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| Workers process tuna for export (Photo: VNA) |
The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) has reported a strong rebound in tuna exports to the US, with canned tuna sales rising 17% year-on-year to 95 million USD.
The US remains the largest importer of Vietnamese canned tuna, accounting for 36% of the country’s total exports. While Thailand remains the top supplier of canned tuna for the US market, Vietnam have increased exports, surpassing Mexico to become the second-largest supplier, with a 12% share of the US market.
Vietnamese exporters have also adjusted pricing strategies, with average prices now around 4,670 USD per tonne. With the US economy recovering and domestic consumption rising, demand for seafood, including tuna, is expected to grow, providing further opportunities for Vietnam’s exports.
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| Illustrative photo (Source: vneconomy.vn) |
Besides the US, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Portugal have surged, with shipments to this European market up 380% year-on-year, reaching over 10 million USD in the first 11 months of 2024.
Portugal, strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Latin America, is increasingly becoming an important gateway for Vietnamese tuna to enter Europe and Africa.
The EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) also provides Vietnamese exporters with significant tariff benefits, boosting their competitiveness in global markets.
This momentum in the US and Portugal reflects the growing global demand for Vietnamese tuna, positioning the country as a key player in the international seafood market.
Vietnamese institutions rise in QS world university sustainability rankings
Ten Vietnamese universities have secured spots in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025, which were recently released by the UK-based education organisation Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), reported Vietnam News Agency.
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| The Hue University and the University of Danang have entered the rankings for the first time this year. (Photo: VNA) |
This marks a notable increase from last year, when only eight universities in Vietnam were listed. The Hue University and the University of Danang have entered the rankings for the first time this year.
The QS rankings evaluate universities based on their sustainability efforts across three core areas: environmental impact, social impact, and governance. They assess how institutions contribute to sustainable development through research, teaching, and community engagement.
The Vietnamese universities featured in the 2025 rankings include the Vietnam National University, Hanoi (325th), Duy Tan University (538th), University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (653rd), Hanoi University of Science and Technology (702nd), Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (880th), Ton Duc Thang University (921-930), Can Tho University (1,061-1,080), Nguyen Tat Thanh University (1,451-1,500), Hue University (1,501 ), University of Da Nang (1,501 ).
The Vietnam National University, Hanoi, stands out with a remarkable rise of 456 places, now ranked 325th, making it the top-ranked institution in Vietnam. This significant improvement is attributed to its enhanced performance across all three sustainability criteria: governance, environmental impact, and social impact.
The university’s success reflects its long-term commitment to sustainable development. With a strong focus on research in climate change, clean energy, and biodiversity conservation, the Vietnam National University, Hanoi has made substantial contributions both at home and internationally. Its partnerships with global research institutions have amplified its impact, while initiatives in gender equality, community support, and public health have furthered its role in improving social well-being.
The inclusion of more Vietnamese universities in the QS sustainability rankings highlights the growing recognition of their contributions to global sustainability efforts.
Passengers enjoy free rides on Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro line for first 30 days
Passengers of Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien) in Ho Chi Minh City will enjoy free travel during the first 30 days of its commercial operation under a resolution passed by the municipal People’s Council at its 20th session on December 11, reported Vietnam News Agency.
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| Map of Metro line 1 (Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien) at An Phu station. (Photo: VNA) |
The resolution, which outlines policies to support public transport users and fund operations for buses and metro services, also includes free bus rides for passengers on routes connecting to Metro Line 1. This policy will be effective from January 1, 2025, until the end of the fare-free period for the metro line.
Additionally, the city will provide free rides on public transport for individuals who have contributed to the revolutionary cause, people with disabilities, and children under six years old.
According to the municipal People’s Committee, offering free rides during the initial operation of Metro Line 1 is intended to encourage residents to experience the city’s first urban rail system. The initiative aims to foster a shift towards public transportation and reduce the use of personal vehicles in the city centre.
The total funding for fare exemptions and discounts for buses and metro services is estimated at 43.3 billion VND (1.7 million USD) per year, while the cost of providing 30 days of free fares for buses and metro services is expected to reach 33.1 billion VND per month. The total annual funding to support public passenger transport operations by bus and metro is approximately 2.2 trillion VND (88.4 million USD).
Previously, the city announced the fare structure for Metro Line 1, which includes both single-trip and time-based tickets.
Price of single-trip fares range from 7,000 to 20,000 VND (less than 1 USD) for cash payments, depending on distance, while non-cash payments range from 6,000 to 19,000 VND.
A one-day pass with unlimited rides costs 40,000 VND per person while a three-day pass costs 90,000 VND per person.
Regular monthly passes are priced at 300,000 VND, with a 50% discount for students.
The Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien Metro Line spans 19.7 km, connecting Ben Thanh Market in District 1 to Long Binh Depot in Thu Duc city. It features three underground stations (Ben Thanh, Opera House, and Ba Son) and 11 elevated stations. Construction began in 2012 but faced multiple delays, with total costs rising to over 1.71 billion USD. The line includes 17 trains, each capable of carrying 930 passengers.
The main construction packages have been completed. The project’s investor is currently working with relevant units to expedite the remaining tasks, including fire safety inspections, environmental permitting, safety certifications, and final project acceptance.
The Metro Line 1 is scheduled to begin commercial operation on December 22.
Vietnam attends Ikebana International Fair in Japan
Spouse of the Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Thai Thu Hong joined spouse of the Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiko Ishiba and others in a Japanese Ikebana (flower arrangement) exhibition in Tokyo on December 10, reported Vietnam News Agency.
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| The Ikebana International Fair 2024 features 31 traditional Japanese flower arrangement styles with diverse colours and unique artistic designs. (Photo: VNA) |
Within the framework of the event, the Vietnamese Embassy, in collaboration with embassies of some countries in Japan, hosted an Ikebana charity fair to raise funds for disadvantaged people in the country.
In her opening speech, Hong emphasised that the events serve as a special bridge promoting cultural connections, where Japanese people and those from other countries can feel the closeness, love, and sharing.
The Ikebana International Fair 2024 featured 31 traditional Japanese flower arrangement styles with diverse colours and unique artistic designs performed by local renowned artisans.
Artisan Shindo Kasei from Kyoto said that Ikebana is not just the art of flower arrangement but also has connections with various other traditional Japanese arts, such as tea ceremony, calligraphy, and Kabuki theatre.
The piece arranged by Shindo is titled “Tachiike Kotenba”, which combines purple chrysanthemums from Da Lat and yellow chrysanthemums of Japan. It symbolises the wish for the enduring and growing relationship between Vietnam and Japan in the future.
For his part, artisan Ichifu Meikyo introduced a hundred-year-old Ikebana school. His piece was inspired by the Christmas tree to welcome the approaching holiday season.
As the host of this year's fair, the Vietnamese Embassy introduced the beauty of the lotus – the national flower of Vietnam, handcrafted products, traditional costumes, and a water puppetry performance programme to international friends./.