News roundup: Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are emergers in the first Inclusive Cities Barometer, and more news

For PropertyGuru’s real estate news roundup, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have been listed as emergers in the Asia-Pacific region in the first Inclusive Cities Barometer by Cushman & Wakefield. In other updates, “guo chao”, which translates as “national wave,” is not just a swell of patriotism but also the Chinese government encouraging increased domestic spending to help in the country’s economic recovery. Finally, the Indian government grants Thai nationals a 30-day e-tourist visa with single or double entry free of charge.

HCM City, Hanoi listed as emergers in Cushman & Wakefield’s Inclusive Cities Barometer

Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have been listed as emergers in the Asia-Pacific region in the first Inclusive Cities Barometer recently released by Cushman & Wakefield, a leading global real estate services firm.

Emergers are cities that are witnessing emerging pockets of progress aimed at addressing social and urban inclusivity for their citizens.

VietnamPlus reports that according to Cushman & Wakefield, Ho Chi Minh City stands out with its favourable levels of population density, high levels of health care access, and affordable residential renting.

Meanwhile, Hanoi’s Top 3 drivers include higher levels of gender equality, comparatively affordable housing, and lower levels of transport costs.

Made in China, for China: Is patriotism the answer to its weakening economy?

Living in Beijing, where “allergens are flying around”, 26-year-old Yao Yao is very particular about her cosmetics — they must protect her skin. She spends about CNY500 (SGD93) a month on make-up and has quite a collection. She has, however, stopped looking for imported brands.

“Maybe in the past, people used big brands … to gain face. But the thinking of young people now is that if we use domestic products, we’ll truly ‘have face,’” she said to CNA.

Her words speak to a growing trend among China’s youth: Imported goods are out, Made-in-China is in. They call it “guo chao”, which translates as “national wave”.

But it is not just a swell of patriotism that spurs Chinese consumers to opt for home-grown products over foreign ones. They prioritise domestic brands for affordability and quality too, indicated a McKinsey report last year.

China wants its citizens to buy more and buy local, especially with the country finding its rise stymied by geopolitical tensions.

India waives visa fees for Thais

Thai nationals will be eligible for a 30-day e-tourist visa with single or double entry free of charge, starting 1st July, according to the Indian government.

The Embassy of India in Bangkok posted a message on its Facebook page on Friday, saying Thai nationals who wish to visit India can apply for the e-tourist visa through the following website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.

During the six-month period, which lasts until 31st Dec., or until further notice, the e-tourist visa will be granted without any visa fees, according to the Bangkok Post report.

The Property Report editors wrote this article. For more information, email: [email protected].