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According to Nguyen Duc Lenh, Deputy Director of the State Bank of Vietnam’s Region 2 Branch, remittance companies accounted for the lion’s share of Ho Chi Minh City’s remittances, totaling nearly 1.76 billion USD, while commercial banks received 655 million USD. Asia continued to be the largest source of remittances to the city, contributing 48.7%, a notable increase of 46.1% from the previous quarter. Illustrative image (Source: VNA) Lenh attributed the positive remittance situation in Ho Chi Minh City to various factors, including effective monetary and foreign exchange policy mechanisms, a stable investment and business environment, and a thriving labor market. He also commended the high-quality services provided by remittance companies and commercial banks, which greatly convenience remittance recipients. In 2024, remittances to the city reached 9.55 billion USD, a slight increase of 0.9% from 2023, with Asia and America being the top contributors, jointly accountin...

Ho Chi Minh City has been making waves with its recent bold reforms, aimed at creating a more attractive investment environment. One key initiative, reintroduced in 2024, is the one-stop mechanism at industrial and high-tech parks, designed to streamline investment procedures for businesses. This efficient approach has paid off, according to the Management Board of the Saigon Hi-Tech Park (SHTP). They report a significant reduction in the time needed for investment procedures, now taking just six to four months, a far cry from the previous two-year wait. Alongside procedural improvements, the city is also investing heavily in inter-regional transport and digital infrastructure, further enhancing its appeal. These advancements have not gone unnoticed by high-tech giants. NVIDIA, Marvell, Hyosung, and Evolution Data Centers Group are among those increasing their investments in Ho Chi Minh City. NVIDIA, in particular, has shown great interest in the city’s potential, sending re...

THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam’s two largest urban centers, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, have embarked on an ambitious initiative to enhance air quality, targeting a significant improvement over the next five years. This forms part of a broader strategy to combat pollution in the country’s major metropolitan hubs. Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has issued this directive, following Notice No. 153/TB-VPCP dated April 4, which outlined urgent and comprehensive measures to address urban air pollution. The Deputy Prime Minister has urged Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to promptly conduct an extensive inventory of emission sources and assess their current air quality status. Hanoi employs a range of strategies to combat air pollution and enhance air quality. Photo: Economic & Urban Newspaper Both cities are mandated to formulate five-year and annual action plans, incorporating clear targets and emission quotas for specific sectors. As outlined in the directive, these plans will unde...

The gentle sun caressed my face as I awoke on a mild February morning in 2014. “Just another day,” I mused, but the usual bustle of Saigon’s streets was eerily quiet. It was Tết, and I was about to embark on my first traditional holiday season in Ho Chi Minh City. Fast forward to 2025, and once again, the mild morning sun of January will herald the Year of the Snake. While the quiet streets of Saigon have transformed, the culture and traditions of Tết remain a cornerstone of Vietnamese life. With the completion of a zodiac cycle, I find myself back where I started, reflecting on the changes Ho Chi Minh City has undergone in the last 12 years and what the Year of the Snake signifies for expatriates in Vietnam. Swiss tourists embrace the 2025 Vietnamese Tết Festival at the Youth Culture House, Ho Chi Minh City, January 13, 2024. Photo by Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre To be frank, my initial Tết experience in Vietnam was less than ideal. As a teacher, the extended holiday left me w...

(Photo: Quest’s World of Wonder) “It’s true what they say: when you first arrive in Vietnam, you understand a lot in just a few minutes. But to truly grasp the essence of this captivating country, you need to immerse yourself in its vibrant reality.” This sentiment, echoed by Richard Quest, perfectly encapsulates his journey through Ho Chi Minh City, inspired by Graham Greene’s Quiet American. According to Quest, Vietnam exudes an irresistible allure that draws tourists from across the globe. The warmth and hospitality of the locals leave a lasting impression on visitors. “It had been two decades since my last visit to Vietnam, and I felt compelled to return and showcase its allure to the world through my show,” Quest shared. (Photo: Quest’s World of Wonder) In Ho Chi Minh City, Quest embarked on a cultural voyage, delving into the local lifestyle and unique traditions. He navigated the bustling streets, indulged in the delights of banh xeo, and even experienc...

Holiday Celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City: A Sneak Peek at the Spectacular Preparations With the Lunar New Year just around the corner, the buzz of excitement in Ho Chi Minh City is palpable. Workers are putting the finishing touches on an array of vibrant displays and mascots, adding to the festive cheer. In a workshop nestled in Thu Duc City, ‘Nang Ty,’ an iconic figure for this year’s Nguyen Hue Flower Street , is taking shape. Modeled after a majestic king cobra, ‘Nang Ty’ stands tall, adorned in the traditional costume of southern women, including the khan ran and non la . This unique creation is a testament to the creativity and dedication of the artisans involved. Artisans meticulously crafting ‘Nang Ty,’ a king cobra mascot with a friendly demeanor and a stunning green body. According to Binh, a representative from the design and construction unit, over 50 skilled workers dedicated 40-50 days to bringing ‘Nang Ty’ to life. The team’s attention to detail is remark...

The closing ceremony was an exhilarating event held on Sunday evening at District 5’s Culture and Sports Center.  A vast crowd gathered to witness the spectacular performances, filling the venue with their enthusiastic cheers, waving flags, and chanting ‘Vietnam’ in unison throughout the night. The Mieu Bay Ba troupe from An Giang Province, southern Vietnam, claimed the top spot in the International District 5 Open Kylin-Lion-Dragon Championship. Photo : Thuong Khai / Tuoi Tre The championship witnessed an array of impressive performances by both international and domestic troupes, who wowed the audience with their creative and dynamic moves, showcasing not only their technical prowess but also a strong sense of national pride and unity. Following a closely contested competition, Chung Huy Duong from Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, secured second place. Xuan Long Dragon and Lion Dance Rawang Selangor from Malaysia and Tai Anh Duong from An Giang also delivered r...

Ho Chi Minh City police detained Le Sy Manh, a former Vietnamese international footballer, for assaulting a referee during an amateur tournament. The incident, which occurred on December 22, 2024, sparked outrage as a video of Manh’s violent reaction to receiving a red card went viral. Manh, a member of the Thanh Hoa City senior team, lashed out at referee Pham Van Nguyen after being shown a yellow card for a foul. He slapped the referee and was subsequently shown a red card, leading to an even more aggressive response. Manh kicked and punched Nguyen, with the entire incident being captured on camera and shared widely across social media platforms. Born in 1984 in Thanh Hoa Province, Manh represented Vietnam from 2009 to 2010. Throughout his club career, he played for prominent teams such as Hanoi T&T, Vissai Ninh Binh, FLC Thanh Hoa, Quang Nam, Xuan Thanh Sai Gon, and Hai Phong. The Ho Chi Minh City Police’s swift action in detaining Manh sends a strong message about their comm...