gates in Vietnam, which include Noi Bai in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City, Cam Ranh in Khanh Hoa province, Da Nang in Da Nang city, Cat Bi in Hai Phong city, Can Tho in Can Tho city, Phu Quoc in Kien Giang province, Phu Bai in Thua Thien-Hue, Van Don in Quang Ninh province, Tho Xuan in Thanh Hoa province, Dong Hoi in Quang Binh province, Phu Cat in Binh Dinh province, and Lien Khuong in Lam Dong province.

There are 16 land border gates in Vietnam. They are Tay Trang in Dien Bien province, Mong Cai in Quang Ninh province, Huu Nghi in Lang Son province, Lao Cai in Lao Cai province, Na Meo in Thanh Hoa province, Nam Can in Nghe An province, Cau Treo in Ha Tinh province, Cha Lo in Quang Binh province, La Lay and Lao Bao in Quang Tri province, Bo Y in Kon Tum province, Moc Bai and Xa Mat in Tay Ninh province, Vinh Xuong in An Giang province, and Ha Tien in Kien Giang province.

There are a total of 13 sea border gates in Vietnam. These gates are located at various provinces and cities throughout the country. They include Hon Gai and Cam Pha in Quang Ninh province, Hai Phong in Hai Phong city, Nghi Son in Thanh Hoa province, Vung Ang in Ha Tinh province, Chan May in Thua Thien-Hue province, Da Nang in Da Nang city, Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa province, Quy Nhon in Binh Dinh province, Dung Quat in Quang Ngai province, Vung Tau in Ba Ria – Vung Tau province, Ho Chi Minh City, and Duong Dong in Kien Giang province.

In late June, the National Assembly passed a law that amends and supplements certain articles of the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese Citizens, as well as the Law on Foreigners’ Entry into, Exit from, Transit through, and Residence in Vietnam.

According to the legislation that will take effect on August 15th, the validity period of the e-visa for entry into Vietnam will be extended from 30 days to 90 days. This means that foreign individuals who are granted an e-visa will have the ability to enter and exit Vietnam multiple times within a 90-day period without the need to apply for additional visas. Additionally, citizens from countries eligible for Vietnam’s unilateral visa exemption will now be granted a temporary residence period of 45 days instead of the previous 15-day period. Furthermore, the process for visa granting and temporary residence extension will be managed in accordance with the applicable regulations.

The implementation of these measures is anticipated to create a favorable environment for Vietnam to attract international tourists and enhance its tourism competitiveness in comparison to its regional counterparts.

According to the Immigration Department, the expansion of coverage and extension of the validity period of e-visas for foreigners will greatly enhance administrative procedures and provide time-saving benefits for applicants.

Airline Ticket Deals Remain in Time for National Day Holiday

Air carriers are currently providing an additional half a million air tickets for the upcoming National Day holiday in September. However, it should be noted that airfares remain high and there are still a significant number of vacant seats available.

Vietnam Airlines Group, consisting of Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, and VASCO, is pleased to announce an additional 400,000 seats on our domestic air routes from August 31 to September 5. This represents a 15 percent increase compared to the corresponding period in 2019.

The availability of additional seats primarily caters to flights departing from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, heading towards renowned tourist attractions such as Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc.

“Due to high demand and limited availability, airfare prices for flights on peak travel days (departing on August 31 and returning on September 4-5) are currently higher than usual. However, there are still a number of vacant seats available for those who are able to secure tickets.”

The cost of a return ticket from HCM City to Hanoi, inclusive of taxes and fees, ranges from VND3.3-4 million. Similarly, a ticket from HCM City to Da Nang costs between VND2.6-3.1 million, and a ticket to Phu Quoc Island is priced between VND2.1-2.3 million.

The prices for flights from Hanoi to Phu Quoc, Da Nang, and Nha Trang are as follows:

– Hanoi to Phu Quoc: VND 3-3.35 million (including taxes and fees)
– Hanoi to Da Nang: VND 3.38-3.44 million (including taxes and fees)
– Hanoi to Nha Trang: VND 3.8-4.2 million (including taxes and fees)

The airfares for less popular routes are currently priced at VND6 million per return ticket for the Hanoi-Tuy Hoa (Phu Yen) route, and VND3.65-4.6 million for the Hanoi – Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh) route. These prices reflect a 30-40 percent increase compared to pre- and post-holiday rates.

According to Pham Thi Dong, a booking agent, the average cost for a round-trip air ticket to popular tourist destinations during the September holiday is VND3 million. Despite this, there are still a number of available seats for most flights, with the exception of those heading to Da Nang and Quy Nhon.

According to a representative from the Noi Bai International Airport Authorities, there has been a decrease in the number of passengers on flights. Despite the expectation for the summer tourism season to reach its peak until August 15th, passenger numbers returned to normal at the beginning of August. VNN reports that approximately 30 percent of seats on each flight remain vacant.

Photo: VNN

As the peak tourism season comes to a close and students prepare for the new academic year, it is anticipated that there will not be a significant increase in air passenger numbers during the September holiday.

According to air carriers, there has been a relatively low number of passengers booking tickets by August 13.

However, travel companies continue to anticipate an increase in last-minute tour bookings from travelers.

Le Cong Nang, CEO of Wondertour, has observed a significant decline in travel demand following the peak summer season. However, there is optimism that the upcoming National Day holiday, which offers a four-day break for workers, will stimulate an increase in the number of travelers. This is particularly exciting as it presents an opportunity for tourists to witness the stunning beauty of ripening rice fields and terraced fields, or even venture abroad to experience the captivating autumn landscapes.

However, Nang has observed weak demand due to reduced spending by individuals.

According to Nang, it is anticipated that the number of tourists during the National Day holiday will only reach 30-40 percent of the figures observed during the April-May holiday.

The individual further stated that the current level of bookings exceeds those seen in July and August, although it falls below initial projections.

“We have strategically curated our tour offerings to include only the most appealing and in-demand options. Currently, we have successfully executed 80 percent of our tour plan. We are continuously accepting bookings for the upcoming September holiday, while also launching our post-holiday tour packages.”

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a travel firm located in HCM City, specializing in domestic tours, has acknowledged that the current market is relatively inactive, despite an upcoming holiday in the next two weeks. Disappointingly, no tourism company has been able to meet their desired number of travelers. In light of these circumstances, the CEO mentioned that their firm has mostly catered to their loyal clientele throughout the summer season.

According to Tran Bao Thu from Vietluxtour, the September holiday marks the final opportunity for families to travel before the start of the new academic year. As a result, the number of travelers during this time is typically lower compared to the summer season. Additionally, transportation, restaurant, and hotel fees remain steady during this period.

According to her forecast, there is projected to be a 20-25% increase in the number of travelers during the September holiday compared to the previous year.