 |
| Illustrative photo: VOV |
According to figures released by the General Department of Vietnam Customs, April alone witnessed the country ship some 87,749 tonnes of rubber worth US$121.79 million abroad, a drop of 24.3% in volume and 25.7% in value against March.
The average export price in April reached US$1,388 per tonne, duly marking a drop of 1.9% from the previous month and 23.1% lower than April last year.
In April, China became the largest consumer of Vietnamese rubber products. Exports to the Chinese market made up 73.16% of the country's total rubber exports, with a volume of 64,201 tonnes and turnover reaching US$87.45 million, representing drops of 40.6% in volume and 10.7% in value on-year.
 |
| Illustrative photo: VGP |
The average export price to China posted a fall of 1.3% to US$1,362 per tonne from March and a fall of 21.2% compared to April, 2022.
During the January to April period, the country exported 356,818 tonnes of rubber worth US$484.46 million to China, up 9.5% in volume but down 13.8% in value on-year.
Foreign tourists impressed by sleeping bus in Vietnam
Most backpackers travelling around the country will take sleeping buses, and there are a number of things people should know beforehand, reported the Voice of Vietnam according to Canadian travel magazine The Travel.
 |
| Interior of sleeping bus in Vietnam (Photo courtesy of The Travel) |
Vietnam is one of the most rewarding countries to explore throughout all of Southeast Asia. Somewhat similar to Chile and Norway in shape, the country is long and skinny and is notable for having the sea on one side and the mountains on the other. The distances are often large, meaning sleeping buses in Vietnam are common, the website wrote.
Taking the sleeping bus is therefore a good suggestion for long-distance travel with stops, traffic, and many extremely windy roads in the mountains, including the stunning mountain town of Sa Pa.
Sleeping buses are buses featuring fully reclining seats that do not have the option of sitting upright and buses with proper beds. Most sleeper buses in the nation do not have toilets, so guests should plan for that before their journey, according to the magazine.
Service on these sleeping buses in both Vietnam and Southeast Asia varies significantly. Travelers who book an organised tour can expect the bus to be somewhat pleasant, with enough rest stops to be comfortable at reasonable places that have restrooms and sell refreshments. These buses focus more on foreign guests and are safe for women.
The Travel suggests that guests should not drink too much before getting on the sleeper bus and should take plenty of snacks as there is normally only water available on the bus.
Another thing to consider is taking warm clothes on the bus, regardless of how tropical the weather is, as the air conditioning can make it very cold.
Vietnam to host group stage at AFC U23 Asian Cup 2024 qualifiers
Vietnam will be one of 11 host countries for the group stage of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2024 qualifiers, the Vietnam Football Federation said, citing a letter sent by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on May 17, reported Vietnam News Agency.
 |
| Vietnam to host group stage at AFC U23 Asian Cup 2024 qualifiers (Photo: VFF) |
Other host counties are China, the Republic of Korea (RoK), Bahrain, Thailand, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Based on their performance in the 2022 AFC U23 Asian Cup, the Vietnamese national U23 team have been put in Pot 1 alongside Australia, Japan, the RoK, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, Iraq, Turkmenistan, Jordan, and Thailand.
The AFC will conduct a draw for the qualifiers of the U23 Asian Cup 2024 on May 25. A total of 47 teams will compete in the qualification round from September 4 to September 12.
The best 16 teams will progress through to play in the final tournament.
Art performance exchange to mark Vietnam-Argentina diplomatic ties
An art performance exchange between Vietnam and Argentina will be held in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of both nations' diplomatic relations, reported the Voice of Vietnam.
 |
| National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue (C) attends the Vietnamese cultural day in Argentina held on April 25. (Photo: Tienphong.vn) |
At the exchange programme, both Vietnamese and Argentine artists will perform traditional songs and dances, with the aim of introducing the culture of both countries to audiences.
Furthermore, the participation of Argentine art troupes is expected to offer unique art performances to audiences, thereby helping to strengthen the friendship between Vietnam and Argentine people and relations between the two countries.
The event is scheduled to take place at the Hanoi Opera House on May 25 and the Conservatory of Ho Chi Minh City on June 1./.