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| Shrimps processed for export at Minh Phu Seafood Corp (Photo: VNA) |
Vietnam’s fisheries export revenue in July grew 14% year-on-year to over 885 million USD, the highest recorded since the beginning of the year.
Shipment to four major buyers recovered in July, with that to China increasing 30%, the US 14%, the EU 14% and Japan 11%.
During the seven-month span, export to the US and China expanded 10% to more than 930 million USD, that to the EU escalated 10% to over 600 million USD while that to the Republic of Korea inched up 1% to 426 million USD.
The US and the EU are expected to be promising markets for frozen products in the second half on the positive signs of economic recovery, easing inflation and cooling interest rates. In the meantime, there will be no breakthrough in the export of the goods to the Chinese market where demand for fresh products is high to serve catering service and tourism.
Hanoi, HCM City among Asia’s most affordable travel destinations
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, two major cities in Vietnam, have been named among Asia's top ten cities with the lowest travel costs, the Vitnam News Agency quoted the information of the Travel & Leisure.
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| Foreign tourists visit Hanoi's Old Quarter. (Photo: VNA) |
The US-based travel magazine has published a list of the ten cities in Asia with the lowest travel costs with HCM City in southern Vietnam ranking second with an average trip cost of 1,452 USD.
Hanoi, the capital city in northern Vietnam, ranks ninth, with an average trip cost of around 1,546 USD.
The list of the ten most affordable Asian cities was compiled using data from Kayak, a metasearch engine for travel services, including airline flights, hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages.
The ranking is based on average round-trip economy airfare and standard double room prices from June to December.
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| Foreign tourists in Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VGP) |
Taipei (Taiwan, China) has been named the most affordable city in Asia. Japan is represented by two cities on this list: Tokyo and Osaka.
Other cities included on the list are Jakarta, New Delhi, Bangkok, Manila, and Kuala Lumpur.
Ample room for Vietnamese fruits in Northeast Asian market
Many kinds of Vietnamese fruits are increasingly gaining access to the Northeast Asian market, contributing to fulfilling the 2024 goal of 7 billion USD in export value of fruit and vegetables, said the Vietnam News Agency.
According to Dang Phuc Nguyen, Secretary General of the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, as of the end of July, the export of fruit and vegetables had earned 3.8 billion USD, with durian alone accounting for 40% of the total. This success is attributed to the implementation of free trade agreements (FTAs) that have opened market and reduced tariffs for Vietnamese agricultural products.
Notably, in addition to China, markets in the Republic of Korea (RoK) and Japan have seen remarkable growth, making up 80% of the total value of Vietnamese fruit and vegetable exports.
Nguyen said that China, with its large population and high demand for fruits and vegetables, remains a traditional market for many Vietnamese fruits. Meanwhile, Japan and the RoK are also populous countries with high incomes and high demand for quality agricultural products, and members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Therefore, Vietnam's exports to the two markets enjoy benefits from reduced tariffs and lower transport and logistics costs thanks to geographic distance, resulting in the quality of farm produce maintained.
According to Luong Ngoc Quang from the Plant Protection Department, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, under the RCEP, China has allowed the import of 12 Vietnamese agricultural products, including dragon fruit, longan, lychee, mango, and durian, among others. Japan has permitted dragon fruit, mango, lychee, and longan from Vietnam to its market, while the RoK has recently granted permission for fresh grapefruit from Vietnam.
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| Workers package pomelos for export. (Photo: VNA) |
Quang emphasised that gaining market access for a product will open opportunities to increase export turnover and affirm the position of Vietnamese agricultural products. However, negotiations for market opening are complicated and time-consuming, with some talks taking three to five years or longer.
Once access is granted, compliance with the importing country’s standards is crucial to avoid disruptions. A single violation by a producer or a shipment could affect the entire industry, leading to warnings or suspension of exports.
Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Deputy Director of the Southern Fruit Research Institute, said that Vietnamese fruits are becoming more diverse with high quality, gaining popularity in various markets. Following a period of international integration, most exporters have updated their knowledge of market regulations on food safety and plant quarantine.
However, farmers, as the starting point of the agricultural value chain, often lack sources to keep up with regulatory changes. Therefore, it is essential for regulatory bodies, local authorities, and businesses to support farmers in improving their production standards, packaging, and branding, thereby enhancing the reputation of Vietnamese fruits on the global market.
Vietnamese singer wins youth musical festival in China
Singer Tran Tung Anh, renowned for his unique non-binary vocals, has won the first prize in the opera singing category of the Qingyin Award - Youth Music Festival 2024 in China, the Vietnam News Agency reported.
The festival was organised by the Zhejiang Conservatory of Music in Hangzhou and sponsored by many Chinese and international music conservatories, art schools and colleges. Around 600 contestants from many countries around the world competed in the event.
The Vietnamese delegation had nine contestants, including the "genderless vocalist" Tran Tung Anh. Overcoming many strong competitors, Anh won the champion title in the "Youth Opera" category.
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Singer Tran Tung Anh performs at Qingyin Award - Youth Music Festival 2024 in China.
(Photo: vtv.vn) |
He performed a medley of famous Vietnamese classical/chamber music songs for his competition entry, including Xuan Chien Khu (Spring in the Resistance Zone), Co Gai Vot Chong (The Girl Who Sharpens Spikes), Canh Chim Bao Tin Vui (The Birds that Bring Good News), Nguoi Lai Do Tren Song Po Ko (The Ferryman on the Po Ko River), and Truong Ca Song Lo (The Epic of the Lo River). Anh arranged and orchestrated the collection himself to suit his unique genderless vocal style and musical approach for the competition.
At the competition, the 29-year-old Vietnamese singer showcased his two natural vocals - his genderless voice and his authentic male voice./.