Stories from Vietnam

Quoc Minh taxi has converted over 50 percent of its fleet to electric vehicles. The company is following a roadmap discussed in meetings with Hanoi city officials. Hanoi has set a mandate for all taxi businesses operating in the city to transition entirely to electric vehicles by 2030. The transition aims to increase green transportation and reduce individual vehicle use. The company is coordinating with the Hanoi People's Committee regarding a roadmap for taxi operations in Hanoi. The transition is supported by consensus regarding the adoption of electric technology.

Vietnamese banks are collectively lowering interest rates to support national economic growth, according to the State Bank of Vietnam. Phung Thi Binh, Deputy General Director of Agribank, stated the bank has accepted lower profit margins to stabilize interest rate levels. This move follows guidance from the State Bank of Vietnam to address the gap between mobilization and lending rates. The bank noted that mobilization trends for the first three months of the year were anticipated. The move requires caution due to inflationary pressures caused by rising geopolitical tensions. The source noted that government and ministerial solutions are being implemented to address these challenges. Vietnamese banks are implementing preferential loan packages for specific sectors to support a double-digit growth target.

Fraudulent websites are impersonating legitimate car dealerships to scam customers. Victims often leave negative reviews on Google or Realt for the real businesses, mistakenly believing the brand itself is fraudulent. Small-scale dealerships are primary targets due to their simpler website systems which are easier to copy and spoof.

The Coast Guard Region 3 Command announced an investigation into illegal sand dredging activities in the Le Lenh Sea. Authorities are coordinating with relevant forces to handle the case. The report noted that violators could face fines ranging from 1 million to under 20 million VND depending on the nature of the offense. Additionally, individuals required to participate in health insurance who fail to do so may be fined between 300,000 and 500,000 VND. Authorities are currently investigating the illegal maritime extraction activity.

Da Nang authorities are considering a high-tech industrial project to cultivate ginseng. The plan involves a concentrated production area covering approximately 4,600 hectares. Cultivation will take place at altitudes between 1,000 and 1,500 meters. Ho Quang Buu, Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People's Committee, stated the project will combine industrial methods with forestry and service sectors. The initiative includes researching and transferring technology for indoor ginseng cultivation. Da Nang officials announced plans to develop and expand ginseng products to establish the city as a national and Southeast Asian medicinal herb center. The city has developed specific implementation plans for these decisions. The project aims to strengthen the local medicinal herb industry.

A parade involving 1,000 workers took place in Quang Ninh this morning to commemorate International Workers' Day on May 1. The procession began at 8:00 AM, traveling from Tran Nhan Tong and Tran Binh Trong streets toward the Quang Ninh Friendship Cultural Palace. The event aims to honor the contributions of the Vietnamese working class to the country's socio-economic development.

Hue City welcomed approximately 395,000 tourists between April 24 and April 27. International visitors accounted for about 99,000 of the total arrivals. Tourism revenue for this period is estimated at 950 billion VND. Average room occupancy at accommodation facilities exceeded 90%, reaching 99% during peak days.

National Assembly Vice Chairman Nguyen Khac Dinh said monitoring the first session of the 16th National Assembly to drive economic growth and social stability. Officials reported ongoing difficulties regarding land recovery, resettlement, and housing permit procedures in areas including Nha Trang airport and Bac Hon Dong. The source noted that prolonged planning suspensions remain a issue for residents. National Assembly Deputy Chairman Nguyen Khac Dinh said that local authorities must compile lists and develop specific handling plans for each land recovery project. The directive was part of a broader discussion on administrative processes in Vietnam. The source noted that local implementation is required for effective project management.

Politburo member and Standing Secretary of the Secretariat Tran Cam Tu led a central working group to the Dien Bien Phu Battlefield Martyrs Temple in Dien Bien province. The visit coincided with the 51st anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory and the 72nd anniversary of the country's unification. The delegation evaluated achievements from the 2023-2026 term and discussed solutions for the upcoming term. The temple serves as a memorial for soldiers who fought or died during the 1954 Dien Bien Phu campaign. The temple is located approximately 100 meters south of the Dien Bien Phu historical site. The visit occurred alongside discussions regarding local governance and resource allocation.

Hanoi has been ranked 25th in a list of the 50 most interesting cities in the world to live in and explore for 2026. The ranking highlights the city's cultural values and unique experiences. VOV reporters noted that the recognition raises questions regarding the actual quality of life for residents in the city. The city is characterized as a city of people, focusing on human happiness, emotions, and living conditions. The report notes challenges faced by residents, such as farmers losing land during urban transitions. The ranking evaluates destinations based on walking convenience, sightseeing density, accessibility, and the overall urban exploration experience. Other Vietnamese cities included in the list are Hoi An and Da Nang. The assessment considers urban space, cultural identity, and the proximity of attractions.