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| Vietnam’s trade surplus reached US$6.35 billion in four months (Photo: vccinews.vn) |
Throughout the January - April period the domestic economic sector suffered a trade deficit of US$8.04 billion, while the foreign-invested sector enjoyed a surplus of US$14.39 billion.
The four-month import-export turnover was estimated at US$210.78 billion, while both exports and imports endured declines in value.
GSO reported that US$27.54 billion was generated from exports in April, a decrease of 7.3% from the previous month and a drop of 17.1% year on year. The April figure caused the four-month export earnings down 11.8% year on year to US$108.57 billion.
Processed industrial products brought in US$96.1 billion, accounting for 88.5% of the total export earnings in the four-month period.
Meanwhile, Vietnam spent US$26.03 billion on imports in April and US$102.22 billion in the four-month period, down by 20.5% and 15.4% respectively, with the majority of them being production materials.
In the first four months of this year, the United States remained the country’s largest export market, spending US$28.4 billion on Vietnamese goods, while China was the largest goods supplier to Vietnam, earning US$33.3 billion.
In order to maintain growth, the Ministry of Industry and Trade stated that relevant agencies and localities must support businesses in accessing market information in a timely manner, taking full advantage of free trade agreement commitments, and finding new markets to boost exports.
The Ministry also underlined the necessity of closely monitoring global market fluctuations, and actively assessing their impacts on local production, imports, and exports in order to make appropriate adjustments and responses in support of businesses and business associations.
Con Dao National Park recognised as ASEAN Heritage Park
The Con Dao National Park off the coast of the southern province of Ba Ria - Vung Tau received the ASEAN Heritage Park certificate at a ceremony held on April 28, according to the Vietnam News Agency.
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A corner of the Con Dao National Park (Photo: condaopark.com.vn)
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The ceremony also celebrated the park’s 30th founding anniversary (March 31, 1993 - 2023)
The Con Dao National Park covers more than 15,000ha, including over 6,000ha of land and 9,000ha of sea. It comprises 14 islands of Con Son Archipelago, located to the southeast of Vietnam.
With its rich biodiversity, the park was included by the World Bank among the top priority areas among global maritime reserves. In 2013, it was named the world’s 2203rd wetland of international importance by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands Secretariat, making this park the 6th Ramsar site in Vietnam and the first maritime site earning this title in the country.
The park is harbouring and conserving hundreds of vascular plant species, many of which are listed in the Red Data Book.
Meanwhile, the sea turtle conservation programme implemented here over the last 30 years has helped recover the population of the rare green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas). Nearly 2.5 million baby turtles have been released to the nature so far.
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A Nicoba pigeon in the Con Dao National Park (Source: VNA)
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Besides, the Con Nao National Park was listed as an ASEAN Heritage Park thanks to not only its unique marine biodiversity but also rich historical and cultural values.
At the ceremony, the park was also granted with a certificate of merit from the Prime Minister for its achievements in turtle conservation.
Vietnam leaves strong impression at Paris Fair 2023
Traditional handicrafts, typical food dishes, and special musical performances have attracted a large number of visitors to the zone of Vietnam at the ongoing Foire de Paris (Paris Fair) 2023 in the capital of France, said the Vietnam News Agency.
Lacquer paintings, fine handicrafts, silk products, “ao dai”, brocade items, confectionery, tea, and “pho”, among others, have made it outstanding and attractive to visitors.
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Visitors to a booth of Vietnam at the Paris Fair 2023 (Photo: VNA)
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In particular, a special musical programme performed by artists from Vietnam and the Vietnamese Culture Centre in France has offered the audience a glance at the diverse culture of the Southeast Asian country.
Pham Thi Bich Nga, a representative of the Vietnamese zone organising committee, said 34 Vietnamese businesses are taking part in the 2023 fair, an increase from last year, bringing to the event signature products such as lacquer objects, handicrafts, and apparel products imbued with the country’s identity.
Vu Anh Son, head of the Trade Office of Vietnam in France, said the Paris Fair is one of the oldest and biggest of its kind in the European nation. It is a good chance to not only advertise specialities of Vietnam to French consumers but also popularise the country’s culture.
He suggested enterprises further improve their product quality and diversity to meet local consumers’ growing demand.
On this occasion, Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang visited the Vietnamese firms at the Paris Fair and had a meeting with the fair’s leaders.
Steven Abajoli, Director of the Paris Fair, highly valued the presence of Vietnamese enterprises, noting Vietnam is one of the important partners of the fair and its participation shows the importance it attaches to this event.
He expressed his hope that Vietnam with its traditional handicrafts and culture will shine at the Paris Fair.
Taking place form April 27 to May 8, the Paris Fair is the biggest in France for family space, cuisine, creativity, and traditional crafts. Organisers expect the over 1,250 booths at the 12-day event will attract about 400,000 visitors.
First air route linking Hanoi and Ca Mau launched
Bamboo Airways opened a new route connecting Hanoi and Ca Mau on April 29, marking the first direct flight between the two localities, Radio the Voice of Vietnam reported.
The carrier is operating three commercial flights per week on this route, starting from April 29. The flight is scheduled to depart from Hanoi at 7:05 a.m. and from Ca Mau at 9:55 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
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Bamboo Airways opens a new route connecting Hanoi and Ca Mau on April 29. (Photo: Baophapluat.vn)
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The new service will make use of a E190 aircraft which has a capacity of 98 passengers, including six business-class seats. Bamboo Airways will create favourable conditions in order to ensure the effective and safe exploitation of flights.
Huynh Quoc Viet, head of the Ca Mau provincial administration, said the opening of the Hanoi-Ca Mau route is of great significance in facilitating travel and trade exchanges between the capital city and the southernmost locality.
Ca Mau Airport currently welcomes 35,000 to 40,000 passengers per year, with the airfield having an annual capacity of receiving 200,000 passengers./.