KISWISHI CITY, Democratic Republic of Congo, June 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- American, British, and Congolese government officials launched major foreign direct investments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with the groundbreaking of a USD 50 million Pepsi bottling plant and a Congo Petrol fuel depot. Inaugurating Kiswishi City Special Economic Zone (SEZ), the first private SEZ in DRC, the officials also commenced construction on a One-Stop Shop for expedited government services for investors.
The investments at Kiswishi City SEZ will create thousands of jobs and expand the brands of New York-based PepsiCo in the fast-growing Haut-Katanga Province. Developed by India's Varun Beverages, Pepsi's largest bottler outside the United States, the facility sits on 15 hectares (37 acres) of land at Kiswishi City SEZ.
Congo Petrol, a distributor and licensee of Kenya's Dalbit Petroleum, will develop a state-of-the-art 8,000 cubic metre petroleum products storage and warehousing facility sitting on seven hectares (17 acres), enhancing its capacity to efficiently serve the growing demand in the region.
Backed by American, British, New Zealand and Norwegian investors, Kiswishi City SEZ is a project by Rendeavour, Africa's new city builder, whose mixed-use cities in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia and DRC have catalysed billions of dollars in foreign and domestic investment, along with tens of thousands of jobs for young Africans.
Lucy Tamlyn, U.S. Ambassador to DRC, said: "Thank you to the investors who believe in the long term. Kiswishi City SEZ is very much a long-term investment that requires a lot of faith, confidence, and support. The U.S. Embassy will continue to be a strong advocate."
Alyson King, UK Ambassador to DRC, said: "I'm delighted to see the launch of this project funded by the UK and other investors, which aligns perfectly with the UK's vision for its partnerships across Africa, supporting local value addition, job creation, and lasting benefits for communities."
Prof. Jean-Marie Kanda, Senior Advisor to the President of DRC, said: "Rendeavour and Kiswishi City SEZ, with their American, British, New Zealand, and Norwegian shareholders, add tremendous value to our economy by investing in critical infrastructure and well-organized new cities. Rendeavour deserves appreciation for the confidence and momentum it has given to the Congolese industrial sector. Today's ceremony is a testament to their commitment to the vision of the President of the Republic, Head of State, as implemented by the government led by Her Excellency, Madam the Prime Minister."
Preston Mendenhall, Group COO of Rendeavour, said: "Rendeavour's investment in Kiswishi City SEZ represents something profound for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Rather than extracting resources from the landscape, we are literally adding to it, in the form of high-quality infrastructure – power, water, roads, and internet. We are building a mixed-use, mixed-income, inclusive, and environmentally friendly entirely new city for Congolese."
Other dignitaries in attendance included: John Muloba, Haut-Katanga Minister of Industry; Calvin Bailey, UK Trade Envoy for Southern Africa and Member of Parliament; Ritchie Callaghan, UK Honorary Consul, Lubumbashi; Hypolite Magogo, Deputy Director General, Special Economic Zones Agency; Vishal Gupta, Managing Director, Varun Beverages; Collins Kiprop, Country Manager, Congo Petrol; and Senator Jean Bamanisa Saidi, Chairman, Club BTP & CMA.
Businesses at Kiswishi City SEZ, the first private SEZ in DRC, also include Queen Energy, Zindua Investment, SDG Afrique, Congo Mineral Services, and Congolese Analytical Laboratory. Phase one of Kiswishi's residential estate, Kimia, is 98% sold out. The One-Stop Shop, which will be managed by the Special Economic Zones Agency, ensures that investors can receive government services in one convenient location.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
US, UK, and Congolese officials inaugurate Kiswishi City Special Economic Zone
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HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda reveals that Vietnam is becoming an increasingly popular year-end travel choice for families in the region and beyond. Based on searches made between September and November 2025 for stays during December 2025 and January 2026, Agoda recorded a 30% increase in family travel interest to Vietnam compared with the same period the previous year.
Agoda data shows that Vietnam is attracting more international families than ever this winter holiday season. South Koreans take the lead as the top market interested in traveling to Vietnam in December and January, with families from India, Singapore, Australia, and Malaysia rounding out the top five. Notably, Agoda reported that Indian families showcased the highest growth in travel interest to Vietnam during this period, with a 186% increase in searches. Malaysians also, are expressing strong growth in interest, with a 74% increase in searches, highlighting Vietnam's appeal as a family destination in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Families are choosing Vietnam for its storied culture and cuisine, diverse landscapes, and abundance of family-friendly resorts and attractions.
Phu Quoc Island leads as the most sought-after destination among international family travelers with a 47% increase in searches, popular for its sandy beaches, calm waters, and nature parks ideal for multi-generation vacations. Da Nang follows with 42% growth in travel interest, noted for its beaches, soft adventure activities, and access to Ba Na Hills theme park. Nha Trang comes in third place, remaining a favorite for its long coastline, family-oriented resorts, and island experiences. In fourth place, Ho Chi Minh City appeals with its vibrant food scene, entertainment complexes, and day trips to the Mekong Delta. In the north, Hanoi continues to draw families with its cultural landmarks, museums, and festive atmosphere, rounding out the top five most family-friendly year-end destinations in Vietnam.
Meanwhile, although Vietnamese families traditionally travel less internationally at the end of the year – typically preferring to wait for the Lunar New Year - China is becoming a noticeable exception. Among the top 20 outbound destinations preferred by Vietnamese families during the December-January period, searches for Shanghai increased 58%, while Beijing increased 59%. This shift is supported by the launch of new direct routes between Hanoi and selected Chinese cities earlier this year, making end-of-year overseas trips more accessible than ever.
Vu Ngoc Lam, Country Director at Agoda, said: "It is wonderful to see Vietnam increasingly chosen as an end-of-year holiday destination for families from across Asia and beyond. Agoda's data shows that travelers are recognizing Vietnam's family-friendly appeal, which further strengthen its position on the global travel map. As more families plan their festive-season or year-end getaways, we are delighted to support them through Agoda's simple, intuitive platform and our wide range of stays, flights, and activities."
With over 6 million properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, all bookable in one seamless itinerary, Agoda helps families plan memorable year-end holidays, whether they choose a peaceful beach break, a cultural city escape, or an international exploration to mark the close of the year.
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda reveals that Vietnam is becoming an increasingly popular year-end travel choice for families in the region and beyond. Based on searches made between September and November 2025 for stays during December 2025 and January 2026, Agoda recorded a 30% increase in family travel interest to Vietnam compared with the same period the previous year.
Agoda data shows that Vietnam is attracting more international families than ever this winter holiday season. South Koreans take the lead as the top market interested in traveling to Vietnam in December and January, with families from India, Singapore, Australia, and Malaysia rounding out the top five. Notably, Agoda reported that Indian families showcased the highest growth in travel interest to Vietnam during this period, with a 186% increase in searches. Malaysians also, are expressing strong growth in interest, with a 74% increase in searches, highlighting Vietnam's appeal as a family destination in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Families are choosing Vietnam for its storied culture and cuisine, diverse landscapes, and abundance of family-friendly resorts and attractions.
Phu Quoc Island leads as the most sought-after destination among international family travelers with a 47% increase in searches, popular for its sandy beaches, calm waters, and nature parks ideal for multi-generation vacations. Da Nang follows with 42% growth in travel interest, noted for its beaches, soft adventure activities, and access to Ba Na Hills theme park. Nha Trang comes in third place, remaining a favorite for its long coastline, family-oriented resorts, and island experiences. In fourth place, Ho Chi Minh City appeals with its vibrant food scene, entertainment complexes, and day trips to the Mekong Delta. In the north, Hanoi continues to draw families with its cultural landmarks, museums, and festive atmosphere, rounding out the top five most family-friendly year-end destinations in Vietnam.
Meanwhile, although Vietnamese families traditionally travel less internationally at the end of the year – typically preferring to wait for the Lunar New Year - China is becoming a noticeable exception. Among the top 20 outbound destinations preferred by Vietnamese families during the December-January period, searches for Shanghai increased 58%, while Beijing increased 59%. This shift is supported by the launch of new direct routes between Hanoi and selected Chinese cities earlier this year, making end-of-year overseas trips more accessible than ever.
Vu Ngoc Lam, Country Director at Agoda, said: "It is wonderful to see Vietnam increasingly chosen as an end-of-year holiday destination for families from across Asia and beyond. Agoda's data shows that travelers are recognizing Vietnam's family-friendly appeal, which further strengthen its position on the global travel map. As more families plan their festive-season or year-end getaways, we are delighted to support them through Agoda's simple, intuitive platform and our wide range of stays, flights, and activities."
With over 6 million properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, all bookable in one seamless itinerary, Agoda helps families plan memorable year-end holidays, whether they choose a peaceful beach break, a cultural city escape, or an international exploration to mark the close of the year.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Agoda Data Shows Vietnam Rising as a Favorite End-of-Year Destination for Families Across Asia and Beyond
