Vietnam Roundup: Movie production, agricultural investment, flight cancellations

High cost of movie production

Vietnamese movie producers face the challenge of high production costs and low profits. It costs $200,000 to $2.2 million to make a film in Vietnam, but it's difficult to make a good product with a budget of less than $800,300. Despite this, Vietnam's cinema industry is one of the fastest growing in the world. Tuoi Tre News reports that the lack of fixed film studios and cinema infrastructure contributes to the high production costs and low number of movies produced annually. Efforts are being made to invest in the cinema industry and support Vietnamese films, but the challenge remains.

Smog causes flight cancellations

Dozens of flights to northern Vietnam have been cancelled due to smog and ash from the Upper Laos region. The smog has been obstructing vision and restricting flights to Dien Bien airport. The airport often experiences fog in April, reducing vision by 2,000-4,800 metres. VNEXPRESS sources say that since its upgrade, the airport has invested in air quality monitoring systems and is now capable of serving large planes. Since December, the airport has served over 900 flights and 70,000 passengers.

Investment in agriculture

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the United States Department of Agriculture have launched the Fertilize Right Project in Vietnam. The project aims to promote sustainable and environmentally responsible agricultural production in six provinces. According to Vietnam Plus, more than 2,600 individuals will benefit from training and greenhouse gas emissions are expected to reduce annually. The project activities are based on the "four rights" of nutrient management, aligning with Vietnam's crop production law. The project is expected to improve livelihoods, soil health, and food security for rice farmers.

Vatican diplomat visits Vietnam

The Vatican's top diplomat, Richard Gallagher, visited Vietnam to normalise relations on April 9. The Holy See’s foreign minister's six-day visit is part of ongoing efforts to improve ties, which could impact relations with China. Catholicism is the most practised religion in Vietnam. There is speculation that Pope Francis could visit the country in the future, The Washington Post reports.

Approval of a five-day holiday

Ministries have approved a five-day holiday for Reunification Day and Labour Day. The holiday will run from April 27 to May 1, with the normal working day on April 29 being exchanged and compensated on another day. The Vietnam General Confederation of Labour conducted a survey and found that 87% of trade union officials and workers are in favour of the exchange. Viet Nam News adds that the arrangement is aimed at stimulating tourism, social consumption, and promoting economic growth. Other ministries have also agreed with the proposal.