In April alone, the value was 522.1 trillion VND, a rise of 9% from the same period last year, with food and foodstuff sales up 10.3%, household utensils 12.9%, garment 12.7%, lodging and catering services 19.1%, and tourism 57.6%.

In the four months, retail sales reached some 1.59 quadrillion VND, up 7.1% year-on-year (up 4.4% if the price factor is excluded).

Sales of food and foodstuffs rose by 11.8%, household appliances 14.9%, garment 10.3%, vehicles (except cars) 0.1%, and cultural and educational products 17.8%. Revenue from accommodation and catering services was estimated at 237.3 trillion VND, up 15.3% year-on-year.

The office said favourable visa policies and tourism stimulus programmes have proven effective, helping lure nearly 1.6 million international visitors in April, up 58.2% year-on-year, and 6.2 million in the four months, up 68.3%.

Tourism revenue in the period was 19.4 trillion VND, representing an increase of 49.3% from the corresponding time last year.

Meanwhile, revenue from other services stood at 211.1 trillion VND, a year-on-year rise of 9.4%.

To ensure the supply of essential goods and boost the domestic market in the remaining months, the GSO suggested the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) further review, amend and perfect legal documents regarding state management of the domestic market.

The MoIT should continue its coordination with other ministries, agencies and localities in monitoring market developments, and providing consultations in price management, it said.

In an effort to promote consumption demand, Minister of Finance Ho Duc Phoc, authorised by the Prime Minister, submitted a proposal to the National Assembly for extending the cut in value-added tax (VAT) from 10% to 8% on specific groups of goods and services from July 1 until the end of the year.

8 out of 15 domestic budget revenues increase over same period

BAC GIANG - According to the authorities, in the first quarter of this year, 8 out of 15 domestic tax revenues in Bac Giang province were higher than the same period last year, including land use fees; revenue from local state-owned enterprises; revenue from foreign-invested enterprises; environmental protection tax; fees and charges; non-agricultural land use tax; fees for granting mineral exploitation rights and other non-budget revenues.

China, Vietnam increase border trading hours

Vietnam and China have agreed to increase trading hours at the Huu Nghi Border Gate by two hours, to 8 p.m. daily, amid rising imports to Vietnam.

RoK to increase ODA for Vietnam in 2024

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang gave a reception in Hanoi on March 19 for President of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Chang Won-sam, during which the guest said official development assistance (ODA) from the Republic of Korea (RoK) for Vietnam will increase to more than 52 million USD, nearly doubling the figure of 2023.

Many foreign investors increase age for recruiting workers

BAC GIANG -  Recently, 38 enterprises in Bac Giang province  have registered to recruit more than 49,100 workers, reported the Employment Service Center (Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs).

Vietnam sees nearly 39% increase in FDI capital in two months

FDI capital in the first two months of the year has focused heavily on provinces and cities that possess many advantages in attracting foreign investment.

Source: VNA