Vietnam Roundup: Most polluted city ranking, investment, education, technological advancement
Technology advancement
Vietnam is poised to become a regional manufacturing tech hub in 2024, with foreign direct investment (FDI) reaching nearly $31.4 billion in the first 11 months, up 7.1% from 2023. VN Express reports that the northern province of Bac Ninh led in investment, registering $5.04 billion, while Singapore was the top investor, contributing over $9.14 billion. FDI is increasingly directed towards high-value sectors, including electronics and green technology, with significant agreements made with companies like NVIDIA and SpaceX.
Investment
Đông Triều City, recently elevated to city status in Quảng Ninh Province, is emerging as a key investment destination in northern Vietnam. It boasts strong infrastructure, including completed transport projects like Triều Bridge and connections to National Highway No.18A. The city attracted over VNĐ1 trillion (US$39.23 million) in non-state investment last year, with various projects underway, including an industrial waste facility and new industrial parks. Local businesses recognise Đông Triều's strategic location and modern infrastructure as major advantages. Officials advocate for policy reforms and improved business environments to boost investment and economic growth in the city, according to Viet Nam News.
Most polluted city
Hanoi has been ranked as the world’s most polluted city, with PM2.5 levels 13.2 times above the World Health Organisation's annual guideline. Philippine News Agency reports that the air quality index (AQI) reached 309, categorising it as "unhealthy." Authorities recommend that residents avoid outdoor exercise, keep windows closed, and wear masks.
Education
Vietnam aims to have five universities in the world's top 500 and the top 200 in Asia by 2030, as part of its Education Development Strategy approved last December. Currently, only Duy Tan University ranks in the top 500 globally according to QS, while four universities are in the top 200 in Asia. The country also targets an increase in university enrollment, raising the number to 260 students per 10,000 people, enhancing the proportion of lecturers with doctoral degrees to 40%, and achieving a 35% enrollment in STEM fields. Plans include attracting foreign experts, training more doctoral faculty, and focusing on digital transformation and international integration in education, VN Express reports.
Historical artifacts
Vietnam has recognised four royal antiques from Hue City as national treasures in a recent decision by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, increasing the total to 33 recognised artifacts. The newly designated treasures include: Ngo Mon Bell (1822) - A bronze bell used for administrative ceremonies, displayed at the Meridian Gate in the Hue Imperial City, Stone Relief (1829) - The only marble artifact bearing King Minh Mang's inscriptions, displayed at Long An Palace, King Duy Tan's Throne - Created for the young king's coronation in the early 20th century, also preserved at Long An Palace, Dragon Statue (1842) - A significant bronze casting artifact symbolising imperial authority, displayed at Thai Hoa Palace. These items highlight the artistic and historical significance of the Nguyen Dynasty, local news reports indicate.
