Vietnam named best Culinary Destination in Asia

Vietnam has been named the Best Culinary Destination in the Bucket List Places in Asia in 2023 published by US magazine Travel+Leisure, reported Vietnam News Agency.

According to the magazine, if there’s one cultural cuisine that bursts with umami goodness, it’s Vietnamese cuisine. The country, apart from its beautiful landscapes, is known for its food.

“Everywhere you go, you’ll be met with local, regional delicacies that will bowl you over, as you soak in new, exciting experiences and visit stunning destinations,” the magazine said.

It also recommends best places to explore in Vietnam are Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City. Must-try food include Pho, Banh Mi, Banh Cuon (rice rolls) and coffee, and the best time to visit the country is from November to March when the weather is the most comfortable, not too hot, not too cold and there are no pouring rain or stormy days.

Asia is the largest continent in the world. The continent is a melting pot of cultures, which varies from region to region. The place has a varied landscape, complete with snow-capped peaks, volcanoes, and a vast gastronomic culture, according to Travel Leisure.

Out of 17 countries in their Bucket List Places in Asia in 2023, Singapore is recommended as Best City, Indonesia - Best Beach Destination, Goa - Best Beach Destination, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi - Best Wedding Destination, Bangkok - Best Shopping Destination, Bali - Best Destination To get Close To Nature and Sri Lanka - Best Wildlife Destination.

Vietnam remains among top investment destinations globally: EuroCham

Despite the Business Climate Index (BCI) falling to 48.0 points in the fourth quarter of 2022, Vietnam remains among the top global investment locations, reported the Voice of Vietnam according to the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham).

The BCI figure for quarter IV represents a drop of 14.2 points compared to three months prior and 25 points from quarter I of 2022.

“Things were definitely less positive in the fourth quarter of 2022 than they were earlier in the year,” said Alain Cany, chairman of EuroCham.

“Although the situation is very likely to continue in this direction in 2023, this shouldn't be viewed as a cause for concern. In fact, Vietnam's economic opportunities continue to exceed those of its regional and international peers. This is evident from the fact that so many of EuroCham's members consider Vietnam central to their global investment strategies,” added the EuroCham representative.

“It is also encouraging to see that foreign direct investment from Europe and around the world remains high and continues to grow, especially in Vietnam's green industries and manufacturing. It is clear that, with this FDI, Vietnam's strong economic fundamentals, and its commitment to sustainability, the country is still among the top investment destinations in the world. As a result, the European business community remains confident in the Vietnamese market,” he noted.

Though the Vietnamese economy grew by 5.92% in the fourth quarter of 2022 and 8.02% for the whole year, this data comes amid continued global economic volatility as a result of a perfect storm of factors such as a slowdown in global growth, interest rate hikes, sustained inflation, and bruised consumer confidence.

EuroCham invites its 1,300 members, who represent virtually all sectors of the Vietnamese economy, to provide quarterly feedback on the local business environment and forecasts for their own businesses in the Vietnamese market.

With only 27% of respondents anticipating economic stabilisation or improvements to be made during quarter I, the BCI results also suggest a growing sense of pessimism. Compared to projections made in quarter IV, when 42% shared this sentiment, this marks a 15-point decline. Over the past quarter, the number of people who anticipated an economic downturn has also doubled.

In total, 41% of respondents stated their company is shifting operations from China to Vietnam, up from 13% in quarter III. Furthermore, approximately 35% of respondents ranked Vietnam among the top five global investment destinations for their company, with 12% stating that the country was their firm's top international investment site.

The three most significant regulatory barriers to foreign companies operating in the Vietnamese market include a lack of clarity regarding rules and regulations (51%), administrative issues (41%, as well as visa and work permit difficulties (30%).

In spite of these difficulties, 58% of BCI respondents were satisfied with the attention policymakers pay to the needs and requirements of business when setting relevant policies.

In terms of what the country should do to improve its FDI attraction prowess, reducing administrative difficulties at 70% retained the top spot. This has been the case since this question was first raised with BCI respondents in quarter II of 2022. In addition, the issue of reducing visa difficulties for foreign experts has become increasingly pertinent, increasing by eight points from quarter III of last year.

According to the survey, 63% of respondents believed they are sufficiently knowledgeable about the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). Moreover, nearly half of respondents maintained that the EVFTA is relevant to or very relevant to their business, indicating no significant change compared to quarter III of 2022.

BCI participants also reported that new generation free trade agreements had led to a positive effect on the growth of their businesses, their financial health through tariff reductions, and the overall strength of their supply chains.

This latest BCI showed some concerns regarding the EVFTA's administrative procedures, a lack of understanding of the agreement, and technical barriers, which have combined to trade have all decreased.

First-ever Da Nang Asian film festival slated for this May

The Asian Film Festival 2023 (DANAFF 2023) is set to take place for the first time from May 9 to 13 in the central city of Da Nang, reported the Voice of Vietnam.

The festival will be jointly organised by the Vietnam Association of Film Promotion and Development (VFDA), the Da Nang municipal People’s Committee, and the Network for the Promotion of Asia Pacific Cinema (NETPAC).

It aims to honour excellent Vietnamese and Asian cinematographic works which boast high artistic value and are rich in both humanity and creativity, as well as to encourage new Vietnamese and Asian talents in the film-making industry.

the opening and closing will be held on May 9 and May 13 respectively, with film screenings available at Le Do theatre in Da Nang.

Awards for DANAFF 2023 will also be presented during the closing ceremony.

There will be 12 to 14 films which will compete in the Asian film category, with grand prizes on offer for the best movie, the best director, the best actor, the best actress, and the best screenwriter.

During the five-day festival in May, workshops aimed at introducing the cinema industry of both Vietnam and Japan, as well as tours for foreign participants to sightseeing spots in Da Nang, will take place.

Calligraphy festival returns after two-year hiatus

The annual Spring Calligraphy Festival, which honours the art and local tradition of writing, will begin at Hanoi’s Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam on January 15, marking its return following two years of hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reported Vietnam News Agency.

Having a calligraphic work written on red paper to display during the Lunar New Year festival (Tet), Vietnam’s biggest traditional event, is a local tradition to pray for good things. The calligraphers write letters meaning prosperity, longevity and happiness.

This year’s festival will feature 50 calligraphers from clubs nationwide qualified by the organising board.

Visitors will also be treated to an exhibition of excellent calligraphic works, culinary delights, folk games, traditional music performances, water puppet shows, and activities to introduce handicrafts. Most of the events will take place at Van (Literature) Lake located within the complex.

Le Xuan Kieu, director of the Centre for Scientific and Cultural Activities of Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam, said preparations have been finished, ready to serve tourists in coming days.

Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature Complex) is one of the most popular relics and tourist destinations in the capital and the country at large. Built in the 11th century during the Ly Dynasty (1010 – 1225), it is also among the most important Confucian symbols in the country.

The complex consists of Van Mieu, a temple dedicated to Confucius as Confucianism used to be a popular religion in Vietnam in feudal times, and Quoc Tu Giam, the first national university of the country. It taught disciples on the Confucian way of life and revered Chu Van An, one of Vietnam’s most respected scholars. Between 1076 and 1779, Quoc Tu Giam educated thousands of talented men to serve their country to the best of their abilities