Dong Dang - Tra Linh Expressway launched

On January 1, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held a groundbreaking ceremony for the VND14-billion (US$575.4 million) Dong Dang - Tra Linh Expressway project in Thach An District, northern province of Cao Bang. The project will create a new expressway network connecting trade routes from Lach Huyen International Port (Haiphong) to Trung Khanh District (Cao Bang Province) - Urumqi (China) - Khorgos (Kazakhstan), Central Asia and European countries, promoting the socio-economic development of the northeastern region.

Ancient Tra Co Communal House designated as National Special Relic

Tra Co Communal House in Mong Cai City, Quang Ninh Province. Photo courtesy of the city

The Tra Co Communal House in Mong Cai City, Quang Ninh Province, was declared a national relic on January 1. The ancient building, whose construction dates back to the 17th century, stores several items that contain historical and cultural values and mark heroic events in Vietnam's history.

On March 13, 1974, the house was classified as a national historical and cultural relic. It is one of the 15 most attractive sites in Mong Cai City, drawing more than 20,000 visitors every year.

No Vietnamese casualties recorded after earthquake

As of 9 pm on January 1 (local time), the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan had not documented any casualties or injuries among Vietnamese people caused by the earthquake in Japan's central Ishikawa Prefecture, according to the People's Army Newspaper.

The Japanese Government has issued a warning of a possible tsunami in the central region. The Vietnamese Embassy in Japan strongly recommends that Vietnamese living in the central region strictly follow the instructions of local authorities and move to safer places. Vietnamese can contact the embassy at +81-80-3590-9136, +81-80-20346868, and +81-90-1255-5537, the consulate in Osaka at +81-90-4769-6789 or the consulate in Fukuoka at +81-92263-7668.

Hoi An among 7 world's most popular tourist destinations in 2024

Hoi An ancient town. Photo: Central Vietnam Guide

According to the prestigious travel website TripAdvisor, the ancient town of Hoi An is ranked second among the seven most popular tourist destinations in the world in 2024. It is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Vietnam, with beautiful ancient streets, an abundance of unique dishes, and an exciting blend of many different cultures from around the world.

Vietnamese enterprises optimistic about business opportunities in 2024

According to the General Statistics Office's survey on the outlook of manufacturing enterprises in the fourth quarter of 2023, 31.6% of businesses are positive about the industry's prospects in the next quarter, compared to 30.1% in the previous report. In addition, 40% of companies anticipate that the operating situation will remain stable, and 28.4% expect more difficulties.

Average monthly per capita income reaches US$203.5 in 2023

Preliminary results of the General Statistics Office's survey on living standards in 2023 revealed that the average per capita income in 2023 was estimated to reach VND4.95 million ($203.5) per month, an increase of 5.9% compared to the average income in 2022. The population's average income in 2023 continued to increase, ending the two consecutive years of income decline in 2020 and 2021 due to the impact of Covid-19. The average income growth rate slowed in 2023 compared to 2022.

The country's estimated average population in 2023 was 100.3 million, up 0.84% yearly.