Illustrative image. Photo: VNA

Additional 956 Covid-19 cases recorded on July 15

Vietnam’s total number of Covid-19 cases rose to 10,759,145 after 956 infections were reported on July 15.

According to the Ministry of Health, 5,619 patients were declared to be free from the disease on the same day, raising the total number of recoveries to 9,798,969.

Meanwhile, no fatality was recorded on the day, keeping the death toll from the disease at 43,090, accounting for 0.4% of the total infections, cited VNA.

More than 237.67 doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been administered so far.

Vietnam treasures co-operation and support from WHO

The nation places great importance on the World Health Organization (WHO)’s co-operation and support for the development of the nation’s health sector over recent times, especially during the country’s fight against Covid-19 pandemic.

Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan made the statement during a reception held for Dr. Takeshi Kasai, the WHO’s regional director for the Western Pacific, in Hanoi on July 15.

The Vice President said that the pandemic had a great impact on the country, especially affecting Ho Chi Minh City and southern provinces. Thanks to the drastic and timely decisions taken by the Party and State, the joint effort and consensus of all people, the important support given by international friends, and the WHO, the pandemic was initially contained in Vietnam.

With the overall success of the national vaccination strategy and as one of the countries with the highest vaccine coverage in the world, the nation has shifted to safe, flexible adaptation, and effective control of the Covid-19 pandemic, while also focusing on economic recovery and development moving forward.

Along with positive economic achievements recorded since the end of 2021, GDP in the second quarter of the year is estimated to expand by 7.72% over the same period from last year, while social security and people's life are guaranteed.

Amid the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic coupled with instability in the region and throughout the world, the nation is highly determined to maintain a favourable business investment environment, particularly as an important destination for foreign investment.

As part of this occasion, the Vice President thanked countries and partners, including the WHO, the WHO Western Pacific Office, and the WHO Office in Vietnam, especially Dr. Kasai, for giving priority to supporting the country in accessing vaccines and medical supplies to control the pandemic.

As a responsible country within the international community, the nation provided masks and medical supplies to many countries in the early stages of the pandemic, whilst also making positive contributions to the WHO’s Covid-19 Response Fund and the COVAX scheme.

Furthermore, the nation also launched numerous initiatives at regional and international forums in a bid to reinforce solidarity and international co-operation as a way of overcoming the pandemic together. This can be seen through the initiative to observe December 27 annually as the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, a move which was supported by the UN.

Regarding future co-operation, the Vice President suggested that the Western Pacific Regional Office and the WHO Office in Vietnam work alongside Dr. Kasai to promptly assess the pandemic situation and share information. This is as well as sharing experience and WHO recommendations regarding pandemic prevention and control measures. This should be done whilst supporting Vietnam in research and production of Covid-19 vaccines to proactively provide swift supplies and increase access to vaccines for regional nations.

Furthermore, the Vice President asked WHO agencies to pay close attention to and support the country in improving its healthcare capacity, especially in grassroots health care, through the provision of ODA, medical equipment, and experience sharing in training and improving human resource expertise, according to VOV.

She therefore suggested launching information activities and giving recommendations to people on the occasion of the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness on December 27.

Vice President Xuan also underscored the necessity of creating optimal conditions for Vietnamese officials and experts in which to work at regional offices in order to make effective and positive contributions to the common medical cause.

In response, Dr. Kasai hailed the nation’s pandemic containment efforts over the recent times, especially its decision to adapt to safely, flexibly, and effectively controlling the Covid-19 pandemic for socio-economic recovery and development.

Affirming that the pandemic has not ended due to the appearance of new strains, Dr. Kasai highlighted the important role of the grassroots health care as it is the first place to receive patients when people endure basic health problems. He pledged his organisation’s continued support for the country in improving and developing this medical system moving forward.

He is also committed to joining hands with the nation in taking care of people's health, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the region and the world as a whole.

Vietnam listed among top 10 best destinations for expats in 2022

Vietnam has been listed the 7th best destination for expats in the world, according to the Expat Insider 2022 survey by InterNations.

The survey, with nearly 12,000 respondents in 52 destinations, offers in-depth information on expats’ satisfaction with the Quality of Life, Ease of Settling In, Working Abroad, and Personal Finances in their respective country of residence. For the first time, the ranking also includes the Expat Essentials Index, which covers digital life, admin topics, housing, and language.

The survey highlighted that Vietnam excels when it comes to Personal Finance, ranking first worldwide in this index. The majority of expats (80%) are happy with the general cost of living, compared to only 45% globally.

There is no stress when it comes to their financial situation: about four in five (79%) are satisfied with this factor (compared to 60% globally), and 92% said that their disposable household income is enough or more than enough to lead a comfortable life (compared to the 72% globally). “I live comfortably on my limited income,” said a US American expat.

Vietnam listed among top 10 best destinations for expats in 2022. Photo: baodantoc.vn

Expats in Vietnam ranked the country 9th in the Ease of Settling, and 6th in the Local Friendliness. Most expats (84%) described the local residents as generally friendly, and 83% find them friendly towards foreign residents in particular.

“The warmth, honesty, and friendliness of the people” are what a US American enjoys most about life in Vietnam, while a Malaysian expat highlights “the people and the friendly culture”.

Indeed, the local culture is another area where expats are especially pleased. About 83% feel welcome in Vietnam while the world proportion is 71%.

The survey noted that creating a personal network is certainly important to expat life. Expats ranked Vietnam among the top 10 in the Finding Friends Subcategory (7th), saying it is easy to befriend locals (54%).

More than two in three (69%) are happy with their social life while globally, 56% feel the same. Moreover, 63% have a personal support network in Vietnam, and they said can go to for practical/emotional support (vs. 59% globally).

Meanwhile, concerns among expats living and working in Vietnam include the urban environment, the availability of green goods and services, the air quality, health & well-being, local bureaucracy, opening a local bank account and cashless payment.

EU always places importance on Vietnam's role and position

The EU maintains its view on the importance of the country’s role and position, viewing the nation as an important partner of the bloc in the region, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has said.

The comments were made as Ambassador and Head of the Vietnam Delegation to the European Union (EU) Nguyen Van Thao presented the Letter of Credence to President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen at the headquarters of the European Commission (EC) on July 14.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Thao conveyed greetings, best wishes, and an invitation from Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to the EC President in the hope that she will arrange an official visit to Vietnam at a convenient time in the near future.

The Ambassador also expressed his great honour at being appointed Ambassador and Head of the Vietnamese Delegation to the EU, affirming that the country attaches great importance and desires to further strengthen the comprehensive relationship with the bloc.

In his new position, the Ambassador has been tasked with continuing to develop mutual relations in a strong, substantive, and effective manner moving forward.

According to the diplomat, in the upcoming three-year term the Ambassador and his delegation will prioritise stepping up co-operation through four main pillars.

The first is to promote trade, investment and the overall effectiveness of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), especially in the context of global and regional fluctuations that come amid the risk of supply chain disruption and food security issues.

Ambassador and Head of the Vietnam Delegation to the European Union (EU) Nguyen Van Thao (L) and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. Photo: VNA

The EU represents an important economic partner for the nation. Despite being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, two-way trade turnover between both sides in 2021 and during the first five months of the year have still seen impressive growth.

The Vietnamese diplomat said he hoped that the EU would continue to encourage more diversified economic co-operation whilst simultaneously increasing investment in the Vietnamese market. This is especially in important fields such as sustainable development, green economy, circular economy, hi-tech agriculture, logistics, and modern infrastructure development.

The second pillar is to strengthen co-operation, exchanges, and share experience in responding to the threat posed by climate change, reported VOV.

Ambassador Thao affirmed that despite being a developing country, Vietnam places great importance on the issue and remains determined to successfully implement its commitments made at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP-26) of striving to achieve the goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

He suggested that both sides ramp up ties in this field, with it also being an area of the EU’s great concern and high priority.

The third pillar is to boost linkages in green energy transformation and sustainable energy. The Ambassador noted that Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highly appreciated the G7’s move to consider establishing a Just Energy Transformation Partnership (JETP) with Vietnam, with the UK and the EU serving as co-ordinators.

The Vietnamese diplomat suggested that the two sides work together to continue accelerating negotiations and affirmed that energy transformation is important in the successful implementation of the Vietnamese socio-economic development strategy in the next period. Indeed, this will serve to will create a milestone in Vietnam-EU relations.

The final pillar is to beef up co-ordination as a way of further expanding relations in other important areas.

The Ambassador was appreciative of the EU’s recent issuance of many important strategies, including the strategy for co-operation with the Indo-Pacific region.

These efforts highlight that the EU places great importance on the role of the region. Due to this, Vietnam will continue to work closely with the EU side on the basis of mutual benefits, for the causes of peace, stability, co-operation, and development in the region and the world as a whole.

For her part, EC President Von der Leyen thanked and asked Ambassador Thao to convey her best wishes to PM Chinh and other senior Vietnamese leaders.

She said she would arrange her visit to the nation at a convenient time to further promote bilateral relations.

Von der Leyen went on to express how impressed she has been with Vietnamese achievements in socio-economic development, as well as foreign relations after more than 30 years of renovation, especially in maintaining the momentum of economic development amid global and regional uncertainties.

The EC President affirmed that the bloc will continue to work closely alongside and support Vietnamese comprehensive and sustainable development.

Both sides will also continue to co-ordinate and provide mutual support at regional and international forums in line with the EU's strategy on strengthening relations with the Indo-Pacific region.

The EC President agreed with co-operation priorities proposed by Ambassador Thao, saying that these are also areas the EU values and is seeking to promote in the coming time. This can be seen through trade and investment promotion, the establishment of the just energy transformation partnership (JETP), and climate change response.

She expressed her hope that during his tenure, Ambassador Thao would make positive contributions to maintaining, consolidating, and further developing the comprehensive Vietnam-EU partnership.

Diplomatic ties were first established in 1990 and the two sides have since maintained wide-ranging relations and signed many important agreements.

They have also established eight co-operation mechanisms and co-operation frameworks, thereby making the country one of the regional nations with the most comprehensive and extensive relationship with the EU.

Phu Quoc among world's 25 best islands: US magazine

Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island off the southern province of Kien Giang, has been selected one of 25 best islands in the world by readers of US magazine Travel+Leisure.

According to the magazine, readers' enthusiasm for the island stems from "its white-sand beaches and delectable food."

The island is renowned for its production of fish sauce, an indispensable Vietnamese condiment, and peppercorns.

Other attractions include its coral reefs and dense tropical forest, the magazine wrote.

A beach in Phu Quoc. Photo: nhandan.vn

For this year’s World Best Awards survey, Travel Leisure asked its readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe to choose the world’s best islands based on activities, sights, natural attractions, beaches, food and friendliness.

Ischia island in Italy topped the list, followed by the Maldives and Bali in Indonesia.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam's largest island, has gained popularity after the government allowed 30-day visa free entry in 2014.

In 2019, before Covid-19 hit the country, the island received over five million visitors, including 541,600 foreigners.

Phu Quoc has seen strong recovery since the country lifted most Covid-19 restrictions. It received 1.4 million tourists in the first half of this year, or over 70% of its full-year target.

Vietnam News Today (Jul. 13): Vietnamese Startups Attract Millions of US Dollars Vietnam News Today (Jul. 13): Covid-19: national caseload rises to 10,756,254 on July 12; Vietnam, EU share view on importance of sustainable supply chain, food ...

Vietnam News Today (Jul. 14): Vietnam’s Economy Back on Track for Strong Recovery Vietnam News Today (Jul. 14): Vietnam, China hold 14th meeting of steering committee for bilateral cooperation; Vietnam’s economy back on track for strong recovery; UKVFTA ...

Vietnam News Today (Jul. 15): Vietnam Promotes Defense Cooperation with Japan Vietnam News Today (Jul. 15): Covid-19: national caseload rises to 10,758,189 on July 14; Vietnam promotes defense cooperation with Japan; Hoi An makes its way ...