After discovering Tuoi Tre News through social media, Ray Kuschert quickly became a regular reader and eventually a contributor for almost a decade. In celebration of Tuoi Tre News' newly revamped website, Kuschert shares his emotional journey with the newspaper and how it has led to friendships, cultural connections, and opportunities to share his experiences of living in Vietnam with the world.
Recent events have sparked conversations among leading geophysicists about the risk of earthquakes in Vietnam, despite the country not being situated on major tectonic belts. Although the likelihood of catastrophic earthquakes is low, Vietnam still faces the potential for significant seismic activity, particularly in the northwest region. With the presence of multiple geological fault lines, some capable of producing earthquakes with magnitudes up to seven, experts urge for seismic hazard assessments and preparedness measures to mitigate potential damage.
The US President's decision to impose tariffs on China not only affects the country, but also popular transshipping destinations used by Chinese exporters. This has also led to increased tariff hikes on third countries such as Vietnam, which have become alternative destinations for companies to transship goods and avoid US duties. The Vietnamese government has responded by lowering tax rates on imports of American goods and forming a task force to mitigate the impact of these tariffs.
Vietnam's tuna industry, a significant contributor to the country's seafood exports, is facing multiple challenges, including shortages of raw materials and stringent regulations in key export markets. Enterprises in the industry have expressed concerns over limited supplies of domestic fishing fleets and the impact of new government rules on minimum catch sizes for skipjack tuna. In response, the Vice Chairman of the National Assembly has confirmed the necessity of these regulations for protecting marine resources and meeting sustainable fishing practices. To find a balance between conservation and economic interests, the Agriculture and Environment Ministry is proposing an amendment to the decree, which is expected to be issued by April.
A recent draft decree from the Vietnamese Ministry of Finance has proposed a zero percent first-time registration tax rate for electric cars, in comparison to the 10-12 percent rate for gasoline and diesel cars. This move has resulted in a substantial increase in electric car registrations, with numbers surging nearly 20 times over the past three years. In 2024, VinFast, a Vietnamese car manufacturer, became the top-selling brand in the country after selling over 87,000 electric cars. This growth in the electric car market is expected to continue, as the government continues to prioritize sustainable modes of transportation.
With an overwhelming majority, the Vietnamese parliament has approved a railway project worth over US$8 billion that will link the country's northern port city to the Chinese border. This project, which received strong support from lawmakers, will span 391 kilometers and cover nine localities. With a feasibility study set to begin this year, Vietnam is aiming to complete the project by 2030 in hopes of boosting economic ties with China.
The International Kite and Sweet Festival in Hyderabad kicked off with 40 international kite flyers and 60 enthusiasts from different Indian states showcasing traditional and modern kite designs. Families and expert flyers like Guilherme Linares from Italy and Henry Luong Dung from Vietnam were delighted by the cultural dances and Indian sweets at the festival. Attendees also got a taste of international sweets and cultural exhibits, making it a vibrant and diverse celebration.
Vietnam has successfully enrolled 70 million citizens into its digital biometric identity system using a combination of adaptable software and portable fingerprint scanners. The South Asian country faced geographical challenges, with many citizens living in rural and hard-to-reach areas. However, collaboration with a spinoff of the Hanoi University of Science and Technology and a US-based fingerprint sensor company allowed for the successful implementation of the system. Vietnam is now exporting its model for ID enrollment to other countries, such as neighboring Laos. This development highlights the increasing importance and use of biometrics in digital identity systems.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of disrespecting the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh by choosing to celebrate the New Year in Vietnam during the national mourning period. The Congress has hit back, labeling the BJP's accusations as a mere diversion tactic and denying any disrespect towards Singh's death. This latest political controversy comes just days after the cremation of Singh with full state honours, which saw tensions rise between the two parties.
Vietnam's birth rate has been steadily decreasing for the past few years, reaching a record low of 1.91 children per woman in 2024. This has led to concerns about the country's population potentially beginning to shrink after 2054. The Ministry of Health is drafting a new Population Law to encourage women to have more children, including abolishing penalties for having a third child and encouraging women to get married and have children at a younger age.