 |
| Vietnam’s tea exports record consecutive growth in five months (Photo: vneconomy.vn) |
Most notably, tea exports to Iraq during the seven-month period reached 3,800 tonnes worth US$5.7 million, up 43.3% in volume and 25.3% in value year on year, Radio the Voice of Vietnam quoted the figures of the MoIT.
Meanwhile, statistics compiled by the General Department of Customs outline that tea exports to several main markets of Vietnam continued to experience a downward trajectory in the reviewed period.
Tea exports to Pakistan fell 11.6% in volume and 10.9% in value year on year to 23,100 tonnes valued at US$ 44.2 million.
Vietnam exported 7,900 tonnes of tea worth US$13.1 million to Taiwan (China), down 35.3% in volume and 46.6% in value, while exports to Russia hit 4,200 tonnes, worth US$7 million, declining by 18.6% in volume and 22.1% in value.
Overall, the country shipped 58,800 tonnes of tea worth US$ 99.9 million abroad during the past seven months, down 15.6% in volume and 19% in value year on year, with the average export price dropping by 4% to US$1,700 per tonne.
 |
| Thai Nguyen tea (Photo: vitas.org.vn) |
According to the International Trade Center (ITC), Turkey increased tea imports between January and May with 6,600 tonnes worth US$12.7 million, up 54.1% in volume and 27.7% in value year on year.
Turkey, an important gateway to the Middle East and a transit point into the EU market for many export products, offers plenty of opportunities for Vietnamese tea to enter this market as the proportion of its tea imports from Vietnam remains low, accounting for just 0.3% in volume.
VietJet Air officially launches direct flights from HCM City to Kochi
Local budget-airline VieJjet Air has become the first Vietnamese carrier to operate direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Kochi - the major port city of India, said Radio the Voice of Vietnam.
The airline will run four flights per week on the route, departing every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday with a travel time of approximately five hours.
 |
| VietJet Air officially launches direct flights from HCM City to Kochi (Photo: vietjetair.com) |
Kochi is the fourth Indian city that VietJet has launched direct flights to after previously operating a number of routes to some of India’s leading economic, cultural, and political hubs such as Mumbai, New Delhi, and Ahmedabad.
With the new direct flights in use, Indian visitors will be able to easily travel to Ho Chi Minh City, as well as other locations across Vietnam, Australia, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Indonesia.
153-year-old church in HCM City among world’s most beautiful pink destinations
The Hindustan Times of India has listed eight destinations that satisfy pink-loving and viva-loving followers around the world, with Tan Dinh church in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) coming in at fourth position, according to Radio the Voice of Vietnam.
"Tan Dinh church, located in the centre of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is a stunning architectural marvel and an iconic pink landmark," the daily newspaper wrote.
The oldest Catholic church in the city was founded in 1864, the pink exterior paint job was subsequently applied in 1957. The interior, which was painted an even more bright pink, is the real surprise for any visitors. For those who adore the colour pink, it is an amazing joy since it is like standing inside a wedding cake, the article shared.
 |
| Tan Dinh Church (Photo: VOV) |
The Hindustan Times dubbed the church a captivating pink landmark.
The construction of Tan Dinh church commenced in 1870 and was subsequently completed six years later. It is the second largest church in Ho Chi Minh City after the iconic Saigon Notre Dame Basilica, which is closed for renovation over the next two years.
On top of the 52m tall main tower stands a cross three metres high, whilst inside the tower hangs a 5.5 tonne bell. The inner sanctum accommodates two rows of columns, with the altar made of Italian marble.
Located in District 3, also known as the Pink Church, Tan Dinh church was included on the list of 10 pink global destinations by Condé Nast Traveler in June 2020.
The Hindustan Times also introduced a number of destinations that satisfy pink-loving and viva-loving, including Lake Hillier in Australia, Jaipur (known as the Pink City) in India, Pink Sands Beach in the Bahamas, Hitachi Seaside Park in Japan, the Laguna Salada de Torrevieja in Spain, Craigievar Castle in Scotland, and Las Coloradas in Mexico.
Ho Chi Minh City to hold mass wedding for 150 couples
The Ho Chi Minh City Labourers and Youth Support Centre said on August 13 that it will organise a mass wedding for 150 couples in order to help less well-off workers enjoy a proper ceremony, Radio the Voice of Vietnam reported.
The event is expected to set a new national record for the largest number of participants in a mass wedding, the centre noted.
 |
Ho Chi Minh City to hold mass wedding for 150 couples – Photo for illustration
(Source: nld.com.vn) |
The couples will be presented with free wedding rings, make-up services, wedding celebrations, as well as photos and health checkup packages. Those who are in great financial difficulty will also get housing support.
This year's ceremony will also attract the participation of other groups, such as teachers and demobilised soldiers, who come from Ho Chi Minh City and the southern city’s surrounding areas.
According to details given by the event’s organisers, the mass wedding has been organised for 13 years and has supported more than a thousand couples who can’t afford a wedding due to economic difficulties./.