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| A view of Samsung West Lake - the new retail store at Lotte West Lake in Hanoi. (Photo: Courtesy of Samsung Vietnam) |
According to the company, the opening marks a significant milestone in Samsung’s journey to deliver exceptional experiences to customers.
Featuring an advanced multi-device ecosystem, the store is poised to cater to the capital's discerning, tech-savvy consumers.
Spanning 367sq.m, the store is divided into four 'experience zones', each highlighting how Samsung products can seamlessly integrate into Hanoi residents' daily lives. Through this retail innovation, Samsung West Lake expects to introduce upgrades and professional services to create memorable visits.
Samsung West Lake reflects the Republic of Korea firm's commitment to fostering a deeper connection with the people of Hanoi by offering a mix of Samsung’s top-of-the-line and latest premium products. Visitors can experience firsthand how AI technology is enhancing their daily lives, from personalised smartphone experiences to intelligent home appliances that adapt to their needs.
“Samsung West Lake is a milestone step in Samsung’s expansion strategy nationwide, and a significant move to bring our technology closer to Hanoi residents,” said Lee Chung Lyong, president of Samsung Vina Electronics Co., Ltd.
“We aim to set new standards for premium retail experiences, aligning with our customers’ evolving expectations. Beyond a visually engaging and interactive product display, we aspire to offer a comprehensive journey into how our technology is conceived and how it serves the daily lives of our capital city residents.”
For the first time in Hanoi, consumers will be immersed in unique experiences within a space that is deeply rooted in the city's cultural heritage. Samsung West Lake draws inspiration from the distinctive cultural features of this thousand-year-old capital, fostering a sense of belonging for every visitor though display contents, aesthetics of the space and immersive experiences that highlight the seasonal transitions in Hanoi.
Samsung West Lake aims to create a premium and distinctive customer journey, inspiring visitors to fully explore the various zones showcasing the latest technologies designed to enhance everyday life.
To achieve this goal, Samsung West Lake connects its cutting-edge technology ecosystem with daily life through the presentation of Tech Tour 'Bat Pho Samsung', tied to Hanoi's four distinct seasons. At the launch, the first tour, 'Melody of seasonal transition in Hanoi', captivated tech enthusiasts.
Foreign investors interested in Vietnam’s LNG infrastructure
Foreign investors, particularly those from the US, have expressed their interest in investment opportunities in Vietnam’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure market to meet the country's energy needs, reported Vietnam News Agency.
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| LNG Thi Vai Terminal in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau (Photo: VNA) |
The Cai Mep LNG Terminal is currently seeking cargo to begin commissioning tests, putting it on track to become the second of its kind in Vietnam to come into operation, according to a report by Reuters late August.
CEO of AG&P LNG Karthik Sathyamoorthy said his firm received an import licence, and is working hard to accelerate the commissioning process, targeting completion within the next three months.
The company plans to finalise the commissioning of cargo this month for delivery between late October and mid-November, he said.
Earlier in March, the company - a subsidiary of Nebula Energy - acquired a 49% stake in Cai Mep LNG terminal located in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau.Meanwhile, in June, the US-based LNG company Excelerate Energy signed a memorandum of understanding with Vietnam's ITECO JSC to jointly develop a greenfield LNG import terminal in the northern port city of Hai Phong.
Ramon Wangdi, Vice President for Asia Pacific for the gas distribution company Excelerate Energy said that as one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia, Vietnam is an attractive emerging market for foreign investors.
Wangdi said this growth is driven by a rapid increase in energy demand, where LNG will play a key role over the coming decades.
When Vietnam transitions from carbon-intensive fuels such as coal and oil, to renewables like solar and hydropower, LNG will be crucial in helping the country achieve net zero by 2050, he said.
He added that as a global company, Excelerate is exploring investment opportunities in related infrastructure across Vietnam and the Asia Pacific to support this shift in energy strategy.Vietnam set a goal of expanding its LNG-based power initiative from virtually zero to over 20 GW by 2045.
This ambition will position the nation as a key player in the global LNG industry, Wangdi said.Meanwhile, the Son My LNG Terminal - a joint venture between AES Group and PetroVietnam Gas (PV Gas) - has received approval in principle from the Binh Thuan Provincial People's Committee.
The project is slated for completion in 2027.Adam Sitkoff, Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hanoi said that US businesses are excited about opportunities in Vietnam, especially in the LNG infrastructure.
However, to turn this interest into real investments, Vietnam needs to demonstrate to international investors that large-scale infrastructure could be deployed under international banking standards.
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| Illustrative photo (Source: vneconomy.vn) |
He said it is crucial that LNG terminals and all buyers have to commit to progress along the same development timeline to unlock international funding.
Vietnam’s 8th Power Development Plan and bilateral agreements reflect the strong relationship between Vietnam and US in promoting energy cooperation. This cooperation is the foundation for the confidence of the US business community to invest in multi-billion dollar LNG projects in Vietnam.
Major infrastructure investments are required to import LNG, including LNG storage and import facilities.According to FiinGroup, Vietnam has taken the first step in developing LNG infrastructure when PV Gas inaugurated Vietnam's first LNG terminal in late 2023. Among 13 LNG power plants that have been approved in Vietnam with a total capacity of 24 GW, two plants, Nhon Trach III & IV and Hiep Phuoc, are under construction, while the remaining 11 plants are still in the planning stage.
Three of the plants are still looking for potential investors.In addition, several commercial terminals including PV Gas’ Thi Vai LNG Terminal and AG&P’s Cai Mep LNG Terminal, have been put into operation or are under construction. These terminals are for both thermal power plants and local industrial customers.
Anh Nguyen, head of Market Research and Consulting at FiinGroup, said that LNG will be a promising industry in Vietnam in the coming years.
The 8th power development plant focuses on transitioning from traditional energy sources such as coal and hydropower and reducing the proportion of these energy sources in electricity production.
The plan targets LNG to contribute 14.9% to Vietnam’s electricity supply.Meanwhile, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has issued new power purchase agreement guidelines in 2024, removing major barriers to the development of LNG and natural gas infrastructure. These guidelines provide investors and Vietnam Electricity (EVN) with clearer guidance to reach agreements effectively.
Hanoi Tourism Ao Dai Festival 2024 promises numerous worth-to-try activities
The Hanoi Tourism Ao Dai Festival 2024 kicked off on October 4, featuring a wide range of activities linked with the traditional costume of Vietnam, reported Vietnam News Agency.
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| "Ao dai" designs are performed at the opening ceremony of the Hanoi Tourism Ao Dai Festival 2024 on October 4. (Photo: VNA) |
The event, organised by the municipal People’s Committee, is also an activity marking the 70th anniversary the Capital Liberation Day (October 10, 1954 - 2024).
In her opening remarks, Vice Chairwoman of the municipal People’s Committee Vu Thu Ha said the festival has become an annual event held every October with a view to developing a cultural and tourism product that helps popularise Hanoi’s image as a safe, hospitable, quality, and attractive destination, thus contributing to the preservation and development of traditional cultural values, including “ao dai” – a symbol of Vietnamese women.
This year’s festival attracts six “ao dai” artisans and 85 designers from nationwide while featuring nearly 100 booths of “ao dai” designers and brands, along with travel companies.
The three-day event includes various activities, including an “ao dai“ show by professional designers and winners of a design contest, an “ao dai” carnival with the participation of 1,000 people, a photo exhibition of this costume in history, a display of new “ao dai” designs along with tourism services and traditional craft villages’ products, a workshop for visitors to experience the “ao dai” making process, and a space of folk games, among others.
The festival is part of Hanoi’s efforts to boost cultural and tourism development, helping turn the city and Vietnam into top choices of domestic and international travellers.
During the first nine months of 2024, Hanoi welcomed about 21.12 million tourists, including 4.45 million foreigners and 16.66 million domestic visitors, respectively rising 40% and 6% from a year earlier, statistics show.
Vietnam promotes filming locations at Busan International Film Festival
The Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA) in collaboration with relevant agencies inaugurated the Vietnam – DANAFF booth at the Asian Content & Film Market (ACFM) in Busan, the Republic of Korea, on October 5, as part of the ongoing 29th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), reported the Voice of Vietnam.
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| The Vietnam - DANAFF booth promotes Vietnamese film locations at Busan International Film Festival. (Photo: thanhnien.vn) |
The inauguration of the booth is a significant highlight at BIFF, aiming to showcase the beautiful landscapes of Vietnamese localities such as Ninh Binh, Phu Yen, Quang Ninh, and Da Nang, contributing to promoting and attracting international investors through the film festival.
Among delegates present at the booth were VFDA president Ngo Phuong Lan, leaders of Ninh Binh, Phu Yen, Quang Ninh, and Da Nang, and film crews. Many Vietnamese film stars, producers, and directors were also present at the booth to share filmmaking experiences with their foreign counterparts.
During the Busan International Film Festival, VFDA will hold workshops to introduce prominent Vietnamese film projects, the filming environment in several localities, and new cinema policies. There will be visits and surveys of film studios in Busan.
The Busan International Film Festival is one of the largest and most important film festivals in Asia. Held annually in the city of Busan, this event attracts filmmakers, critics, and audiences from around the world. BIFF is not only a platform for screening independent and art films but also an opportunity for networking among producers and professionals in the film industry.
The 29th edition is scheduled to last from on October 2 to 11 screening 279 films from 63 countries, including 224 officially invited films and 55 community beef screenings.
The Da Nang International Film Festival (DANAFF) is an event that showcases films from various genres and countries, promoting cultural exchange and collaboration within the film industry. It serves as a platform for filmmakers to present their works and engage with audiences while also highlighting the scenic beauty and cultural richness of Da Nang, Vietnam./.