VOV.VN - The number of foreign tourists visiting Laos reached over 1.6 million during the first half of this year, exceeding its annual target of 1.4 million, with Thailand continuing to top the list of tourist arrivals, followed by Vietnam.

Since joining the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 28 years ago, Vietnam has shown itself as an active, proactive, and responsible member of the bloc, said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos Thongphane Savanphet.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) recommended on July 25 that Vietnamese companies be cautious and thoroughly negotiate payment clauses when conducting transactions with foreign firms, following a suspected scam involving five batches of Vietnamese farm produce in Dubai.

Vietnam has actively participated in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) framework and made significant contributions to building a stronger and more reliable ASEAN community, according to Dr Balazs Szanto, a lecturer in political science at the Thai-based Chulalongkorn University.

VOV.VN - The number of foreign visitors seeking accommodation in Vietnam for a long holiday has increased significantly, although the updated Vietnamese visa policy will not take effect until August 15.

Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son held a meeting with his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg in Vienna on July 24 (local time), as part of President Vo Van Thuong’s ongoing Austria visit.

Foreign suppliers, such as Google, Apple, Meta (Facebook), Microsoft, Netflix and TikTok, paid VND3.94 trillion (US$169 million) in taxes in the first half of 2023, according to the General Department of Taxation (GDT).

A number of Vietnamese banks are grabbing the interest of foreign investors who are major banks or financial groups.

New regulations on the operation of money exchange agents of bordering countries and eligibility requirements for foreign loans without the Government’s guarantee will officially take effect from August, 2023.

Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong's official visit to Austria reflects the close relationship between Vietnam and Austria in the context that the two sides have regularly maintained the exchange of delegations at the highest level, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alfred Gerstl, President of the Austria-Vietnam Society (GÖV) told Vietnam News Agency (VNA).