Buttigieg, who has faced pressure from U.S. lawmakers who want airlines to offer better service or face stiff fines, has clashed with major U.S. airlines over who is to blame for tens of thousands of flight delays and cancellations this summer. In letters to major, regional and low-cost carrier chief executives made public Friday, Buttigieg said his department (USDOT) is "contemplating options" to write new rules "that would further expand the rights of airline passengers." He urged airlines to ensure adequate services for passengers facing delays and cancellations, asking them "at a minimum" to provide meal vouchers for delays of 3 hours or more and lodging for those who must wait overnight because of disruptions within the carrier’s control. "Regardless of the cause of the delays or cancelations, the Department expects airlines to provide timely and responsive customer service during and after periods of flight disruptions," Buttigieg wrote. Most U.S. airlines provide meals … [Read more...] about US wants airlines to boost help for stranded, delayed passengers
Standard chartered x boost
Huge potential for cooperation between Vietnam and EU
Both sides shared the same view on development objectives and benefits of responding to traditional and non-traditional security challenges amid growing global uncertainties. The potential of Vietnam-Belgium relations in particular, and Vietnam-EU in general, remains enormous, thanks to the solid foundations of existing cooperation in various fields. Vietnam gives priority to its relations with the EU. Photo: AP Head of the Party Central Committee’s Economic Commission Tran Tuan Anh stressed the view at the meetings with European and Belgium leaders during his visit to the country from August 16-19. He stressed the main goal of bolstering the comprehensive Vietnam-EU relations and the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Belgium in the field of agriculture. According to Tuan Anh, both sides shared the same view on development objectives and the benefits of responding to traditional and non-traditional security challenges amid growing global … [Read more...] about Huge potential for cooperation between Vietnam and EU
Vietnamese female pop star wows American online music publication
"The latest album from the Vietnamese pop artist is an empowering statement of purpose, at its best when pairing evocative storytelling with theatrical, large-scale production." Pitchfork compliments the 34-year-old artist for writing songs "replete with messages about finding joy in every moment" and hails her "slick" ability to maneuver between rapping and singing. The album review pointed out that her music has become more distinctive while encompassing inspiration from a wide range of cultures. It incorporates grandiose instrumentation; racing synth melodies and trap drums; rattling percussion and pogoing electronics; breezy disco-funk and filler words "la la la" that appear throughout traditional folk songs. "Her playful navigation of Vietnam past and present, something central to her art, exists even here." "Link" received a score of 7.2, no little achievement compared to Pitchfork’s high standards. This is the third Vietnamese album ever reviewed by Pitchfork , … [Read more...] about Vietnamese female pop star wows American online music publication
Germany state conditions to accept Vietnam’s new passport
The decision, announced on the German Embassy’s website, takes immediate effect, but will only apply for "a transitional period" with the expectation that Vietnam will soon take necessary measures to add the place of birth to all passports. "This decision was made to facilitate convenient and safe travel between Vietnam and Germany," said the statement. The German Embassy also said the issuance of long-term residence visas will be paused until a new decision is made. The Vietnamese Embassy in Germany said on Monday that the German Foreign Ministry would issue a visa for a new model passport of Vietnam that has included place of birth. Earlier, Germany, Spain, Finland and the Czech Republic rejected the new Vietnamese passport because it does not show the place of birth of the holder. Spain requires new passport holders to submit a valid ID to prove their place of birth. The US also required people who are preparing to apply for a visa to ask the authorities to add information … [Read more...] about Germany state conditions to accept Vietnam’s new passport
Partnerships key to green transition
While 2020 was one of the warmest years on record globally, Vietnam has just gone through another historical year of climate extremes. Last November was also decisive for the future of the planet as countries officially submitted their climate pledges at the COP26 climate summit. Dao Xuan Lai, head of Climate Change and the Environment at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam We see a skyrocketing demand for natural resources while witnessing the collapse of functioning ecosystems. You only need to drive a couple of hours outside of Hanoi towards Ninh Binh province with its iconic limestone clasts, synonymous with the beauty of northern Vietnam, to see these emblematic features being devoured by machinery to be used for stone mining and cement production. By 2050, global demand for materials such as plastics, steel, or cement is projected to increase by a factor of 2-4. More than 50 per cent of the world’s emissions can be traced back to our … [Read more...] about Partnerships key to green transition
Denmark and Vietnam strengthen co-operation in the agri-food sector
A delegation of Danish firms in agriculture and food sector is paying a visit to Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City from August 16-19 to exchange opportunities for cooperation with their Vietnamese potential partners. The delegation comprises 13 companies who are leading in Solutions for Livestock & Food Production, Food Processing Technologies, Ingredients and Climate Control Solutions. The main purpose of the delegation is to share experiences and introduce world leading and well-proven Danish solutions in agri-food production and to look for opportunities to cooperate with Vietnamese agri-food companies. Speaking at a seminar themed 'Danish experiences and solutions in sustainable agri-food production' held on August 19 in Hanoi, Trade Counsellor of the Embassy of Denmark, Troels Jakobsen, said that Danish agri-food industry for many years had continuously invested in new production equipment and solutions that boost production yield and improve product quality but at the same … [Read more...] about Denmark and Vietnam strengthen co-operation in the agri-food sector
Lao NA Secretary General welcomed in Vietnam
Permanent Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man receives Secretary General of the National Assembly of Laos Pingkham Lasasimma. (Photo: VNA) Quang Binh (VNA) – Permanent Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man hosted a reception for Secretary General of the National Assembly of Laos Pingkham Lasasimma in the central province of Quang Binh on August 19. Pingkham Lasasimma is in Vietnam to attend a workshop and exchange programme between the Vietnamese NA Office and the Lao NA Secretariat. Man, who is also President of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Parliamentarians Group, said the workshop and exchange programme, the 11th of its kind, is of significance as it takes place at a time when Vietnam and Laos are focusing on the exchange of experience in law-making and supervision to boost post-COVID-19 socio-economic recovery. It also helps to enhance cooperation between the NA offices of the two countries, he added. He suggested the … [Read more...] about Lao NA Secretary General welcomed in Vietnam
Vietnam Airlines to join Int’l Travel Expo in HCM City
National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines will participate in the 16th Ho Chi Minh City International Tourism Expo (ITE HCMC 2022) in September. (Photo: Organiser) Hanoi (VNA) – National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines will participate in the 16th Ho Chi Minh City International Tourism Expo ( ITE HCMC 2022 ) held at Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre (SECC) from September 8 – 10 to stimulate domestic and international air travel. Returning after a two-year lull due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event will provide an opportunity for Vietnam Airlines to meet with foreign tourism promotion agencies and seek new partners in a bid to create new high-quality products to boost socio-economic recovery in the city and Vietnam at large, a Vietnam Airlines representative said. At the event, the carrier will offer various deals, including a 20% reduction in air tickets for all services from HCM City and 19% off Giftcard purchases. There will be a lucky draw with thousands of … [Read more...] about Vietnam Airlines to join Int’l Travel Expo in HCM City
International Travel Expo – HCM City returns with various events
2019 International Travel Expo – Ho Chi Minh City (Photo courtesy of the organising board) HCM City (VNA) – The 16th International Travel Expo – Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC 2022) will feature a variety of events at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre (SECC) in District 7 from September 8 – 10, after a two-year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ITE HCMC, the largest and most established travel event in the Mekong Delta region, will be held under the theme of “Growing Forward Together” as part of the efforts to revive inbound tourism. The hybrid event will feature more than 200 exhibitors, including airlines, hotels and resorts, tour operators, foreign travel promotion agencies, and enterprises from 45 Vietnamese cities and provinces. It also expects to attract 150 international buyers who are leaders of travel companies and MICE organisers from major markets, such as Southeast Asia, Europe, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the US, Australia, and New Zealand. … [Read more...] about International Travel Expo – HCM City returns with various events
Rice exports up but prices down in seven months
Despite a hike on export turnover, the average export price drops 9.6% in the first seven months of 2022. Illustration. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam exported roughly 4.08 million tonnes of rice in the first seven months of 2022 to earn over 1.99 billion USD, up 17.3% and 6%, respectively, against the same period last year, customs data shows. Despite a hike on export turnover, the average export price dropped 9.6% during the period to 488.9 USD per tonne. It is likely that rice prices will not increase in the coming time as a result of low demand and abundant supply from major exporters. Generally, the market is currently weak, with low purchasing power, said Nguyen Van Don, Director of Viet Hung Co., Ltd, a food exporter based in the Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang. Since the start of this year, Vietnam mostly exported to the Philippines while shipments to China declined significantly. Exports to other markets, though stable, remained small, he … [Read more...] about Rice exports up but prices down in seven months