|
Feedback: Food For Thought
|
|
|
Sunday, January 22,2012,01:42 (GMT+7) |
|
Below is feedback from investors regarding how Vietnam’s legal and administrative systems can be improved |
|
|
Detoxification With Fruits, Veggie
|
|
|
|
Sunday, January 22,2012,01:42 (GMT+7) |
|
Tips on fruits and vegetables that can help purify the body against bad impacts of improper foods and drinks, and environmental pollution |
|
|
My Son: A Holy Land Of Hinduism
|
|
|
Sunday, January 22,2012,01:40 (GMT+7) |
|
My Son is an ancient monumental treasure in Vietnam. However, some statues and exhibits were stolen or had collapsed during the war or over time. |
|
|
Thu Thiem’s New Face: First Phase
|
|
|
Sunday, January 22,2012,01:36 (GMT+7) |
|
Thu Thiem Peninsula has turned itself into an integral part of the existing HCMC downtown after the Thu Thiem Tunnel was officially open to traffic on November 20. Now, the entire East-West Highway is fully commissioned, making the development of Thu Thiem New Urban Area more feasible. |
|
|
Corridor Proves Its Attraction
|
|
|
Sunday, January 22,2012,01:33 (GMT+7) |
|
Japanese investors have shown great interest in Central Vietnam, the main region of the East-West Economic Corridor. But they said that the region needs more and better infrastructure to lure long-term investors. |
|
|
TENTATIVE BUSINESS AGENDA
|
|
|
|
Sunday, January 22,2012,01:32 (GMT+7) |
|
The following is a tentative business agenda for 2012 compiled by the Weekly from different sources. Please note that some of the events may be subject to change. |
|
|
A Growth Recipe For The Next Decade
|
|
|
Sunday, January 22,2012,01:31 (GMT+7) |
|
It is time to hammer out appropriate policies and institutions to restructure the economy, cultivate intensive growth, strengthen social security and protect the environment |
|
|
Distribution Market Heats Up
|
|
|
|
Sunday, January 22,2012,01:27 (GMT+7) |
|
Competition in Vietnam’s distribution market is getting fiercer, with the appearance of giant foreign retailers and the opening of many new shopping centers, supermarkets and convenience stores throughout the country |
|
|
Metro Keeps Moving Forward
|
|
|
Sunday, January 22,2012,01:26 (GMT+7) |
|
Metro Cash & Carry has seen its business growing beyond expectation over the past 10 years of operation in Vietnam. The German wholesaler is on track for its business expansion plan, with wholesale stores opened in different locations to penetrate the fast growing distribution market. |
|
|
Vietnam In A Changing World
|
|
|
Sunday, January 22,2012,01:18 (GMT+7) |
|
Since last year, the world has undergone profound social, political and economic changes, which arise from long-term global developments and herald new trends. A thorough grasp of these developments is vital if Vietnam wants to enter a more sustainable phase of growth. |
|
|
Primitive Beach In Tra Vinh
|
|
|
Sunday, January 22,2012,01:16 (GMT+7) |
|
Tra Vinh has attracted tourists from other regions thanks to the ancient beauty of its Khmer pagodas, special festivals and charming scenery. It is also home to Ba Dong Beach, which is famous for its well-preserved primitive beauty, sand dunes, tranquil sea and fresh air. |
|
|
Deadline Ticking Away
|
|
|
|
Sunday, January 22,2012,01:14 (GMT+7) |
|
In line with Vietnam’s World Trade Organization (WTO) commitments, wholly foreign-owned securities firms and fund management companies will be allowed to operate in Vietnam from January 1, 2012. The question is whether these foreign businesses are interested in this prospect given the current economic gloom. Besides, what should domestic firms and management agencies do to make optimal use of this change and minimize risks? |
|
|
Chicken Pho Worth The Money
|
|
|
Sunday, January 22,2012,01:12 (GMT+7) |
|
The ups and downs of chicken pho, a trilling variation of the traditional beef pho |
|
|
Health Benefits Of Persimmons
|
|
|
Sunday, January 22,2012,01:03 (GMT+7) |
|
The persimmon is a sweet, delicious fruit that is beneficial to human health and beauty care |
|
|
Transport Sector Opts For A Breakthrough
|
|
|
Sunday, January 22,2012,01:02 (GMT+7) |
|
Although attracting private investment in infrastructure is not new, it remains a hot topic as infrastructure development is always an urgent demand |
|
|
Financial Investors Step In The Game
|
|
|
|
Sunday, January 22,2012,01:01 (GMT+7) |
|
Local rice market has experienced volatile situations this year, especially prices of raw rice. Many rice traders ascribed the price hike, even in the harvest season, to the presence of financial investors. Is this actually the case? |
|
|
Fruit Exporters Seek More Opportunities In U.S. Market
|
|
|
Sunday, January 22,2012,00:59 (GMT+7) |
|
Thanks to an upsurge in the U.S.’s demand, local exporters have sought more opportunities to accelerate fruit export to this market. However, they have yet to break formidable barriers on food safety. |
|
|
Charming Vietnam - Reality Or Myth?
|
|
|
Sunday, January 22,2012,00:57 (GMT+7) |
|
European investors urged stronger reform in Vietnam’s investment environment amidst the lingering global economic woes |
|
|
Reaching A New Peak
|
|
|
Sunday, January 22,2012,00:50 (GMT+7) |
|
The Saigon Times Weekly interviews Ms. Drina Yue, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Western Union, Asia-Pacific, and Ms. Nguyen Thi Nhu Ly, Regional Director of Western Union, Indochina, on the occasion Western Union achieved the record of the largest international money remittance network in Vietnam, with 8,000 transaction locations in the country |
|
|
More Money Coming Home
|
|
|
Sunday, January 22,2012,00:49 (GMT+7) |
|
Overseas remittances are a precious financial resource for Vietnam, but there should be attractive policies to attract this resource for economic development |
|
|
After Five Years
|
|
|
|
Sunday, January 22,2012,00:48 (GMT+7) |
|
The thin line between opportunities and challenges since Vietnam’s WTO accession |
|
|
Convergence Of Interests
|
|
|
Sunday, January 22,2012,00:44 (GMT+7) |
|
Foreign investors have reaped huge returns in Vietnam thanks mainly to low energy costs. Why, then, do European investors ask for a power price hike? |
|
|
Public Investment: Another Perspective
|
|
|
Sunday, January 22,2012,00:44 (GMT+7) |
|
Two factors are vital for translating economic potential into sustainable growth – high returns on investment and the efficacy with which public investment is used to fuel the growth of the private sector, especially supporting industries. Both of them are in turn dependent on efforts to reform State-owned enterprises. |
|
|
Remedies With Pomelos
|
|
|
Tuesday, December 6,2011,17:17 (GMT+7) |
|
The fruit and its pips, rind and leaves can be used to treat many illnesses |
|
|
Traffic Project To Induce Faster Changes
|
|
|
Tuesday, December 6,2011,17:10 (GMT+7) |
|
With the entire East-West Highway project now operational, Saigonese are looking forward to quicker changes to the east bank of the Saigon River |
|
|
Endangered turtles freed
|
|
|
Tuesday, December 6,2011,17:06 (GMT+7) |
|
According to Saigon Tiep Thi, within over one month, local people in the coastal province of Khanh Hoa have bought three precious turtles and released them back to the sea. |
|
|
Stocks In Lost Time
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, December 6,2011,17:04 (GMT+7) |
|
Transactions on Vietnam’s stock market between November 23 and 29 |
|
|
Vietnam A Priority Market Of Bayer
|
|
|
Tuesday, December 6,2011,16:44 (GMT+7) |
|
At an international press conference held in Shanghai (China) in mid-November, Dr. Marijn Dekkers, chief executive officer of Bayer AG, announced the group’s perspective on growth in Asian markets. Accordingly, Vietnam, China, India, and Indonesia are among key emerging markets that contribute significantly to the success of Bayer in the region. |
|
|
Uncertainty Remains
|
|
|
Tuesday, December 6,2011,16:41 (GMT+7) |
|
The draft decree on gold bullion production and trading management remains a hot topic to local people and enterprises. The Saigon Times continues to introduce suggestions of some industry insiders over the matter. |
|
|
Amazing Cow Racing In An Giang
|
|
|
Tuesday, December 6,2011,16:38 (GMT+7) |
|
Every year, the Khmer people in southern Vietnam has many special cultural festivities, but the most three important events are Cholchnam Thmay taking place one week after the grave-visiting festival in the third month of the lunar calendar, Sene Dolta in late eighth lunar month and Ok Om Bok in the tenth lunar month |
|
|
An English Capital
|
|
|
Tuesday, December 6,2011,16:34 (GMT+7) |
|
Once a place where merchants from around the world came to do business, Hoi An these days has become a favorite destination for foreign as well as domestic tourists. It is quite possible for Hoi An to build on from its prized status and form an “English Capital” that gives the ancient town a chance at global integration and sustainable development. |
|
|
No Sign Of Manipulation
|
|
|
Tuesday, December 6,2011,16:29 (GMT+7) |
|
The Saigon Times Weekly interviews Hoang Kim Giao, head of the Animal Husbandry Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, about the current state of Vietnam’s livestock industry and market |
|
|
For A Sustainable Livestock Indsutry
|
|
|
Tuesday, December 6,2011,16:25 (GMT+7) |
|
Some experts consider the domestic animal husbandry a house being built without foundation, since both the industry’s input and output are dependent on foreign companies. If this situation prolongs, Vietnam may become the consumption market for imported meat and other products of foreign firms operating in the country. |
|
|
Mobilization Hardship
|
|
|
Tuesday, December 6,2011,16:22 (GMT+7) |
|
In the midst of capital scarcity at the year-end, banks have actively raised gold and foreign currency deposit rates, except the U.S. dollar. As profits mostly come from credit operations, banks have no choice but to scale up borrowing rates in order to increase outstanding loans. |
|
|
From Administrative Measures To Moral Risks
|
|
|
Tuesday, December 6,2011,16:14 (GMT+7) |
|
Moral risks arising from administrative measures the central bank has applied for the past few years are considered current weakness of the banking sector. It seems that these risks are a “taboo,” though. |
|
|
On Sidewalks, Motorbikes And Public Transport
|
|
|
Thursday, December 1,2011,17:30 (GMT+7) |
|
Visitors to Hanoi and HCM City are probably surprised at the ubiquity of motorbikes, the popularity of sidewalk hawkers and the paucity of public transport, the very factors to which some ascribe the dismal state of Vietnam’s urban landscapes |
|
|
Gloom Lingers
|
|
|
Thursday, December 1,2011,17:28 (GMT+7) |
|
The profits extracted by most realty firms in the first three quarters dropped dramatically owing to plunging revenue and soaring costs. From financial statements released by these companies, business prospects are as bleak as ever because inventories and debt continue piling up. |
|
|
CSR Goes Hand-in-Hand With Business Growth
|
|
|
Thursday, December 1,2011,17:28 (GMT+7) |
|
As Prudential’s business has grown, so has its commitment to corporate citizenship. “Doing well by doing good” is at the core of the group corporate culture, whether this is of benefit to its customers and their families, its local communities or, more broadly, the countries in which it operates. Embracing this mantra, Prudential Vietnam Assurance lines up an active program of community engagement, against the backdrop of steady business growth. |
|
|
From Oligopoly To Monopoly
|
|
|
Thursday, December 1,2011,17:28 (GMT+7) |
|
In late October, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) officially presented the draft decree on gold trading management to the Government. In our Special Report are two contrasting perspectives on this controversial document. |
|
|
Vietnam Is An Obvious Choice For Danish Business
|
|
|
Thursday, December 1,2011,17:24 (GMT+7) |
|
The Confederation of Danish Industry (DI) is a strong private lobbying organization for 10,000 member companies within manufacturing, trade and service industry. Together with the Danish Agriculture & Food Council and Embassy in Hanoi, DI is organizing a business delegation that will accompany Denmark’s Crown Prince Frederik in the Nov. 28-Dec. 1 official visit to Vietnam. The Saigon Times spoke with Jacob Kjeldsen, director of DI International Business Development, in Denmark’s capital Copenhagen. Kjeldsen says: |
|
|
From Aid To Trade
|
|
|
Thursday, December 1,2011,17:22 (GMT+7) |
|
The Crown Prince of Denmark will pay an official visit to Vietnam from November 28 to December 1 in celebration of 40 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Accompanying him will be a trade delegation that is keen to foray into a range of business fields in which Denmark is competent. |
|
|
One More Three-Star Hotel In Saigon
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 30,2011,17:04 (GMT+7) |
|
From December, visitors or tourists to HCM City will have a new three-star hotel to stay as one of the multifarious choices available |
|
|
A Highlight Of Ha Tien
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 30,2011,16:59 (GMT+7) |
|
Mui Nai Beach in Ha Tien Town is one of the three most precious beaches in the Mekong Delta |
|
|
Pregnant woman rescues child
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 30,2011,16:55 (GMT+7) |
|
Though she is six months pregnant, the 26-year-old Nguyen Thi Nhan saved a child at the risk of her own life. |
|
|
Flowers For Teachers
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 30,2011,16:50 (GMT+7) |
|
Social changes and materialism have adversely affected the relationship between teachers and students. However, plenty of teachers have maintained love for their teaching career. |
|
|
Better Late Than Never
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 30,2011,16:41 (GMT+7) |
|
Transactions on Vietnam’s stock market between November 16 and 22 |
|
|
For Whom We Grow Rice
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 30,2011,16:22 (GMT+7) |
|
In Vietnam’s rice cultivation policies, priority should be assigned to food security while rice farmers’ income must be the momentum of growth |
|
|
Traffic Jams Seen From Zoning
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 30,2011,16:08 (GMT+7) |
|
The Hanoi and HCM City authorities are carrying out a traffic jam combat campaign, with support from the Ministry of Transport. Motorcycles, automobiles and roads are blamed for the traffic congestion but reality shows that urban development policies themselves cause the problem. |
|
|
Bank M&A On Rough Road
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 30,2011,16:06 (GMT+7) |
|
Mergers and acquisitions of banks needs an accurate valuation – something very difficult to obtain in the current situation |
|
|
Thai Flood Troubles Business
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 30,2011,16:00 (GMT+7) |
|
Many tourism companies and car assemblers in Vietnam are influenced by the floods in Thailand, especially Bangkok |
|
|
Agricultural Entrepreneurship Should Be Inspired
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 30,2011,15:58 (GMT+7) |
|
Once the agricultural entrepreneurship among farmers and farmland owners is inspired by tackling fundamental problems, Vietnam’s agriculture will acquire new springboards to success |
|
|
Deficiency Diseases
|
|
|
Thursday, November 10,2011,16:34 (GMT+7) |
|
There will be one or more corresponding symptoms for the deficiency of a certain vitamin |
|
|
What Bangkok Floods Mean To Saigon
|
|
|
Thursday, November 10,2011,16:27 (GMT+7) |
|
HCM City will face catastrophic floods Bangkok is suffering from if authorities fail to make strenuous efforts to tackle the flooding problem |
|
|
Big idea for little water puppets
|
|
|
Thursday, November 10,2011,16:23 (GMT+7) |
|
A small stage, which can be easily assembled, and mini puppets are all the items Phan Thanh Liem uses to perform water puppet shows. |
|
|
EU-Vietnam FTA: Pros And Cons
|
|
|
Thursday, November 10,2011,16:18 (GMT+7) |
|
Up to 97% of local businesses have contended that Vietnam should soon conclude a bilateral free trade agreement with the European Union. This result was shown in a poll interviewing experts as well as corporate and association executives, which was conducted by the Committee on International Trade Policies under the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry. |
|
|
Unsecured Loans: The Worst Is Yet To Come
|
|
|
|
Thursday, November 10,2011,16:11 (GMT+7) |
|
Unsecured loans, which come with sky-high interest rates, are barely new in Vietnam. However, such loans have recently bred severe problems, most notably in the north, as a number of borrowers are unable to settle their debt. |
|
|
A Hotel Where The Elite Meet
|
|
|
Thursday, November 10,2011,16:06 (GMT+7) |
|
The five-star Rex Hotel under the Saigontourist Holding Company has just been recognized as one of the “Top 10 International Hotels of Vietnam 2010” by the Vietnam Tourism Association. On this occasion, the hotel is offering many promotion programs. |
|
|
Tram Chim During Flooding Season
|
|
|
|
Thursday, November 10,2011,16:00 (GMT+7) |
|
If traveling in Dong Thap Province during the flooding season, even the residents of the countryside in southern Vietnam show their excitement about the nature of water and alluvia. For travelers from other regions, that feeling will intensify when sitting on dinghies tearing through the water and drifting along dark red canals, winding through the forest and then finding oneself in a vast space of water and sky. |
|
|
Vietnam’s Hospitality: Human Resources A Key
|
|
|
Thursday, November 10,2011,15:58 (GMT+7) |
|
Hotel investors and management companies still swoon over Vietnam’s hospitality industry. However, finding highly skilled human resources remains a headache. |
|
|
Too Soon To Be Optimistic
|
|
|
Thursday, November 10,2011,15:52 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam should avoid being subjective when viewing Thailand’s new rice policy so as to set a long-term rice production and export strategy which further benefits farmers |
|
|
Joining Hands For Better Competitiveness
|
|
|
Thursday, November 10,2011,15:35 (GMT+7) |
|
For the first time, four big companies including Saigon Trading Group (Satra), Dong Nai Food Industrial Corp. (Dofico) and their two affiliates, Vissan and Proconco, have joined hands for a food chain development. The collaboration is expected to help increase their competitiveness in the food supply market. |
|
|
The Power Of Synergy
|
|
|
Thursday, November 10,2011,15:19 (GMT+7) |
|
Short-term cooperation, aimed at tackling the current economic storm, has spurred enterprises to consider joining forces in the long run |
|
|
Third Crop Versus Food Security
|
|
|
Thursday, November 10,2011,15:10 (GMT+7) |
|
Floods are still raging in the Mekong Delta which produces more than 54% of Vietnam’s rice output and 90% of Vietnam’s rice export. Farmers expect to benefit from a bumper crop this year. How about next year? |
|
|
Conquering Co To
|
|
|
Tuesday, October 25,2011,17:35 (GMT+7) |
|
After visiting beautiful spots and relics such as Cam and Ket mountains, Tuc Dup Hill, Van Linh Pagoda in the That Son (Seven Mountains) region, tourists should endeavor to conquer the 614-meter-tall Co To Mountain, which is celebrated as a striking destination in Tri Ton District, An Giang Province |
|
|
Love story and antique collection
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, October 25,2011,17:33 (GMT+7) |
|
All antique collectors love their collections. So, it is surprised that an 84-year-old man owning 3,360 ancient items, many of them unique, has decided to donate them all to HCM City Museum. His name is Huynh Van Nghi and he lives in District 3, HCM City. |
|
|
From Sunrise To Sunset, And Beyond
|
|
|
Tuesday, October 25,2011,17:29 (GMT+7) |
|
Now in HCM City, a dish is available from sunrise to sunset, and cruises through midnight to become immortal throughout the whole day and night |
|
|
Flood Of Concerns Over Water Resources
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, October 25,2011,17:27 (GMT+7) |
|
Hydropower, which is inextricably associated with water and rivers, is of immense economic significance, especially where energy security is concerned. Besides, hydropower reservoirs play a crucial role in regulating river flows. |
|
|
Intelligence And Prudence Required
|
|
|
Tuesday, October 25,2011,17:24 (GMT+7) |
|
The reason why Chinese traders have come straight to Vietnam to buy production materials shows China is a potential market if Vietnamese businesses know how to exploit it |
|
|
Market Expansion Services Drive Growth
|
|
|
Tuesday, October 25,2011,17:20 (GMT+7) |
|
Recently DKSH and Roland Berger jointly released the First Global Market Expansion Services report introducing Market Expansion Services (MES). Ms. Claire Burgess, DKSH Vietnam General Director, talks about the project. |
|
|
From Spending To Making Money
|
|
|
Tuesday, October 25,2011,17:18 (GMT+7) |
|
Will Vietnam Professional Football Co. (VPF), if it is successfully set up, do a better job in overseeing the national soccer league than Vietnam Football Federation (VFF)? |
|
|
The Real Deal With Seals
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, October 25,2011,17:07 (GMT+7) |
|
Many experts are proposing a change of stipulations regarding official stamps, which can cause problems for companies |
|
|
Lessons From Public Investment
|
|
|
Tuesday, October 25,2011,17:05 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam is busy with the restructuring of public investment which has inflated rapidly and adversely affected macroeconomy. Will good lessons be learnt in this regard? |
|
|
New Gastronomic, Promotion Programs
|
|
|
Friday, October 14,2011,17:47 (GMT+7) |
|
Three subsidiaries of Saigontourist Holding Company in HCM City launch gastronomic services with incentives for customers |
|
|
Cao Bang: A Present From Nature
|
|
|
Friday, October 14,2011,17:40 (GMT+7) |
|
Cao Bang has been blessed with many rivers, lakes, waterfalls and primeval forests, which make for imposing and romantic scenery suitable for those who love exploring nature and relaxing |
|
|
Puzzling afternoon leads to record for students
|
|
|
Friday, October 14,2011,17:39 (GMT+7) |
|
Saigon Giai Phong newspaper reported that Vietnam’s mind-map jigsaw puzzle has won the Guinness world record as the largest of its kind, with the most pieces. It took 1,600 students from HCM City University of Economics 17 continuous hours (from 7:30 a.m. on September 24 to 12:26 a.m. on September 25) to finish this work. |
|
|
Fruits For Female Beauty
|
|
|
Friday, October 14,2011,17:37 (GMT+7) |
|
Tips on fruits that are believed to help beautify women’s breasts |
|
|
Divorces Are Now In Season In Town
|
|
|
Friday, October 14,2011,17:33 (GMT+7) |
|
Is it irreversible that in Vietnam the wedlock will become significantly loosened at the expense of economic improvement? |
|
|
Managing Risks, Seizing Opportunities
|
|
|
|
Friday, October 14,2011,17:29 (GMT+7) |
|
Without a judicious strategy, Vietnam will find it hard to slash its trade deficit with China, often touted as a promising export destination |
|
|
The Sorrow Of Companies
|
|
|
|
Friday, October 14,2011,17:25 (GMT+7) |
|
Transactions on Vietnam’s stock market between October 5 and 11 |
|
|
Half-way Dialogue
|
|
|
Friday, October 14,2011,17:24 (GMT+7) |
|
Each year, there are approximately 1,000 companies that meet with taxation and customs officials for dialogues. This number is small compared to the hundreds of thousands of businesses across the country. However, it is worth mentioning that the issues and questions brought forward by them are nearly the same through years. |
|
|
Innovation, Sustainability Company Of The Year
|
|
|
Friday, October 14,2011,17:21 (GMT+7) |
|
Nippon Paint was named Decorative Coatings Company of the Year in Asia Pacific by the inaugural 2011 Frost & Sullivan Asia Pacific Green Excellence Awards. Mr. Fujita Tetsuro, chief operating officer, NIPSEA Management Company, and general manager, International Division, Nippon Paint Japan, talks about how innovation and sustainability mean to business. |
|
|
Clouds Over The Insurance Market
|
|
|
Friday, October 14,2011,17:16 (GMT+7) |
|
The Vietnam insurance market is underdeveloped in comparison to its potentiality, and the unhealthy competition has been an obstacle to the market |
|
|
Where To Tackle Gold Speculation
|
|
|
Friday, October 14,2011,17:13 (GMT+7) |
|
Gold demand starts to stagnate when it appears that banks may be allowed to convert part of their gold deposits into cash and open gold accounts in other countries. The reason is that such a move will reduce the gap between local and international gold markets and clear obstacles facing gold supply. |
|
|
Golden Operation
|
|
|
Friday, October 14,2011,17:05 (GMT+7) |
|
The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has unveiled a slew of measures to douse the gold price fever, keep the market under control and narrow the gap between domestic and global gold prices |
|
|
How A Faltering Global Economy Affects Vietnam
|
|
|
Friday, October 14,2011,17:03 (GMT+7) |
|
The global economy is still in a tough time. What will become of it and what are the possible effects on Vietnamese economy? Mr. Michel Henry Bouchet, professor of international finance from Skema Business School, France, talks about that matter. |
|
|
Exchange Woes Deepen
|
|
|
Friday, October 14,2011,16:53 (GMT+7) |
|
If the price of the greenback on the free market remains volatile, it will be an uphill task to pull down the dong interest rate. Perhaps market forces should be allowed to prevail. |
|
|
Breaking Away From The Subsidy-Driven Mindset
|
|
|
Friday, October 14,2011,16:42 (GMT+7) |
|
Now 20 years into the market economy, Vietnam’s budget allocation and use are still plagued with inertia and subsidy-driven mindset. This argument is exemplified in the State budget estimate freshly released by the Ministry of Finance. |
|
|
Phu Quy’s Emerald Beauty
|
|
|
Thursday, October 13,2011,18:14 (GMT+7) |
|
From Phan Thiet Port, it takes tourists six or eight hours to travel by sea to get on Phu Quy Island. Despite the long, tiring journey, it is worth the effort to explore the pristine beauty of a small island in the deep ocean. |
|
|
An End To “Two-Wheeled Economy”
|
|
|
Thursday, October 13,2011,18:11 (GMT+7) |
|
It’s worthwhile limiting the number of personal transport means. However, such a move must be accompanied by alternatives. |
|
|
Nurse saves baby from being buried alive
|
|
|
|
Thursday, October 13,2011,18:07 (GMT+7) |
|
Nguoi Lao Dong reported that nurse Ho Thi Hieu and her younger sister Ho Thi Hoang showed great bravery when rescuing a baby who was going to be buried alive according to the customs of the Xe Dang ethnic minority. |
|
|
Behind A Plan
|
|
|
|
Thursday, October 13,2011,18:03 (GMT+7) |
|
The authorities of Dong Nai Province want to speed up the transition of Bien Hoa 1 Industrial Park into an urban-trading-service area to stop the increasing pollution of the Dong Nai River. Speaking to the press, Dinh Quoc Thai, chairman of Dong Nai Province People’s Committee, said that the conversion of the industrial park into an urban area is for the purpose of reducing pollution, but it is not the only reason. |
|
|
Hotels, Resort Launch Promotions
|
|
|
|
Thursday, October 13,2011,17:59 (GMT+7) |
|
For those customers that want to save money when traveling, holding a party or eating out, they should go to some subsidiaries of Saigontourist Holding Company to find these places a right choice |
|
|
Time Is Nice For MICE In Vietnam
|
|
|
Thursday, October 13,2011,17:52 (GMT+7) |
|
Localities and the tourism industry have made great efforts to make profits from MICE (meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition) tours that have seemingly not gotten much interest for years |
|
|
Restored Order
|
|
|
Thursday, October 13,2011,17:44 (GMT+7) |
|
After the controversy about petrol prices, the question is: what should the Government do to restore order in the fuel market? |
|
|
The Onset Of Economic Restructuring
|
|
|
Thursday, October 13,2011,17:33 (GMT+7) |
|
Correctly identifying the appropriate growth model, growth engines and the driving forces behind them are the key to economic restructuring in Vietnam |
|
|
High Private Debt Also A Worry
|
|
|
Thursday, October 13,2011,17:29 (GMT+7) |
|
Soaring private debt as a share of gross domestic product is as worrisome as surging public debt |
|
|
Tragedies Of The Common
|
|
|
Thursday, October 13,2011,17:27 (GMT+7) |
|
Why Vietnam’s staggering public investment is woefully inefficient |
|
|
Textile’s Dependence On Garments
|
|
|
Thursday, October 13,2011,17:25 (GMT+7) |
|
Overdependence on imported fabric is the most formidable barrier to be removed in Vietnam’s textile and garment industry. However, the industry is still at a loss of what to do next to attract foreign investment in the textile sector. |
|
|
Russian tourists to flock to Khanh Hoa
|
|
|
Friday, September 2,2011,14:15 (GMT+7) |
|
HCMC – Tens of thousands of Russian tourists will
arrive in Cam Ranh International Airport in Khanh Hoa Province via
chartered flights to visit Nha Trang and Phan Thiet from late October to
early May next year. |
|
|
Legal Foundation Review Essential For Government Reform
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 31,2011,22:46 (GMT+7) |
|
The Central Institute for Economic Management is working on a study on renovation of the government. Mr. Le Viet Thai, head of the economic institution section in charge of this study, shares with the Saigon Times some ideas about this study. |
|
|
From Manager To Growth Maker
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 31,2011,22:45 (GMT+7) |
|
In an article that outlines his line-up goals for 2011-2016, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung highlights the need for the Government to transform from economic manager into growth maker as part of a broader effort to change prevailing perceptions about the proper balance between the State and the market. Below is an analysis of how to achieve this ambitious target. |
|
|
Reversing Winds On The Horizon
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 31,2011,22:45 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam is still now a fertilizer importer which will ship in between 2.4 and 2.6 million tons of fertilizer from abroad this year. However, the fertilizer projects in the pipeline will reverse the situation and promise reasonable fertilizer prices for farmers. |
|
|
The Dream Orchestra Of A Japanese Businessman
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 31,2011,22:44 (GMT+7) |
|
Hiroshi Yoshimura, chief representative of Japan’s Naigai Travel Inc., who calls Vietnam his home, talks about how to live happily and peacefully in the country |
|
|
Foreign Investors Eye Property Market
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 31,2011,22:43 (GMT+7) |
|
Many foreign investors study opportunities of investing in real estate, and some buy into property projects developed by local companies |
|
|
Global Food Prices And Vietnam’s Inflation
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 31,2011,22:42 (GMT+7) |
|
The recent surge in commodity prices has usually been ascribed to the U.S. stimulus package, which is said to exert inflationary pressure in developing economies. This view is tempting, but rests on shaky theoretical and empirical grounds. |
|
|
High Turnover Of Key Personnel
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 31,2011,22:42 (GMT+7) |
|
This year witnesses a high turnover of key personnel at commercial joint-stock banks |
|
|
Gastronomic Programs On National Day
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 31,2011,16:49 (GMT+7) |
|
Many subsidiaries of Saigontourist Holding Company in HCM City have launched gastronomic events to welcome the National Day (September 2) |
|
|
Keen On Profit Optimization
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 31,2011,16:38 (GMT+7) |
|
Saigontourist continues to carry out the program on optimizing profit in hotel and tourism management thanks to its efficiency in the past five years |
|
|
Cruising Ba Lua Archipelago
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 31,2011,16:34 (GMT+7) |
|
Dubbed the “Little Ha Long Bay” of the south, Ba Lua – the name of a group of 45 small and big islands in the territorial waters of Kien Luong District, Kien Giang Province – is a scenic hot spot for tourists |
|
|
History from antique coins
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 31,2011,16:06 (GMT+7) |
|
Dang Duc Dung has spent nearly 25 years collecting Vietnamese ancient coins. He now owns an invaluable collection of coins which prompts him to write books to tell the country’s history. |
|
|
The Healthful Passion Fruit
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 31,2011,16:01 (GMT+7) |
|
Tips on beneficial and medicinal properties of the fruit that seems reminiscent of the Passion of Jesus Christ |
|
|
Green Future Seems Distant
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 31,2011,15:15 (GMT+7) |
|
Despite authorities’ efforts, a plan to make HCM City greener has so far failed due mostly to an underestimation of parks and green trees |
|
|
When Local Brands Sound Foreign
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 31,2011,11:48 (GMT+7) |
|
Many local companies in HCM City choose non-Vietnamese trademarks for their products in expectation of better sales |
|
|
Diesel Price Should Be Cut
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 31,2011,11:09 (GMT+7) |
|
The diesel price cut, if ever, will create a positive effect on price levels of the economy, including social sentiment |
|
|
Minimum Wages In Market Economy
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 31,2011,11:03 (GMT+7) |
|
The current concepts of the minimum wage fail to compromise the interest of both employers and employees |
|
|
Ailing Stock Market Prompts Need For Review
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 24,2011,00:57 (GMT+7) |
|
The lackluster performance of Vietnam’s stock market raises the question of whether to rescue it or not. It is also a time to review the development path of this capital mobilization channel. |
|
|
A World Of Cuisines To Discover
|
|
|
|
Thursday, August 18,2011,11:31 (GMT+7) |
|
In August and September, some Saigontourist-owned hotels in HCM City serve dishes of local and foreign styles |
|
|
Snapshots At Mui Da Beach
|
|
|
Thursday, August 18,2011,11:27 (GMT+7) |
|
The coastal township of Lagi in Binh Thuan Province is famous for breathtaking landscapes such as Duong Hill, Cam Binh and Nganh Tam Tan beaches, Ba Islet and Thay Thim Temple. But another place luring photographers is Mui Da Beach in Tan Phuoc Commune, where visitors can see the typical daily activities of fishing villages. |
|
|
All life for herbal medicine
|
|
|
Thursday, August 18,2011,11:24 (GMT+7) |
|
Examining soil and seeking lost traditional cures, herbalist Nguyen Huu Trong has spent his whole life seeking and preserving folk remedies. |
|
|
A Healthful Fruit
|
|
|
Thursday, August 18,2011,11:23 (GMT+7) |
|
Nutritional properties of v, a specialty fruit of the central region |
|
|
The Hit List Of Vietnam’s Energy Guzzlers
|
|
|
Thursday, August 18,2011,11:09 (GMT+7) |
|
For the first time ever, the Government has made public a hit list of Vietnam’s energy guzzlers. The list gives yet another warning of power wastefulness among the corporate circle in the country. |
|
|
Agriculture Is The Workhorse
|
|
|
Thursday, August 18,2011,11:05 (GMT+7) |
|
Over the past five years in a row, agriculture has been the kingpin which helped Vietnam’s economy develop in a stable way and weather the global economic crisis. Yet investment in the agricultural sector is way below that in other economic sectors. |
|
|
Obsession With Stocks
|
|
|
Thursday, August 18,2011,11:02 (GMT+7) |
|
The dreary stock market has left deep scars on investors, both big and small |
|
|
Dong Stability First Priority
|
|
|
Thursday, August 18,2011,10:54 (GMT+7) |
|
In an interview conducted last week, new central bank governor Nguyen Van Binh said stabilizing the domestic currency is the number-one goal of monetary policies. Excerpts: |
|
|
Bigger Money Requires Higher Responsibility
|
|
|
Thursday, August 18,2011,10:51 (GMT+7) |
|
Receiving more funding, the education and training sector is expected to develop the number of students at all levels and improve the quality of training to meet the country’s demand for quality human resources |
|
|
Customer Care Counts
|
|
|
|
Friday, August 12,2011,14:58 (GMT+7) |
|
Rex Hotel Saigon’s success in the first half of this year is partly constituted by the staff’s effort to serve customers at their best |
|
|
A Potential Destination For Japan’s Recovery Scenario
|
|
|
Friday, August 12,2011,14:57 (GMT+7) |
|
Japanese enterprises are seeking overseas destinations to stabilize production and business in the aftermath of the disastrous tsunami and earthquake early this year. Vietnam is one of the potential destinations on their radar. |
|
|
Fierce Fight Against Transfer Pricing
|
|
|
Friday, August 12,2011,14:57 (GMT+7) |
|
An interview with Nguyen Trong Hanh, deputy director of the HCM City Department of Taxation, on initial results of the anti-transfer pricing measures taken by the tax administration |
|
|
Murky Areas Remain
|
|
|
Friday, August 12,2011,14:57 (GMT+7) |
|
Circular 13/2011/TT-BNNPTNT (Circular 13 for short) on the inspection of plant-based imports has been in force for over a month and is exerting tremendous pressure on importers. Meanwhile, efforts to combat substandard imports from certain countries remain largely futile. |
|
|
Making Hay While The Sun Shines
|
|
|
Friday, August 12,2011,14:56 (GMT+7) |
|
Mr. Yoshida Sakae, managing director of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) in HCM City, talks with the Weekly about opportunities for Japanese companies to invest more in Vietnam as well as the win-win relationship of Vietnam-Japan economic ties |
|
|
A Louder Sound Of “Ohayou” In Vietnam
|
|
|
Friday, August 12,2011,14:55 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam tourism tries its best to lure more Japanese tourists, especially after the consequences of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan in March this year have abated |
|
|
Sailing Amidst A Sea Of Rules
|
|
|
|
Friday, August 12,2011,14:52 (GMT+7) |
|
Given meticulous preparations and thorough consideration of Vietnam’s circumstances, ratifying international sea conventions will allow local marine transport firms to foster deeper global integration, enhance competitiveness and expand market share |
|
|
Fairytale Lo O Stream
|
|
|
Thursday, August 11,2011,14:31 (GMT+7) |
|
People admire the natural splendor of Nui Chua National Park in Ninh Thuan Province thanks to Vinh Hy Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in Vietnam, where tourists can experience snorkeling, fishing and visiting the coral reef. But a key part of the park’s ecosystem is Lo O Stream in Vinh Hai Commune, Ninh Hai District, which lies northeast of Phan Rang-Thap Cham City. |
|
|
Five generations keep water puppet tradition alive
|
|
|
|
Thursday, August 11,2011,14:28 (GMT+7) |
|
Nguyen Van Dau in Chang Son Commune, Hanoi’s Thach That District, is famous for preserving a traditional form of art — water puppetry. He is proud that his family’s five generations have continued this line of work. |
|
|
“Backstreet” Wakes To Vibrancy
|
|
|
Thursday, August 11,2011,14:23 (GMT+7) |
|
A historic boulevard, Ham Nghi in District 1 is embracing momentous changes induced in a vibrant HCM City |
|
|
Gold To The Throne
|
|
|
|
Thursday, August 11,2011,14:21 (GMT+7) |
|
Transactions on Vietnam’s stock market between August 3-9 |
|
|
A Roller-Coaster Of Emotions Expected
|
|
|
Thursday, August 11,2011,12:00 (GMT+7) |
|
Alex Bischoff, a board member of European Chamber of Commerce (EuroCham) and German Business Association in Vietnam, talks about living and working in Vietnam |
|
|
Renewable Energy Promoted
|
|
|
Thursday, August 11,2011,11:44 (GMT+7) |
|
In line with the 2015 electrical power planning with a vision for 2020 which was freshly endorsed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, HCM City will accelerate the development of renewable energy sources from trash, wind and solar power to both have more energy and tackle environment problems |
|
|
Improvements Needed Down The Line
|
|
|
Thursday, August 11,2011,11:41 (GMT+7) |
|
No one can deny the big role of the central bank in bringing into full play the banking system in the national economy. However, there are still problems plaguing the management of the system, which needs ironing out. |
|
|
Waves Of Unpredictable Consequences
|
|
|
|
Thursday, August 11,2011,10:55 (GMT+7) |
|
If the 12 hydropower projects along the Mekong River are all carried out, what will be the implications for the regional water environment? |
|
|
New Hopes From New Planning
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, August 9,2011,01:20 (GMT+7) |
|
Electrical Power Plan 7, the latest version of national power planning, has addressed almost all problems of the previous scheme |
|
|
For Further Step Into World Market
|
|
|
Tuesday, August 9,2011,01:20 (GMT+7) |
|
Although Vietnam is among the world’s top five footwear exporters, 70% of its leather and footwear businesses make export products under subcontracts for an added value of 10-15% |
|
|
New Menus For August
|
|
|
|
Monday, August 8,2011,17:54 (GMT+7) |
|
Some of the hotels, restaurants and resorts in HCM City—subsidiaries of Saigontourist Holding Company—serve veggetarian dishes this month when many people practice vegetarianism for the filial piety season |
|
|
Touring The Thu Bon River
|
|
|
Monday, August 8,2011,17:51 (GMT+7) |
|
The Thu Bon River basin covers an area of over 10,000 square kilometers in Quang Nam Province and is ranked fourth for hydropower potential in Vietnam. But to the local people, the river is considered the lifeblood that has helped raise many generations of residents on both banks. |
|
|
Queen Of The Fruits
|
|
|
Monday, August 8,2011,17:48 (GMT+7) |
|
Tips on medicinal properties of the delicious mangosteen |
|
|
Passion for Hoang Sa Islands
|
|
|
|
Monday, August 8,2011,17:46 (GMT+7) |
|
Huynh Dinh Quoc Thien, 35, has a BA in history, majoring in ethnology and archaeology from Hue City’s Science University. He works at the Historical Museum in Danang City and is responsible for collecting items and documents relating to revolutionary history and national culture. Items about the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands always draw Thien’s interest. He seizes opportunities to collect anything about the islands in hopes that there will be an exhibition on Hoang Sa. |
|
|
Prune Trees To Save Lives
|
|
|
Monday, August 8,2011,17:44 (GMT+7) |
|
Both authorities and local residents should better protect green trees while coming up with better landscape management practices to avoid tree-related accidents during the ongoing rainy season |
|
|
Being Out Of Tune
|
|
|
|
Monday, August 8,2011,17:41 (GMT+7) |
|
Transactions on Vietnam’ stock market between July 27 and August 2 |
|
|
It’s Time To Step Back
|
|
|
Monday, August 8,2011,17:40 (GMT+7) |
|
Big State-owned enterprises will go public in the near future, so will the State continue to hold or give up its controlling stakes in these entities? Long-term approach and vision are needed for the answer to such a question. |
|
|
Starting With Paintbrushes
|
|
|
Monday, August 8,2011,17:31 (GMT+7) |
|
Only two years after starting from scratch in the paintbrush manufacturing sector, Thanh Binh private enterprise in HCM City has pushed products of Chinese origin out of Vietnam’s market |
|
|
The Lifeblood Of Rice Farming
|
|
|
Monday, August 8,2011,17:29 (GMT+7) |
|
Dr. Duong Van Ni, director of Hoa An Biodiversity Research and Experimental Center under Can Tho University, gives some thoughts about the important role of water sources in wet-paddy agriculture. Ni chaired the workshop “Impacts of the upper Mekong River damming on the Mekong Delta’s ecosystem” held in Can Tho City last week by Vietnam River System and Can Tho University. |
|
|
Water Security Under Threat
|
|
|
Monday, August 8,2011,17:25 (GMT+7) |
|
A downstream country by Asia’s Mekong River, Vietnam is affected by five factors that can influence its water security |
|
|
Tough Measures For Cutting Interest Rates
|
|
|
Monday, August 8,2011,17:20 (GMT+7) |
|
Maintaining high interest rates has been used as a tool for fighting inflation. However, this tool is considerably eroding competitiveness of businesses. Is it possible to combat inflation while reducing interest rates? Yes, it is, provided that drastic measures are implemented. This article explores an option. |
|
|
A Time For New Regulations
|
|
|
Monday, August 8,2011,17:18 (GMT+7) |
|
Recently, the central bank has issued a spate of new regulations in order to tighten control of credit institutions’ operations |
|
|
Forex Under Control
|
|
|
Monday, August 8,2011,17:15 (GMT+7) |
|
Despite pundits’ forecast of a high pressure on the foreign exchange prompted at the end of the year by the rising foreign currency credit growth, the foreign exchange rates remain under the control of the central bank. The current sound management is being underpinned by both subjective and objective factors. |
|
|
The Gold Export Conundrum
|
|
|
Thursday, August 4,2011,16:31 (GMT+7) |
|
Gold export should be perceived not only as a temporary measure to nurture trade balance, but also as an important policy tool that should be used strategically |
|
|
A Strong Pillar Of The Economy
|
|
|
Thursday, August 4,2011,16:31 (GMT+7) |
|
Agriculture plays an important role in Vietnam, helping the country maintain economic growth and food security. But the sector needs more investment in processing to boost its economic value. |
|
|
A Betrothal For The Agro-Food Value Chain
|
|
|
Thursday, August 4,2011,16:30 (GMT+7) |
|
Reported by Quang TuanJapan’s Marubeni Corp. and Vietnam’s Dong Nai Food Industry Corp. (Dofico) last week signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperating in feeding, producing and trading in agro-products in Vietnam. On this occasion, Mr. Wakabayashi Satoshi, Chief Operating Officer of Marubeni’s Food Materials Division, and Ms. Nguyen Thi Le Hong, Chairwoman and General Director of Dofico, spoke with the Weekly about the partnership. |
|
|
Office Leasing Continues To Fall
|
|
|
Thursday, August 4,2011,16:30 (GMT+7) |
|
The office leasing market is getting dull. Office rents are going down and are forecast to drop further. |
|
|
Land Rental Should Not Be A Burden
|
|
|
Thursday, August 4,2011,16:23 (GMT+7) |
|
Last week, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) held a conference drawing the participation of over 200 companies in northern cities and provinces, with an aim to solve difficulties related to the Government’s Decree 121 on land and water surface rental adjustments |
|
|
Go Forward With Your Will
|
|
|
Thursday, August 4,2011,16:22 (GMT+7) |
|
There are many times of decision making behind the success of hundreds of street kids, and each affects so many lives. With the ups and downs in nurturing KOTO, Jimmy Pham has seen through different meanings of life. |
|
|
Thank You Sister Saigon For Opening My Heart
|
|
|
Thursday, August 4,2011,16:20 (GMT+7) |
|
August 10 this year will mark the 50th anniversary of the first U.S. Agent Orange spraying missions in Vietnam. According to the website of Agent Orange victims in Danang, from two to four million Vietnamese people have shown signs of effects at various levels from the defoliant. The following is an article relevant to the issue. |
|
|
Hoi An At Night
|
|
|
Thursday, August 4,2011,16:15 (GMT+7) |
|
Much has been written about the peaceful, ancient town of Hoi An. For those wanting to learn about it, they can easily find a sea of relevant information and images on the web. However, local and international tourists have kept flocking to the town in droves since UNESCO recognized it as a world cultural heritage site in 2000. Hoi An is a completely different world for both local and international visitors. |
|
|
For A New Five-Year Journey
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 3,2011,17:59 (GMT+7) |
|
Saigontourist, which has almost completed its 36-year journey with good performance, now looks forward to reaping new success in its next five years’ development strategy |
|
|
A Vivid Shellfish Market
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 3,2011,17:55 (GMT+7) |
|
An interesting place for those who love backpacking and taking photos about the real daily life of seaside residents is Ha Thuy Village, Chi Cong Commune in Binh Thuan Province. This area is also known as a place where local people’s lives are attached closely to the shellfish market. |
|
|
Eating With Courage
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 3,2011,17:52 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnamese are eaters with passion and cooks with boldness. Vietnamese cuisine can satisfy the stomach and can also be cravings of food lovers for something different and adventurous. |
|
|
Remedies From Veggie
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 3,2011,17:38 (GMT+7) |
|
Tips on some vegetables that are nutritious and good for human health |
|
|
Crowd lauds paper shaper
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 3,2011,17:26 (GMT+7) |
|
Dinh Truong Giang is an architect, but he is famous for his origami around the world. He was an honored guest at an international meeting on origami held in Rangueil, Toulouse, France, in June 2011. |
|
|
Stocks On Sale
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 3,2011,17:20 (GMT+7) |
|
Every savior has come to the rescue, but the stock market remains bearish. Not a single stock or a group of stocks has seen price crashes but the entire market has. |
|
|
Sugar Prices May Be Higher
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 3,2011,17:18 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam will probably have to import sugar to meet domestic demand in the rest of the year and this will affect its socio-economic stabilization policy |
|
|
Putting Foreign Employment In Order
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 3,2011,17:06 (GMT+7) |
|
Decree 46’s application from August 1 will make the door narrower to unskilled foreign workers in Vietnam. It’s a regulation at this point, but everybody is waiting for real results which depend on the management competence of relevant State agencies. |
|
|
Onus Falls On Fiscal Policy
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 3,2011,16:54 (GMT+7) |
|
As monetary policy has been stretched to its limit, Vietnam’s battle against inflation in the remaining months of 2011 hinges substantially on fiscal policy, especially with regard to cuts in public spending and investment |
|
|
Filipino Market A Great Potential
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 3,2011,16:49 (GMT+7) |
|
The Philippines has been a traditional importer of Vietnamese rice. Yet this island nation whose population amounts to 96 million may offer other unexpected opportunities as well. |
|
|
China: Opportunities For Prudent Investors
|
|
|
Thursday, July 28,2011,00:38 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnamese businesses can penetrate the Chinese market and reap success if they know how to take appropriate steps, or else they will lose out |
|
|
Skilled Foreign Staff Welcomed
|
|
|
Thursday, July 28,2011,00:37 (GMT+7) |
|
Nguyen Thi Dan, head of the Labor Management and Wage Division under the HCM City Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, told the Weekly about some notable points of the new decree on foreign labor employment |
|
|
Government Reforms: A Perspective
|
|
|
Thursday, July 28,2011,00:32 (GMT+7) |
|
The Government is arguably the most important institution in Vietnam and should be reformed first to pave the way for institutional changes capable of satiating the country’s development needs |
|
|
A Paradise On Earth Awaits Visitors
|
|
|
Friday, July 22,2011,16:37 (GMT+7) |
|
A beautiful cave inside the limestone mountain in Vietnam’s central region is named after Heavens and later turned into a tourist spot |
|
|
Back To South, Full A Mouth
|
|
|
|
Friday, July 22,2011,16:32 (GMT+7) |
|
After making a trip to Ca Mau Province on the southern tip of Vietnam, tourists will never forget trekking to the Lower U Minh National Park, which is located 40 kilometers southwest of Ca Mau City and 400 kilometers from HCM City |
|
|
The Tasty, Strongly Aromatic Drips
|
|
|
|
Friday, July 22,2011,16:28 (GMT+7) |
|
Enjoying the traditional Vietnamese coffee is an excellent way to train one’s patience, but at the same time, it is also an enjoyment through the silent and natural brewing process |
|
|
A Bleak Picture, Now And In The Future
|
|
|
Friday, July 22,2011,16:02 (GMT+7) |
|
Currently, heavy pressure is mounting on the local cement industry. The adversity entails plunging market demand, rising input costs and debt-ridden projects. |
|
|
The Market Will Decide
|
|
|
Friday, July 22,2011,16:00 (GMT+7) |
|
Two foreign business persons share their viewpoints of working environment and conditions for foreign employees in Vietnam |
|
|
The Supply Chain Approach Should Be In Use
|
|
|
Friday, July 22,2011,15:32 (GMT+7) |
|
So far in Vietnam, a vision in line with the supply chain has yet to find its deserving position in both State economic management and private business strategies |
|
|
Summer Vacations For All
|
|
|
Friday, July 15,2011,17:34 (GMT+7) |
|
Spending a few days at a coastal resort on hot, dry days or visiting pagodas during summer retreats are among many things for tourists to experience |
|
|
The Water Culture
|
|
|
Friday, July 15,2011,17:29 (GMT+7) |
|
For centuries, land, water and people of the Mekong Delta have lived as one |
|
|
Challenges In Work And Beauty In Life
|
|
|
Friday, July 15,2011,17:26 (GMT+7) |
|
Patrick Downey, former vice chairperson of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AusCham), has experiened ups and downs during his 21 years living here |
|
|
Trade Protection Against China Goods Warranted
|
|
|
|
Friday, July 15,2011,17:21 (GMT+7) |
|
The battle against substandard Chinese goods will be futile if domestic producers cannot offer better substitutes. To help local firms flourish, the Government needs to tackle the influx of Chinese commodities head-first. |
|
|
Is A “Rescue” Well Worth?
|
|
|
|
Friday, July 15,2011,17:19 (GMT+7) |
|
The Ministry of Construction has urged other State agencies to join forces to rescue the realty market. However, who really benefits from this proposal remains debatable. |
|
|
Experience From The “Wise Old Men”
|
|
|
|
Friday, July 15,2011,17:12 (GMT+7) |
|
Apart from good products and potential markets, businesses that know how to utilize the experience and knowledge of retired experts will earn themselves opportunities for expansion |
|
|
Tasting Vietnamese-Style Fast Food
|
|
|
|
Friday, July 15,2011,17:05 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam’s fast-food market has undergone some changes compared to two years ago, thanks to the participation of several new local and foreign brands as well as stronger performance of operational players |
|
|
A Kitchen Of The World
|
|
|
Friday, July 15,2011,17:01 (GMT+7) |
|
Four years ago in HCM City, the founder of modern marketing Philip Kotler became the special speaker for the international conference “New Marketing for the New Age.” The U.S. speaker once said that the “kitchen of the world” could be a suitable image for Vietnam, with her bounty of good dishes. |
|
|
How To Control The Market
|
|
|
Friday, July 15,2011,16:58 (GMT+7) |
|
The use of administrative tools to control the market by many State management agencies may bring some benefits, but it causes consequences that take a long time to deal with |
|
|
Legal Hurdles Remain
|
|
|
|
Friday, July 15,2011,16:45 (GMT+7) |
|
Red tape continues to haunt investors, especially foreigners. Despite the Government’s relentless efforts, the fight against onerous paperwork is still futile, if not increasingly so. Consider, for instance, the case of foreign-invested enterprises whose business registration certificates were issued in, or prior to, September 2009. |
|
|
The Gas Industry In A Nutshell
|
|
|
Friday, July 15,2011,16:43 (GMT+7) |
|
The following article expects to provide a panoramic picture of Vietnam’s natural gas industry |
|
|
Help Them For The Country’s Sake
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 13,2011,16:53 (GMT+7) |
|
Members of the social strata volunteer to assist provincial students taking university entrance examinations in HCM City |
|
|
The Right To Hype
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 13,2011,16:47 (GMT+7) |
|
A commentary on a recent dispute over an advertisement for instant noodles (*) |
|
|
Dealing With Murky Waters
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 13,2011,16:43 (GMT+7) |
|
The National Assembly’s Economic Commission has recently offered its take on the Ministry of Planning and Investment’s report on Vietnam’s first-half socio-economic performance |
|
|
Tax Revenue: Too Much Of A Good Thing?
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 13,2011,16:41 (GMT+7) |
|
The Ministry of Finance has recently unveiled tax incentives aimed at strengthening Vietnam’s troubled economy. Do they suffice? |
|
|
Falling Investor Confidence
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 13,2011,16:39 (GMT+7) |
|
A new survey shows that education has surged to the top of the list of the most attractive sectors for investment in Vietnam while transportation and logistics, in contrast, have fallen drastically to the bottom |
|
|
Strong Drivers For Economic Growth
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 13,2011,16:33 (GMT+7) |
|
Export and agriculture are the strong drivers for Vietnam’s economic growth in the first half of this year |
|
|
Knowledge Vs. Profit
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 13,2011,16:31 (GMT+7) |
|
The idea of turning education into business in Vietnam remains up in the air while many countries have turned learning into a good export |
|
|
Low Cost, Dubious Quality
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 13,2011,16:29 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam’s procedure for picking international bidders is riddled with lethal loopholes |
|
|
Red Tape And Resultant Troubles
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 13,2011,16:28 (GMT+7) |
|
When registering partial change of their business certificates, businesses in HCM City confront troubles caused by requirements not mentioned in the law |
|
|
Key Projects Worth Caring About
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 13,2011,16:24 (GMT+7) |
|
The Government and local mechanical engineering businesses should persistently pursue projects producing equipment for thermopower projects in order to reduce the trade deficit with China |
|
|
Summertime On Con Dao
|
|
|
|
Sunday, July 3,2011,23:00 (GMT+7) |
|
Previously, tourists from the Mekong Delta who headed for Con Dao had to travel to HCM City first, where they could reach the final destination by air or ship. Fortunately, since June 1, they have been able to embark on a 40-minute flight, in an ATR-72 aircraft, from Can Tho to Con Dao, where they can immerse themselves in the pristine beauty of Nature and seek solace in historical and spiritual reflections. |
|
|
Hefty Profit
|
|
|
Sunday, July 3,2011,22:59 (GMT+7) |
|
The higher education sector in Vietnam is very attractive to entrepreneurs. But the quality it provides remains questionable. |
|
|
Vietnam’s Enterprises In The Eyes Of The Japanese
|
|
|
|
Sunday, July 3,2011,22:57 (GMT+7) |
|
Yoshida Sakae, managing director of the HCM City office of the Japan External Trade Organization (Jetro), talked about the ways to do business with the Japanese and penetrate Japan’s market at the “Global Economic Integration” conference held by Minh Tran Electronics Co. last week |
|
|
Taking Stocks, Stoking Hope
|
|
|
|
Sunday, July 3,2011,22:57 (GMT+7) |
|
From July 1, amendments to the Securities Law took effect and will hopefully foster transparency on the bourses in the long run. New regulations are also expected to improve market liquidity. |
|
|
Lead pioneer Thang showcases at Tu Do Gallery
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 29,2011,21:05 (GMT+7) |
|
A lacquer painting exhibition by artist Luong Quoc Thang,
the pioneer who introduced lead as a new color of the country’s lacquer arts,
will open in District 1’s Tu Do Gallery on Saturday. |
|
|
Enjoying Foods With Promotions
|
|
|
|
Monday, June 27,2011,17:00 (GMT+7) |
|
Many HCM City-based subsidiaries of Saigontourist Holding Company are offering promotions of their gastronomic wares this summer |
|
|
Mysterious Fish Stream A Treat For Visitors
|
|
|
|
Monday, June 27,2011,16:57 (GMT+7) |
|
Roughly 100 kilometers northwest from Thanh Hoa City is Luong Ngoc Stream, another interesting place in Thanh Hoa Province apart from famous Sam Son Beach. This is home to many fish in the stream located next to Truong Sinh Mountain, and has been named the “God fish stream” by the Muong ethnic minority in Cam Thuy District’s Cam Luong Commune. |
|
|
Wonderful Fatherhood
|
|
|
|
Monday, June 27,2011,15:57 (GMT+7) |
|
Local fathers should be more responsible to their families by retaining their role of breadwinner while sharing their wives’ roles of housekeeper and homemaker |
|
|
Health Benefits Of Lotus
|
|
|
|
Monday, June 27,2011,15:53 (GMT+7) |
|
Lotus leaves, flowers, seeds, stems and roots are precious medicinal herbs |
|
|
Ceramics From A Different View
|
|
|
Monday, June 27,2011,15:51 (GMT+7) |
|
Dong Gia Ceramics officially made its appearance in the domestic ceramics-porcelain market at the end of 2010. Since then, even though there has been a decrease in market demand, Dong Gia is still confident about its business plan. |
|
|
Prices Not A Big Deal
|
|
|
Monday, June 27,2011,15:47 (GMT+7) |
|
Since early 2011, the macroeconomic climate has been far from benign, the dong has been weak, credit has fallen and the trade deficit has continued to hover around whopping levels. Against this backdrop, M&A deals have come to the rescue. |
|
|
The Kingdom Of Tuna
|
|
|
Monday, June 27,2011,15:41 (GMT+7) |
|
Tam Quan Bac Commune (Hoai Nhon District, Binh Dinh Province) boasts a fleet of 410 high-capacity boats and fishermen with a wealth of experience in catching lucrative tuna. Its reputation is growing in the region. |
|
|
Let Market Forces Reign
|
|
|
Monday, June 27,2011,15:39 (GMT+7) |
|
At present, the interest rate ceiling for dong deposits is imposed by the State Bank of Vietnam. The article below offers insights into this controversial approach. |
|
|
Solution To The Car Park Dilemma
|
|
|
|
Monday, June 27,2011,15:33 (GMT+7) |
|
While waiting for car park construction projects in metropolises such as HCM City and Hanoi, automated car parks seem to be a viable interim solution |
|
|
Trade Deficit Leads To Disadvantages
|
|
|
|
Monday, June 27,2011,15:22 (GMT+7) |
|
The first thing Vietnam should start with on her path to minimize the enormous trade deficit is to reduce the trade gap with China |
|
|
Penetrating The Pharmaceutical Market In Vietnam
|
|
|
Monday, June 27,2011,15:16 (GMT+7) |
|
Mr. D. Y. Kang, President of Korea United Pharm. Inc. (KUP), paid a visit to Vietnam last week and had talks about developing tonic pharmaceutical products, including Homtamin Ginseng and Homtamin Ginseng Gold, by cooperating with ICV in the production and distribution of high-quality pharmaceutical products. |
|
|
Growing Drug Market Has Room For Investment
|
|
|
|
Monday, June 27,2011,15:07 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam’s growing medicine market attracts interest from foreign investors, who are keen to set up drug production facilities and trading outlets in the country |
|
|
Not Yet In Tandem
|
|
|
|
Monday, June 27,2011,15:05 (GMT+7) |
|
Fiscal policy and monetary policy are not yet in sync, rendering anti-inflationary efforts inefficacious |
|
|
PRI: A Future Tendency
|
|
|
Monday, June 27,2011,15:01 (GMT+7) |
|
On June 6, IFC joined forces with the State Securities Commission to promote Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) among fund management companies |
|
|
Yearning For Transparency
|
|
|
|
Monday, June 27,2011,14:57 (GMT+7) |
|
Greater transparency in disclosing macroeconomic data concerning finance and the State’s budget will help restore and boost confidence |
|
|
Money Is Not Everything
|
|
|
|
Monday, June 27,2011,14:55 (GMT+7) |
|
To persuade consumers to accept power price hikes, the power sector must make input costs transparent |
|
|
New Food And Promotion Programs
|
|
|
|
Monday, June 20,2011,15:46 (GMT+7) |
|
Customers that use dining services provided by Saigontourist Holding Company’s subsidiaries can receive discounts and free drinks |
|
|
A Delicate Balance
|
|
|
|
Monday, June 20,2011,15:38 (GMT+7) |
|
Keeping a balance between valuable ancient architect and development demand is always a tough job in Vietnam |
|
|
Refining Rubber Is Better
|
|
|
|
Monday, June 20,2011,15:26 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam should reduce its exports of raw rubber to make higher profits |
|
|
Practices Beyond Reach
|
|
|
Monday, June 20,2011,15:05 (GMT+7) |
|
REACH (registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemical substances) is a European Union (EU) regulation on chemicals and their safe use. It has spelled trouble for many enterprises wishing to enter this market. Participants at a recent conference held in HCM City as part of the EU-Vietnam Multilateral Trade Assistance Project III (MUTRAP III) shared their experience in conforming to this regulation. |
|
|
Inconsistent Lawmaking Breeds Distortion
|
|
|
Monday, June 20,2011,15:01 (GMT+7) |
|
In general, the legal framework for the realty market seems to be adequate. However, Vietnam’s piecemeal and occasionally inconsistent approach to law formulation may cause this framework to trigger waves of distortion in the market. |
|
|
Seeing Opportunities Amidst Challenges
|
|
|
|
Monday, June 20,2011,14:59 (GMT+7) |
|
Reported by Dinh DungSeeing Vietnam as its fourth pillar of growth after its core markets in Singapore, China and Australia, Singaporean developer CapitaLand is on track to expanding its business in the country. The Weekly had a talk with Mr. Yip Hoong Mun, deputy CEO of CapitaLand Vietnam, about the company’s business strategy here. |
|
|
Tough Times Pave Way For A Healthier Market
|
|
|
|
Monday, June 20,2011,14:55 (GMT+7) |
|
Sluggish sales plus the current credit crunch are posing a lot of difficulties for property developers and may drive many into bankruptcy. However, from the angle of market development, this is seen as a chance to sort out incompetent and inexperienced developers for a healthier and sustainable market. |
|
|
The Root Cause Of Trade Deficit
|
|
|
Monday, June 20,2011,14:52 (GMT+7) |
|
Latest measures for curbing trade deficit focus on cars, telephones, liquor and cosmetics are necessary but they are not enough |
|
|
Response Reviewed
|
|
|
|
Monday, June 20,2011,14:49 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam’s relations with China in economic and diplomatic spheres have been propelled to the forefront of public discussion recently. In particular, enterprises that depend on China’s market have been given much food for thought. |
|
|
Home-Grown Fruits Need Help
|
|
|
Monday, June 20,2011,14:19 (GMT+7) |
|
Good local tropical fruits are still available in Saigon. However, local fruit growers should be assisted so that their products can fare well both at home and in foreign markets. |
|
|
Vietnam’s Population Trends: Growing Woes
|
|
|
|
Monday, June 20,2011,14:15 (GMT+7) |
|
Recent statistics released by the United Nations Population Division show that Vietnam’s population is aging rapidly. This has implications for the economy and social security in the future. |
|
|
Fighting Erosion In The Mekong Delta
|
|
|
|
Monday, June 20,2011,13:45 (GMT+7) |
|
The Long Hoa Market landslide in Can Tho City’s Binh Thuy District earlier this month highlighted the erosion along the Mekong Delta’s rivers, canals and coastlines. Solutions to minimize this kind of disaster should be taken. |
|
|
Refreshing City Tours
|
|
|
|
Monday, June 20,2011,13:43 (GMT+7) |
|
HCM City authorities and tour operators have made great efforts to ensure tourists feel pleased when visiting the city by improving and enriching city tours |
|
|
Guide To Consumer Protection
|
|
|
|
Monday, June 20,2011,13:40 (GMT+7) |
|
The Consumer Protection Law was passed by the National Assembly on November 17, 2010, and will take effect from July 1, 2011, marking a milestone in safeguarding consumer rights in Vietnam. However, its efficacy hinges substantially on sub-law documents. |
|
|
A Deep Look Into The Deficit
|
|
|
|
Monday, June 20,2011,13:38 (GMT+7) |
|
In the first five months of 2011, if the US$3 billion export turnover of crude oil is included, the trade surplus of foreign-invested enterprises stood at US$1.4 billion; if such amount is not included, their trade deficit was US$1.6 billion. |
|
|
Salaries During Inflation
|
|
|
|
Monday, June 20,2011,13:36 (GMT+7) |
|
A recent survey has found out that in the backdrop of escalating inflation, responding companies would opt to revise up their payrolls to retain staff during 2011 |
|
|
Priority: High Value-Added Sectors
|
|
|
Monday, June 20,2011,13:35 (GMT+7) |
|
Among the difficulties which of foreign investors raised at the Vietnam Business Forum (VBF) before the 2011 mid-term Consultative Group (CG) meeting for Vietnam last week, some have been repeated for years, while some are new |
|
|
Is A Strong Dose Justified?
|
|
|
|
Monday, June 20,2011,13:31 (GMT+7) |
|
While forex management should be bolstered, it is important to ponder the fundamental causes of dollarization so as to hammer out appropriate responses that can prop up the economy and safeguard the populace’s foreign currency ownership rights |
|
|
Inflation Hurts The Poor
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 8,2011,23:31 (GMT+7) |
|
The poor’s nominal income does not rise as rapidly as the consumer price index. As a result, low-income families are extremely vulnerable to price hikes. |
|
|
Consumers In The Price Storm
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 8,2011,23:30 (GMT+7) |
|
According to a recent survey entitled “The impacts of inflation on consumer behavior and sentiment” and conducted by FTA Market Research Co., 54% of the respondents were adversely affected by sustained price hikes. |
|
|
Landed Property Remains Favorite
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 8,2011,23:21 (GMT+7) |
|
Regardless of market difficulties, landed property remains the preferred choice for investors, and the demand for the segment is projected to continue its upward climb in the next few years |
|
|
Right Goal, Wrong Approach
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 8,2011,23:21 (GMT+7) |
|
Circular 20 by the Ministry of Industry and Trade on the procedure for importing cars of nine seats and below has hit the auto market. Recently, auto importers convened a meeting to discuss responses to this circular. Will this official document attain its goal of restricting auto import, then? |
|
|
In Need Of More Efficient Reforms
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 8,2011,23:15 (GMT+7) |
|
Despite initial achievements following the implementation of Resolution 11, Vietnam should adopt more sweeping reforms to surmount economic hardships |
|
|
A Return Trip Too Far
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 8,2011,23:01 (GMT+7) |
|
Despite recent improvements, poor transport infrastructure—including airport facilities—and costly luxury accommodations are still deterring expatriates from coming back to the country |
|
|
Nha Trang – The Sea Paradise
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, June 7,2011,16:53 (GMT+7) |
|
With beautiful beaches, scenic spots and places of interest, Nha Trang City in the central province of Khanh Hoa is a wise choise for holidays, especially when the Nha Trang Sea Festival takes place from June 11-15 |
|
|
Tourism Companies Head North
|
|
|
Tuesday, June 7,2011,16:22 (GMT+7) |
|
Some travel companies in HCM City have already opened branches in Hanoi for a few years. Yet the investment wave to develop the market in Hanoi and the North has just risen strongly in recent years. Nonetheless, it is not easy to exploit this market. |
|
|
Good Brand Supports Market Share Expansion
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, June 7,2011,16:19 (GMT+7) |
|
VinaLiving, a property development brand of fund manager VinaCapital, is on track to expand its property investment portfolios in Vietnam. The Weekly talked with David Henry, managing director of VinaCapital Real Estate Company, about the company’s business plan and brand development in the local residential market. |
|
|
The First Steppingstones
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, June 7,2011,16:10 (GMT+7) |
|
Although it’s still in its early stages, the online advertising market is booming for advertising companies, clients as well as the press |
|
|
Transparency Expected Of Comprehensive Survey
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, June 7,2011,16:06 (GMT+7) |
|
The re-assessment of some wholly State-owned conglomerates’ assets and capital—in other words, a total inspection of their assets, as well as financial and managerial capabilities—will be conducted in early July. This survey is expected to be a formidable task. |
|
|
State Support At Last
|
|
|
Thursday, June 2,2011,22:59 (GMT+7) |
|
For almost two decades, there have been only 100 BOT (build-operate-transfer), BTO (build-transfer-operate) and BT (build-transfer) projects or so in Vietnam, owing to the absence of a legal framework. Will there be any change when the country’s pilot PPP (public-private partnerships) regulation takes effect? |
|
|
Putting Sustainability At The Heart Of Business
|
|
|
Thursday, June 2,2011,22:58 (GMT+7) |
|
Coca-Cola Beverages Vietnam Limited has announced the Live Positively program with seven sustainability pillars, including beverage benefits, active healthy living, water stewardship, sustainable packaging, energy management and climate protection, community and workplace. On this occasion, Mr. Martin Gil, General Manager of Indochina, Coca-Cola in Southeast Asia Inc., talks with the Weekly about the program. |
|
|
Inflationary Ease And Worries
|
|
|
Thursday, June 2,2011,22:57 (GMT+7) |
|
A forecast of inflation in Vietnam this year taking into account its reasons and worries |
|
|
Fighting Inflation With Better Market Institution
|
|
|
Thursday, June 2,2011,22:56 (GMT+7) |
|
The Government’s recent measures to combat inflation have focused on tightening monetary and fiscal policies. As correct as they may be, those measures are inadequate for radically tackling Vietnam’s inflation. Monetary and fiscal problems are the direct triggers for inflation in the country. However, another crucial factor which has been neglected relates to feeble market institution which has destabilized the balance between money and commodities and finally led to inflation. |
|
|
Eating Out With Kids On Their Day
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 1,2011,16:13 (GMT+7) |
|
On the occasion of the upcoming International Children’s Day (June 1), Saigontourist Holding Company runs various programs at its hotels and restaurants for families and the day’s “protagonists” |
|
|
City Government Tackles Traffic Accidents
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 1,2011,16:10 (GMT+7) |
|
Last week, the Mayor of HCM City called for an urgent meeting on addressing aggravating traffic accidents. The municipal government’s determination counts in this regard. |
|
|
The Double Grievance
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 1,2011,16:07 (GMT+7) |
|
Transactions on Vietnam’s stock market between May 18-24 |
|
|
Consultants In Demand
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 1,2011,16:05 (GMT+7) |
|
Many consulting service companies receive orders from a slew of corporate clients for their consultation about how to improve business |
|
|
Debate Rages Over Plastic Bags
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 1,2011,16:01 (GMT+7) |
|
The fight against carrier bags that have a bad impact on the environment seems never-ending |
|
|
New Trend For Sustainable Growth
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 1,2011,15:50 (GMT+7) |
|
Foreign companies operating in Vietnam have carried out various activities to improve their business as well as community life and the environment |
|
|
The Gold Deposit Ban Woes
|
|
|
Saturday, May 28,2011,00:32 (GMT+7) |
|
Commercial banks’ gold lending will no longer be allowed as of the first of May. Banks are therefore forced to hammer out a way out for their gold deposit assets. |
|
|
Translating Reputation Into Robust Revenue
|
|
|
|
Saturday, May 28,2011,00:30 (GMT+7) |
|
Compared with other industrial crops, tea is not vulnerable to drastic swings in demand. Unfortunately, despite the sustainable export growth of this commodity, its global price has been extremely low and is still on the wane. Reputation, in this case, has yet to translate into robust revenue. |
|
|
Lessons From Japan
|
|
|
|
Saturday, May 28,2011,00:26 (GMT+7) |
|
It is the selflessness and transparency pervading Japan that have enabled this nation to flourish |
|
|
Quang Binh Awaits Visitors
|
|
|
Saturday, May 28,2011,00:21 (GMT+7) |
|
Quang Binh Province in central Vietnam has several places of interest for visitors and tourists to discover, from world-renowned caves to mountains, forests, beaches and cultural-historical sites |
|
|
Reducing Discrimination Against Businesses
|
|
|
Saturday, May 28,2011,00:17 (GMT+7) |
|
In both the legal framework and business practices, private enterprises are no longer completely disadvantageous to their State-owned counterparts. But have they been treated on equal terms as opposed to the State sector? |
|
|
Discovering Two Culinary Worlds
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 25,2011,19:54 (GMT+7) |
|
Two hotels—one serving vegetarian food and the other offering various grilled meats—are two places in HCM City for gourmets to discover |
|
|
Rising Revelry, Shaky Society
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 25,2011,19:47 (GMT+7) |
|
Revelry is on the rise in Vietnam, blurring the line between a cultural tradition and a social nuisance |
|
|
A Day Of V-League Action
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 25,2011,19:43 (GMT+7) |
|
V-League, Vietnam’s top level soccer tournament, through a match as first seen by an expat |
|
|
Collaboration For Survival
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 25,2011,19:36 (GMT+7) |
|
The local advertising market remains in fragments; therefore, businesses in the sector should collaborate in order to grow |
|
|
One Step Backward?
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 25,2011,19:32 (GMT+7) |
|
The Ministry of Finance is gathering feedback on the draft Price Law, which will be presented to the Government in July 2011 as a replacement for the Price Ordinance. While this draft includes several new provisions, it also represents a step backward from existing regulations in various aspects. |
|
|
A Fitting Opportunity In Vietnam’s Project Market
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 25,2011,19:27 (GMT+7) |
|
Mr. Dominik Fruth, General Director of Häfele Vina Joint Stock Co., had a talk with the Weekly about door hardware opportunities in Vietnam on the occasion of its winning agreement to supply ironmongery for approximately 1,500 doors in the 68-story Bitexco Financial Tower in HCM City |
|
|
Market Looks To Furnish Bright Future
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 25,2011,19:21 (GMT+7) |
|
Enterprises manufacturing and trading in furnishings in Vietnam have tried many ways to fit into the market in difficult times due to price escalation, and continue to explore a sector with great potential |
|
|
The Cotton Dream’s Last Chance
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 25,2011,19:17 (GMT+7) |
|
Given the current conditions, the chance of realizing the “cotton dream” of 35 years ago no longer stands. However, to meet the garment industry’s enormous demand for cotton in the many years to come, it’s time either to give a flat no to or boost investment in this industrial crop. |
|
|
New Models For Securities Firms
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 25,2011,19:15 (GMT+7) |
|
Securities companies need radical changes so as to provide more professional services. That is a precondition for the now bearish stock market to fare better. |
|
|
Much Room For Maneuvering
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 25,2011,19:14 (GMT+7) |
|
Measures aimed at curtailing inflation, stabilizing the macroeconomic climate and ensuring social security have been fervently adopted over the past two months and, according to some reports, have yielded several encouraging results. The writer reflects on the outcomes of these measures and discusses what the State Bank of Vietnam can do, if any, in the future. |
|
|
Saigonese Gelatinous Drinks
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 25,2011,19:00 (GMT+7) |
|
During these days at the threshold of a hot weather transition, Saigon is experiencing the hottest spell of the year before the arrival of the rainy season. Just like their peers in tropical cities worldwide, residents in this southern city have their indigenous summer drinks. The traditional gelatinous beverages are among the most unique Saigon has to offer. |
|
|
Dams Over Troubled Waters
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 25,2011,18:55 (GMT+7) |
|
Much has been said about the impacts of dams on freshwater fish stocks in the Mekong River. However, the effects on marine fishery output also deserve thorough consideration. |
|
|
Right Here Waiting
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 25,2011,18:51 (GMT+7) |
|
The State Securities Commission’s effort to restructure stock exchanges may help to improve market sentiment |
|
|
Competition Close To Cooperation
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 25,2011,18:49 (GMT+7) |
|
In the context of the economic downturn, proper brands – the product line made with proper trademarks by distributors – attract more consumers thanks to their low prices. Some retailers forecast one out of every four products sold at supermarkets within the next three years will be a proper brand. It is time producers adopt obvious strategies to deal with these competitors. |
|
|
Striving To Spur Summer Spending
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 25,2011,18:23 (GMT+7) |
|
Although Vietnam’s electronics market is not sheltered from economic woes, enterprises believe it can still soar to greater heights |
|
|
Is The Price Right?
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 25,2011,18:18 (GMT+7) |
|
While Vietnam has a vast array of telecom networks, international firms continue to pin their hopes on the flotation of MobiFone. However, fleshing out this deal is an uphill task. |
|
|
Finance Leasing In Need Of Better Care
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 25,2011,18:15 (GMT+7) |
|
Trillions of Vietnamese dong, or tens of millions of U.S. dollars, in losses made by Agribank Leasing Company No. 2, a subsidiary of the Vietnam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, has attracted more public attention to the finance leasing market. Why has a market with such big potential remained lackluster so far? |
|
|
Power Price Hike Needs Close Curb
|
|
|
|
Saturday, May 21,2011,00:06 (GMT+7) |
|
Decision 24/2011/QD-TTg, signed on April 15, 2011 by the Prime Minister, allows the power sector to adjust prices in accord with the market mechanism. The price adjustment is in deed the price hike as the price cut will never or seldom occur in the principle that prices are based on the change of input elements. |
|
|
The Key To Curbing Inflation
|
|
|
|
Saturday, May 21,2011,00:01 (GMT+7) |
|
In the backdrop of the current lingering high inflation, the Saigon Times hosts an e-mail roundtable meeting of young economists who discuss some possible measures to address the issue |
|
|
Everyone Deserves An Opportunity
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 18,2011,13:42 (GMT+7) |
|
Prof. Truong Nguyen Thanh shares his experience of being rector of HCM City Institute for Computational Science and Technology |
|
|
Hi-Tech To The Forefront
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 18,2011,13:40 (GMT+7) |
|
First fruits of hi-tech investment in Vietnam may be a good sign for better quality of the foreign direct investment inflows |
|
|
Rough Waters Ahead For Outbound Shipments
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 18,2011,13:32 (GMT+7) |
|
Export sales in the first quarter rose by some 33.7% year-on-year to surpass US$19 billion. However, such performance will be unsustainable if risks are not tamed. |
|
|
Green Buildings Can Win
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 4,2011,23:33 (GMT+7) |
|
The vacant room space of office buildings in HCM City reportedly accounts for 25% of the total 1.6 million square meters available while supplies are expected to increase by 1 million square meters within the next three years. This situation forces proprietors to adopt new ways to better compete. |
|
|
New Urban AreaTo Take Shape
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 4,2011,23:33 (GMT+7) |
|
The shape of the Thu Thiem new urban town on the bank of the Saigon River is now clearer with revisions. However, it will take a long time to materialize the planning. |
|
|
Climate Change, Environmental Degradation Precipitate Migration
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, May 3,2011,16:04 (GMT+7) |
|
On March 29-30, the International Organization for Migration held a conference in Geneva, Switzerland, on “Climate change, environmental degradation and migration.” The event attracted 187 participants from governments, non-government organizations and institutes. In the article below, the author, Vietnam’s only representative at the conference, encapsulates the issues brought up at this conference. |
|
|
Efforts To Achieve Rice Production Sustainability
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, May 3,2011,15:41 (GMT+7) |
|
Ms. Sandra Peterson, chairwoman of the Board of Management of Bayer CropScience, recently visited Vietnam and saw first-hand Bayer’s “Much More Rice” (MMR) program in the Mekong Delta province of Long An. Bayer sees Vietnam as an important market for Bayer CropScience as the country is one of the biggest rice suppliers in the world. The Weekly talks with her about this program. |
|
|
FDI Should Be On The Right Track
|
|
|
Tuesday, May 3,2011,15:37 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam expects foreign direct investment to flow to manufacturing sectors, and generate added value and technological value for the economy. However, in recent years, this capital source has seemed to target short-term investment and raw material exploitation. |
|
|
Management Discipline Key To Dong Stability
|
|
|
Tuesday, May 3,2011,15:35 (GMT+7) |
|
Curbing the decline of the dong has been a pressing policy concern. The analysis below offers some insights into policymaking that may prove useful for efforts to restore the stature of the dong. |
|
|
The Potential Of Pepper Export
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, May 3,2011,15:32 (GMT+7) |
|
This year, Vietnam has set her pepper export target at 120,000 tons, worth US$470 million |
|
|
Time For Perseverance
|
|
|
Tuesday, May 3,2011,15:30 (GMT+7) |
|
Both the exchange rate and the dong interest rate are moving toward the right track. However, authorities should persevere in maintaining their policies to effectively combat inflation and reinstate the confidence in the domestic currency. |
|
|
New Player Finds Opportunity In Property Market
|
|
|
Friday, April 29,2011,00:00 (GMT+7) |
|
For the first time, Hopefluent Properties Group (HKSE:733 www.hopefluent.com ) has expanded its business as a property services provider beyond China by signing a master franchise with the Vietnamese partner Compass Real Estate Corporation (Compareal www.compa.vn ) to become a new player in one of the most potential property markets in the world. |
|
|
The 70-day Journey Of Foreign Exchange Policy
|
|
|
|
Thursday, April 28,2011,23:59 (GMT+7) |
|
Since its revision on February 11, the foreign exchange policy has been on the right track. As a result, less than 70 days since the effective date of the new policy, the wild rate on the unofficial market has been tamed to approach the list price offered by commercial banks. Undoubtedly, the State Bank is putting the foreign exchange market under its control. What follows is how to maintain that grip. |
|
|
Even-odd Rule Faces Strong Public Opposition
|
|
|
Wednesday, April 27,2011,17:22 (GMT+7) |
|
In tackling traffic problems in HCM City, it requires both dogged determination from authorities and better law compliance from citizens |
|
|
Surprise Yet To Surface
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, April 27,2011,17:14 (GMT+7) |
|
Just over 30 out of 600 listed firms have unveiled their first-quarter business performance. The remaining companies will probably disclose their earnings over the next two weeks or so. In view of high interest rates, most investors predict lackluster profit growth. So far, this prediction has been largely justified. |
|
|
A Different State Of Play
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, April 27,2011,17:12 (GMT+7) |
|
FPT’s decision to withdraw capital from its mobile network venture with EVN Telecom reflects the harsh conditions in the telecom market and fuels the need for appropriate management mechanisms that nurture competition |
|
|
Struggling To Regain Home Advantage
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, April 27,2011,16:57 (GMT+7) |
|
From 2012, wholly foreign-owned logistics firms will be allowed to operate in Vietnam. How will Vietnamese firms survive the ferocious competition then? |
|
|
Advertising Law –What Is The Target?
|
|
|
Wednesday, April 27,2011,16:53 (GMT+7) |
|
The following article delves into the objectives of the draft Advertising Law and proposes a more feasible set of provisions |
|
|
Obstacles To Monetary Policy
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, April 27,2011,16:50 (GMT+7) |
|
One of the basic principles of anti-inflationary measures is the need to ensure positive real interest rates and minimize liquidity shocks in the financial system. However, some of Vietnam’s current monetary policy tools do not seem to fulfill these purposes. |
|
|
International Fireworks To Light Up Danang Sky
|
|
|
Thursday, April 14,2011,17:40 (GMT+7) |
|
The Danang International Fireworks Competition 2011, to take place in the central city of Danang on April 29 and 30, is an opportunity for visitors and tourists to see fireworks of different styles as well as discover the beautiful coastal city |
|
|
Medicines From Rice
|
|
|
|
Thursday, April 14,2011,17:36 (GMT+7) |
|
Rice is a staple as well as a remedy to many illnesses of Vietnamese people |
|
|
School Versus Bank
|
|
|
|
Thursday, April 14,2011,17:35 (GMT+7) |
|
In HCM City, VietinBank has put off the construction of its new office which is in dispute with Le Quy Don High School. But a solution to the standoff should take into account all aspects—economy, culture, tradition and responsibility with future generations. |
|
|
Penetrating Cambodia’s Market
|
|
|
|
Thursday, April 14,2011,17:33 (GMT+7) |
|
Cambodia’s market, with 15 million potential customers, is an enticing destination for many exporters. This country relies mainly on import for consumer goods, which cost 40-50% or even 70-120% higher than in Vietnam. |
|
|
Export Adapted To Changes
|
|
|
|
Thursday, April 14,2011,17:32 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnamese companies are advised to adapt themselves to changes and look for new market segments in the U.S. and the EU to increase their exports |
|
|
Concerted Efforts Required To Make Beaches And Islands More Attractive
|
|
|
Thursday, April 14,2011,17:27 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam’s tourism industry recently has made great efforts to take advantage of its beautiful beaches and islands. Besides some positive signs, there are still worries about the cooperation and environment problems that must be addressed for the plans to work effectively. |
|
|
An Unstoppable Race
|
|
|
|
Thursday, April 14,2011,17:19 (GMT+7) |
|
Market forces may be the solution to the problem of sky-high interest rates |
|
|
Lower Rates Are The Way It Should Be
|
|
|
Thursday, April 14,2011,17:17 (GMT+7) |
|
For a better stature of the domestic currency, it’s high time the central bank took necessary measures to cut the interest rate of foreign currency deposits |
|
|
Shared Value For A Better Life
|
|
|
|
Thursday, April 14,2011,17:14 (GMT+7) |
|
FrieslandCampina Vietnam (FCV) has realized the corporate social responsibility in Vietnam through its sustainable dairy farming program, education support and environmental protection efforts |
|
|
More Import Versus Less Waste
|
|
|
Thursday, April 14,2011,17:11 (GMT+7) |
|
It is a false assumption that Vietnam can tackle her power shortage by building more power plants. A comprehensive approach must also embrace measures to reduce energy loss and waste ubiquitous in the country. |
|
|
The Keys To Fighting Poverty
|
|
|
Thursday, April 14,2011,17:07 (GMT+7) |
|
Market forces and institutional reforms are vital for Vietnam’s anti-poverty efforts |
|
|
Neater Government Apparatus A Tough Task
|
|
|
|
Thursday, April 14,2011,17:04 (GMT+7) |
|
While cutting the State payroll and streamlining the administrative apparatus are forcefully underway, this task is facing serious challenges when it comes to the Government apparatus |
|
|
National Founders Celebrated
|
|
|
|
Thursday, April 7,2011,15:43 (GMT+7) |
|
Places of interest in Saigon related to the kings of the Hung Dynasty, the founders of Vietnam |
|
|
The Language Of Gold
|
|
|
|
Thursday, April 7,2011,15:42 (GMT+7) |
|
Gold in the daily life of Vietnamese in the eyes of a woman writer |
|
|
Specific Policies For Specific Market
|
|
|
Thursday, April 7,2011,15:40 (GMT+7) |
|
It is difficult for the gold market to develop sustainably if the State management agencies continue to apply non-market measures |
|
|
Easier Drawn Than Done
|
|
|
|
Thursday, April 7,2011,15:35 (GMT+7) |
|
The zoning plan for the areas surrounding the East-West Highway, Hanoi Highway and Tan Son Nhat-Binh Loi Outer Ring Road portrays the new HCM City as an eco-friendly, modern metropolis with a nostalgic touch. However, efforts to realize this vision are still plagued with obstacles. |
|
|
Chances For Exports To Japan
|
|
|
Thursday, April 7,2011,15:30 (GMT+7) |
|
After Japan was struck by the devastating tsunami and earthquakes, there has not yet been any specific report on how Vietnam’s exports to Japan were affected. Nevertheless, Vietnamese firms still stand a chance to boost their exports to this country, at least in the short term. |
|
|
The Hi-Tech Affair
|
|
|
|
Thursday, April 7,2011,15:25 (GMT+7) |
|
Big names in the technology world have flocked to Vietnam which has opened the door for the country’s technology sector to strive toward the international hi-tech league |
|
|
A Decade-long Journey With Farmers
|
|
|
Thursday, April 7,2011,15:23 (GMT+7) |
|
Besides continuing support for fruit and vegetable growers as it has done over the past 10 years, Metro Cash & Carry has started to support fish farmers in Vietnam. On the occasion of its 10th anniversary in Vietnam, Mr. Randy Guttery, managing director of Metro Cash & Carry Vietnam, told the Saigon Times about the company’s operations over the past 10 years and its plans for the future. |
|
|
Good Practice Brings Higher Value
|
|
|
|
Thursday, April 7,2011,15:16 (GMT+7) |
|
The application of the Good Agriculture Practice (GAP) will help increase the competitiveness of Vietnam’s farm produce in both the local and foreign markets |
|
|
The State And The Market
|
|
|
|
Thursday, April 7,2011,15:13 (GMT+7) |
|
Although administrative tools may be justifiable in emergency cases, they can bring about bad consequences to the economy as a whole. Care should be taken therefore when they are put into use. |
|
|
To Sell More Rice To The Philippines
|
|
|
Thursday, April 7,2011,15:12 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam should adapt itself to changes in the rice import policy of the Philippines, its biggest client in recent years that accounts for nearly 25% of its total rice export volume |
|
|
Repentance Of Listed Companies
|
|
|
|
Thursday, April 7,2011,15:07 (GMT+7) |
|
Stock price crashes have prompted unlisted companies to think twice with their listing plans |
|
|
A Cancer-Fighting Fruit
|
|
|
|
Thursday, March 31,2011,14:13 (GMT+7) |
|
Regular intake of tomatoes is recommended to fight cancers and cardiovascular diseases |
|
|
Welcome Earth Hour Should Last Long
|
|
|
Thursday, March 31,2011,14:12 (GMT+7) |
|
Earth Hour has turned three in Vietnam. It has been more welcomed by the public. However, the campaign to fight climate change has yet to take full effect. |
|
|
The Tide Is Ebbing
|
|
|
|
Thursday, March 31,2011,14:10 (GMT+7) |
|
Transactions on Vietnam’s stock market from March 22 to 29 |
|
|
Connecting Corporate Responsibility With The Youth
|
|
|
|
Thursday, March 31,2011,14:07 (GMT+7) |
|
Some 350 Vietnamese and foreign students from universities in Asia Pacific, Europe and Africa last week joined the week-long Asia Pacific Exchange and Leadership Development Seminar (APXLDS) in HCM City |
|
|
What If Dollars And Gold Were Gone?
|
|
|
Thursday, March 31,2011,13:58 (GMT+7) |
|
If Vietnam can achieve macroeconomic stability and foster an increasingly better business environment, the craze for dollars and gold will vanish |
|
|
New, Diverse Gastronomic Programs
|
|
|
|
Thursday, March 31,2011,13:55 (GMT+7) |
|
Restaurants, hotels and resorts in HCM City, managed by Saigontourist Holding Company, offer customers new cuisines with many choices on the occasion of the Liberation Day and May Day |
|
|
Vietnam’s Tourism: Look To The Future
|
|
|
Thursday, March 31,2011,13:53 (GMT+7) |
|
Based on the moves in recent months as well as words from those insiders in the tourism industry, Vietnam’s tourism is expected to be more positive after the big natural disaster in Japan |
|
|
Bracing Onese lf For The Future
|
|
|
|
Thursday, March 31,2011,13:50 (GMT+7) |
|
Some 200 Vietnamese businesses have sent seafood shipments to Japan, mainly shrimp, on a regular basis. Following the earthquake disaster in Japan, will these businesses be adversely affected? |
|
|
Partnership For Customer Benefits
|
|
|
|
Thursday, March 31,2011,13:48 (GMT+7) |
|
German automaker Mercedes-Benz Vietnam (MBV) and local bank Techcombank have announced the strategic partnership not only to bring benefits for customers of MBV’s cars but also to better community activities, including the ongoing MercedesTrophy 2011 golf tournament |
|
|
The Time For Corn
|
|
|
|
Thursday, March 31,2011,13:46 (GMT+7) |
|
The world may suffer from a food crisis, the Food and Agriculture Organization has warned. Rice does not pose such a risk, but corn does. However, it may give an opportunity for corn, an underdog among Vietnam’s food plants. |
|
|
Trying To Stay Afloat In Tough Times
|
|
|
|
Thursday, March 31,2011,13:45 (GMT+7) |
|
Automakers and traders are making every effort to stimulate sales during the low season of the year, using tactics such as launching new models and supporting interest rates for car buyers |
|
|
Too Good To Be Big
|
|
|
Thursday, March 31,2011,13:43 (GMT+7) |
|
Despite the high total registered capital in the foreign investment sector, its quality remains questionable |
|
|
Satisfaction Remains Average After Integration
|
|
|
|
Thursday, March 31,2011,13:40 (GMT+7) |
|
Although Vietnam has been a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) for five years, people’s satisfaction on the modest progress of the economy and society has yet gone up beyond average. This is shown in a research on the “Economic integration capacity of localities in 2010” report, which was first published in the “Local economic integration index” by the National Committee for International Economic Cooperation (NCIEC), the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Steering Committee of Beyond WTO Program. |
|
|
Economic Restructuring A Must
|
|
|
|
Thursday, March 31,2011,13:38 (GMT+7) |
|
At the seminar “Vietnam’s economy, medium- and long-term issues” held by the National Assembly’s Economic Committee and the Vietnam Institute of Social Sciences in Can Tho City on March 10 and 11, many experts and scientists have proposed that there should be changes in the economic growth model and restructuring the economy be a must |
|
|
The Insurance Pie Is Growing
|
|
|
Thursday, March 31,2011,00:24 (GMT+7) |
|
Mr. Evan G. Greenberg, chairman and chief executive officer of ACE Limited, talked with the Saigon Times about the life insurance market in Asia on his visit to Vietnam last week |
|
|
A Preferred Choice For Customers
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 30,2011,17:30 (GMT+7) |
|
The five-star Rex Hotel in downtown HCM City reaped successes last year and continues to be a favorite choice of customers despite hard times in the year and the first quarter of 2011 |
|
|
Blackouts: Part Of Our Life
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 30,2011,17:27 (GMT+7) |
|
The “blackout season” is coming in Saigon, and we have to learn ways to live with it |
|
|
The Last Village
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 30,2011,17:20 (GMT+7) |
|
Tourism has been stretched to its limit in Vietnam. What does the future hold for this smokeless industry, then? |
|
|
The Japanese Question
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 30,2011,17:15 (GMT+7) |
|
Transactions on Vietnam’s stock market from March 16 to 22 |
|
|
Mekong Delta Braces As Salinity Penetrates Deeper
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 30,2011,17:12 (GMT+7) |
|
The Southern Institute of Water Resources Research has forecast that seawater will penetrate the Mekong Detla mainland as far as 70km from February until May in the dry season |
|
|
The Future Lies In Agriculture
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 30,2011,17:11 (GMT+7) |
|
A common misconception is that agriculture is synonymous with poverty and backwardness. The Government’s development strategies focus more on industrialization, but the humble farmer could be the driving factor for future economic prosperity. |
|
|
Bleak Future For Gold Trading
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 30,2011,17:07 (GMT+7) |
|
The Government is carefully carrying out its plan to phase outgold bar trading |
|
|
Way Out For Coffee Export
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 30,2011,17:03 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam should develop the coffee processing industry to make more profit instead of exporting coffee beans, or raw coffee |
|
|
A More Flexible Mechanism Needed
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 30,2011,16:53 (GMT+7) |
|
How to buy foreign currency for travel, study, medical treatment, supporting relatives overseas and other legitimate needs, is a pressing issue to many people in the situation where free market forces fail to operate |
|
|
Capital Flow Requires A Recourse
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 30,2011,16:50 (GMT+7) |
|
There are signs that in recent years, the flow of both domestic and international capital in Vietnam has been channeled to speculative sectors, failing to bring about expected effects |
|
|
South Central Coastal Area Longs For Visitors
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 30,2011,16:44 (GMT+7) |
|
The National Tourism Year 2011 will take place in many localities in the south central coastal region. On this occasion, Saigon-Phu Yen Tourism Joint Stock Company introduces many events to attract tourists. |
|
|
A Peace Accord With Nature Needed
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 30,2011,16:34 (GMT+7) |
|
Weather extremities in Vietnam and the earthquake in Japan remind us that we should care much about Nature in order to live peacefully with it |
|
|
Higher Price To Benefit More
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 30,2011,16:23 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam has exploited its advantages to become the top exporter on the world pepper market. However, it should increase the price to make more profit. |
|
|
Managing To Survive
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 30,2011,16:22 (GMT+7) |
|
When Kim Long Securities Company has chosen a different path, leaving behind the operations that once created reputations, other securities companies are hesitating to find a way out |
|
|
Quality, Safety And Environment
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 30,2011,16:19 (GMT+7) |
|
AkzoNobel, a global producer of paints, coatings and specialty chemicals, has plans to boost its footprint in Asia in general and Vietnam in particular. On the occasion of his visit to Vietnam last week, Mr. Jeremy Rowe, Managing Director in Decorative Paints of AkzoNobel in Southeast Asia and Pacific, has the following interview with the Saigon Times. |
|
|
Keeping Beaches And Islands Beautiful
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 30,2011,16:04 (GMT+7) |
|
Under the title “Exotic Beaches and Islands,” the upcoming National Tourism Year 2011 hosted by Phu Yen Province and its seven south-central coastal neighbors is mainly aimed at developing the region’s sea tourism, creating a base for the whole country’s sea tourism development |
|
|
Cooperation For The Best Nutrition Products
|
|
|
|
Monday, March 28,2011,18:20 (GMT+7) |
|
Early this month, Vietnam Dairy Products Company (Vinamilk) and three foreign partners – DSM, Lonza (Switzerland) and Chris Hansen (Denmark) – inked an agreement for cooperation in research and application of nutrition science in developing nutrition products for Vietnamese children. The agreement is the first move to implement the company’s strategy to improve the quality and effectiveness of its products. |
|
|
War Against The Price Hike
|
|
|
|
Monday, March 28,2011,18:18 (GMT+7) |
|
To successfully combat the current price rise, it requires comprehensive efforts made by the Government, the corporate circle and the consumer. In this war against prices, each stakeholder has to share the burden with others. |
|
|
Cautious With Export Financing
|
|
|
|
Monday, March 28,2011,18:12 (GMT+7) |
|
When the interest rate in Vietnam is at sky-high, 18-20% per annum, it is understandable that some domestic companies are happy with the U.S. export financing program. However, the list of goods that the U.S. “promotes Vietnamese firms to import” is questionable. |
|
|
PCI 2010: Better Labor Training, Worse Transparency
|
|
|
|
Monday, March 28,2011,18:11 (GMT+7) |
|
For the first time, the Provincial Competitiveness Index 2010 (PCI 2010)—developed by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the USAID-funded Vietnam Competitiveness Initiative—expanded its survey to the foreign investment sector with 1,155 businesses. It also provided clear evidences of informal charges paid by the PCI respondents during their course of doing business. |
|
|
Shunning From Bribery
|
|
|
|
Monday, March 28,2011,18:05 (GMT+7) |
|
It is one thing to wax lyrical about the need to eradicate bribery and quite another to achieve this lofty goal |
|
|
Battling The Price Hike
|
|
|
|
Monday, March 28,2011,18:03 (GMT+7) |
|
Some of the ways the low-income earners in Saigon combat the current inflationary spiral |
|
|
Five-Star Hotels Upgrade New Luxury Image
|
|
|
|
Monday, March 28,2011,17:59 (GMT+7) |
|
For Mercedes-Benz Vietnam, deluxe hotels and resorts have always been its important market niche at a time when the tourism sector is growing steadily with higher requirements for quality services. Luxury hotels are upgrading services including premium transportation. |
|
|
Materials Remain A Headache
|
|
|
Monday, March 28,2011,17:57 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam may continue to face challenges for its fisheries export this year after a year of good performance |
|
|
Vietnam’s Paradise For Tourists
|
|
|
|
Monday, March 28,2011,17:51 (GMT+7) |
|
Con Dao, which is one of Vietnam’s sea-tourist spots and is matched against a paradise in many international travel magazines, appeals to visitors by its pristine nature |
|
|
A Matter Of Interest
|
|
|
Monday, March 28,2011,17:43 (GMT+7) |
|
The State Bank of Vietnam needs to hammer out appropriate measures before resorting to administrative orders when it comes to interest rate management |
|
|
Faster, Safer Money Transfer
|
|
|
|
Monday, March 28,2011,17:41 (GMT+7) |
|
DongA Money Transfer, a member company of DongA Bank, and the international money transfer firm MoneyGram have recently strengthened their cooperation |
|
|
Vietnam Sees Significant Out-Of-Home Consumption Growth
|
|
|
|
Monday, March 28,2011,17:30 (GMT+7) |
|
With the rapid rise in food consumption, Vietnam has become one of the 15 fastest growing food service markets in the world. The Weekly spoke with Mr. Prasith Preechachalieo, managing director of Unilever Food Solutions in Vietnam and Thailand, after the company launched its new logo and brand proposition last week. Excerpts: |
|
|
Dell Further Penetrates High Growth Market
|
|
|
|
Monday, March 28,2011,17:27 (GMT+7) |
|
Dell Corp. is watching the development of ecosystems that have built up around small mobile devices and continuing to offer a variety products in Vietnam, seen as its key market in the Asia Pacific. The Saigon Times has an interview with Mr. Amit Midha, Dell’s managing director of Asia Pacific and Japan, about their new business strategy in Vietnam on the occasion of his visit to Vietnam on March 3. |
|
|
ICT Enterprises And New Business Endeavors
|
|
|
|
Monday, March 28,2011,17:24 (GMT+7) |
|
In line with global efforts to integrate information technology and telecom, many Vietnamese enterprises have invested in and provided services beyond their traditional scope of operation |
|
|
Old Lessons Must Be Learnt
|
|
|
|
Monday, March 28,2011,17:21 (GMT+7) |
|
While trimming public investment is necessary, it is often easier said than done |
|
|
Price Surge Of Goods And Services
|
|
|
Monday, March 28,2011,17:16 (GMT+7) |
|
Prices of all items and services have gradually climbed to new levels after input factors such as electricity and oil prices increased, and the exchange rate was revised by the State Bank of Vietnam. Price rises are hitting both buyers and sellers. |
|
|
Strong Commitment To Local Market
|
|
|
Thursday, March 17,2011,23:49 (GMT+7) |
|
The advertising company Lowe Vietnam has launched a new logo with a focus on the local market in Vietnam. On this occasion, the Saigon Times interviewed Mr. Vikas Mehta, Managing Director of Lowe Vietnam, about the company’s brand strategy and market vision. |
|
|
Realty Market: Looking Back To Look Ahead
|
|
|
Thursday, March 17,2011,23:49 (GMT+7) |
|
The Ministry of Construction said at a conference in early January in Hai Duong Province that the realty market in 2010 was marked by soaring house prices and a great deal of instability |
|
|
Optimism Should Prevail
|
|
|
|
Thursday, March 17,2011,23:48 (GMT+7) |
|
In 2010, Vietnam clocked up record prices and value of rubber export. Will 2011 see yet another breakthrough? |
|
|
Patience Needed For Paddy Profits
|
|
|
Thursday, March 17,2011,23:48 (GMT+7) |
|
The Vietnam Food Association (VFA) says rice exports at the start of the year look promising but why are enterprises selling at below the VFA floor prices? |
|
|
Local Participation Boosts Advertising Market
|
|
|
Thursday, March 17,2011,23:47 (GMT+7) |
|
More and more Vietnamese enterprises, especially big corporations, are increasing spending for advertising and brand building as a way to boost their brands and profits as well |
|
|
Price Hike Effects
|
|
|
Thursday, March 17,2011,23:47 (GMT+7) |
|
Some possible effects of the power price hike on production costs? |
|
|
Transparency Counts
|
|
|
|
Thursday, March 17,2011,23:47 (GMT+7) |
|
To convince consumers of the need for power price spikes in Vietnam, suppliers must make public their production costs |
|
|
The Benefits Of Banana
|
|
|
Thursday, March 17,2011,01:09 (GMT+7) |
|
Tips on useful medicinal properties of banana fruits |
|
|
Bread As A Staple Food In Saigon
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 16,2011,16:14 (GMT+7) |
|
irst introduced by the French centuries ago, bread testifies to the open-mindedness of the Saigonese |
|
|
Mother Nature’s Rage
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 16,2011,16:11 (GMT+7) |
|
At the beginning of this week, the world media reported over 10,000 cattle deaths in Vietnam because of cold weather. People may have ignored this news because of the media’s sensational way of linking it with a series of unusual deaths of birds and fish across the world. The media had its own reasons to do that. |
|
|
The Unique Square Of Thu Thiem Urban Area
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 16,2011,16:10 (GMT+7) |
|
Defrain Souquet Associes, or Deso, recently presented its initial report of the 1/500 scale plan for the central square and riverside park in the Thu Thiem new urban area. Deso’s ambition is to build a typical public space for HCM City. |
|
|
New Paths For Distributors
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 16,2011,15:40 (GMT+7) |
|
Although the appeal of Vietnam’s retail market to foreign investors dropped from the first position in 2008 to the sixth and 14th positions in 2009 and 2010 respectively, local and foreign distributors remain steadfast in their search for new ways to compete and expand their networks |
|
|
Of Electricity And Tea
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 16,2011,15:27 (GMT+7) |
|
The electricity market in Vietnam is in need of a fair and full competition |
|
|
Xayaburi Dam: Waves Of Unpredictable Destruction
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 16,2011,15:26 (GMT+7) |
|
Two countries in the Lower Mekong River plan to construct 12 hydropower dams. On September 22, 2010, Laos officially announced its Xayaburi hydropower project, the first of these dams. The Saigon Times discusses this issue with Mr. Nguyen Huu Thien, one of the experts who have embarked on research into the environmental impacts of the 12 dams. |
|
|
Banks Set Ambitious Profit Targets For 2011
|
|
|
|
Thursday, March 3,2011,23:25 (GMT+7) |
|
Most commercial banks have set high profit targets for 2011 although it is forecast to be a tough year given uncertainties of the economy and unpredictable macro-policies |
|
|
More Software Parks In Vietnam
|
|
|
Thursday, March 3,2011,23:22 (GMT+7) |
|
In a recent talk with a couple of media outlets during his trip to HCM City, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan said that the Government will develop more software parks in the next 10 years. He also discussed some issues concerning the development of software and ICT in Vietnam. |
|
|
Special Treats For Women
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 2,2011,17:30 (GMT+7) |
|
On the occasion of the International Women’s Day (March 8), hotels and tourist parks under the management of Saigontourist Holding Company have special dishes to entertain customers, especially women |
|
|
Business Environment Matters
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 2,2011,17:24 (GMT+7) |
|
A business environment bereft of stability and transparency is a fertile ground for dubious, opportunist practices. Is this why Vietnam’s business community finds it hardto foster sustainable, long-term development? |
|
|
Toymaker Makes Winning Moves In Export Game
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 2,2011,17:23 (GMT+7) |
|
It’s been eight years since Ho Vinh Hoang quit Hanoi Polytechnic University’s Mechanical-Electronic Department to develop toys and robots. His products under the Vietnamese brand, Tosy, are now being sold around the world. |
|
|
A Focus On Service Excellence
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 2,2011,17:20 (GMT+7) |
|
Reported by Hong PhucDespite the tough economic conditions, Vietnam International Bank (VIB) was able to achieve impressive business results in 2010, with a pre-tax profit growth of more than 72%. Mr. An Thanh Son, CEO and board member of VIB, shared with the Weekly the bank’s successful strategy and his view on the banking industry. |
|
|
How To Curb Currency Depreciation
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 2,2011,17:12 (GMT+7) |
|
Like other products, a currency is dearer when in short supply and cheaper when in surplus. To curb the depreciation of the dong, Vietnam must make this currency scarcer relative to a foreign counterpart. |
|
|
Foreign Direct Investment In A New Era
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 2,2011,16:52 (GMT+7) |
|
The writer offers insights into foreign direct investment (FDI), which is vital for Vietnam’s development and integration |
|
|
Pilgrimage Tours With Saigontourist
|
|
|
|
Friday, February 25,2011,15:12 (GMT+7) |
|
Saigontourist Travel Service Company and Lotus Tours Company, two affiliates of Saigontourist Holding Company, launch pilgrimage tours for the new spring |
|
|
Food Price Crisis: Credit And Warehouses
|
|
|
|
Friday, February 25,2011,00:13 (GMT+7) |
|
Severe floods and droughts have resulted in bad crops in many places and risingfood prices worldwide. Against this backdrop, will the 2008 food price crisis be repeated this year? |
|
|
Scant Regard For Market Forces Breeds Woes
|
|
|
|
Friday, February 25,2011,00:13 (GMT+7) |
|
In the following interview with the Saigon Times, Le Xuan Nghia, vice chairman of the National Commission for Financial Supervision, reflects on the detrimental impacts of the Government’s scant regard for market forces in exchange rate management |
|
|
Catering To Real Demand
|
|
|
|
Friday, February 25,2011,00:12 (GMT+7) |
|
Property developers are trying to tailor their housing products to cater to the real demand of homebuyers, making them more affordable to the middle-income customers |
|
|
Middle-Income Market Drives Investment
|
|
|
|
Friday, February 25,2011,00:11 (GMT+7) |
|
More real estate developers and investors have adjusted their targets to middle income consumers whose increasing demand now looks more practical, while the market for high-end projects are saturated. The Weekly had a talk with Louis Nguyen, CEO of Saigon Asset Management (SAM) over the issue, after SAM’s Vietnam Property Holding recently announced a US$5 million investment in Century 21 Joint Stock Company (C21). Excerpts: |
|
|
Fruits For Human Health
|
|
|
|
Thursday, February 24,2011,15:11 (GMT+7) |
|
Tips on fruits that supply essential vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber for the body |
|
|
Position Still Vacant
|
|
|
|
Thursday, February 24,2011,15:04 (GMT+7) |
|
Labor recruitment is continuing to rise with demand for unskilled workers in factories dominating the picture. But fresh graduates are struggling to land a job because the companies want recruits with hands-on experience. |
|
|
Cafes Aren’t Just Cafes In Saigon
|
|
|
|
Thursday, February 24,2011,14:58 (GMT+7) |
|
Whatever your interest, whether it be charity work, reading, photography or antiques, there’s bound to be a café in Saigon that caters especially for you |
|
|
Lessons From Two Giant Projects
|
|
|
|
Thursday, February 24,2011,14:49 (GMT+7) |
|
Two of Vietnam’s gigantic energy projects, Dung Quat Oil Refinery and Son La Hydropower Plant, made their debut on January 6 and 7. However, amidst the joyful celebration were some mixed reactions. |
|
|
What Expects Of The Year Of The Cat
|
|
|
|
Friday, January 28,2011,00:55 (GMT+7) |
|
The Year of the Tiger 2010 is leaving us with both joy and hardships. The Year of the Cat 2011 is coming with many expectations and worries. On the threshold of the New Year, we should cast a glance at what lies ahead of us—both opportunities and challenges. |
|
|
The Rice That Cures
|
|
|
|
Thursday, January 27,2011,17:03 (GMT+7) |
|
Medicinal properties and remedies of sticky rice |
|
|
Saigonese Wherea bouts During Tet
|
|
|
|
Thursday, January 27,2011,17:00 (GMT+7) |
|
As Tet (Lunar New Year festival) is in the air, discover some places of choice of the Saigonese when they are celebrating their traditional festival |
|
|
The Index Game
|
|
|
|
Thursday, January 27,2011,16:58 (GMT+7) |
|
Transactions on Vietnam’s stock market from January 19 to 25 |
|
|
Iconic Buildings In Town
|
|
|
|
Thursday, January 27,2011,16:42 (GMT+7) |
|
Bitexco Group has launched its 68-story Bitexco Financial Tower in HCM City’s center after five years of construction, putting into service the city’s tallest building with 37,000 square meters of office space and 8,000 square meters of retail space. The Weekly talked to the group’s chairman Vu Quang Hoi over the idea and difficulties during the project construction. Excerpts: |
|
|
The Right Priorities For Long-term Success
|
|
|
|
Thursday, January 27,2011,16:39 (GMT+7) |
|
The first priority is to consumers, then customers, employees and communities. When Unilever Vietnam fulfills responsibilities to them, good financial results will follow. Mr. JV Raman, the new chairman of Unilever Vietnam International Co., shared this philosophy with the Weekly in a recent meeting with local press. Excerpts: |
|
|
Giving Back To The Community
|
|
|
|
Thursday, January 27,2011,16:32 (GMT+7) |
|
Prudential has recently announced the establishment of Prudence Foundation with a significant budget for corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. The Weekly had an interview with Mr. Jack Howell, chief executive officer of Prudential Vietnam Assurance. |
|
|
A Year Of Tenants Again
|
|
|
|
Thursday, January 27,2011,16:27 (GMT+7) |
|
CB Richard Ellis Vietnam (CBRE), the property service provider with eight years of experience in Vietnam, has offered a service of tracking the local property market trend, which is described in a quarterly report to give a general view of the market during a certain period. On the occasion of the Lunar New Year, or Tet, the Weekly interviews Marc Townsend, CBRE managing director, about the market trend in 2011. |
|
|
Developers Change Tactics To Stimulate Demand
|
|
|
|
Thursday, January 27,2011,16:24 (GMT+7) |
|
High interest rate, soaring gold price and new restrictive legislation have reduced the liquidity of the real estate market and increased uncertainty for property developers. To make the market move, many developers have to offer incentives to stimulate demand. |
|
|
No Room For Imprudence
|
|
|
|
Thursday, January 27,2011,16:22 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam needs to make ample preparations, especially in terms of human resources, for its nuclear power development plan |
|
|
Minimum Wages: The Expectation-Reality Gap
|
|
|
|
Thursday, January 27,2011,16:21 (GMT+7) |
|
Minimum wages are supposed to ensure a basic living standard. This is not yet the case although the Government has continuously raised minimum wages. |
|
|
Vietnam Shines Thanks To Rice Export
|
|
|
|
Thursday, January 27,2011,16:19 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam’s rice export is the first impressive achievement of the country’s reform, on both external and internal fronts. If shortcomings are eradicated, the results reaped will be all the more astounding. |
|
|
Cuisines For Lunar New Year
|
|
|
|
Thursday, January 27,2011,16:11 (GMT+7) |
|
Many restaurants and hotels under Saigontourist Holding Company will serve Tet (Lunar New Year) buffets as a way to welcome the Year of the Cat, which begins on February 3 |
|
|
Awareness Of Climate Change
|
|
|
|
Thursday, January 27,2011,16:02 (GMT+7) |
|
HCM City must be steadfast in the determination to relocate polluters in the inner city to avert the effects of climate change |
|
|
Restore VN-Index’s Transparency
|
|
|
|
Thursday, January 27,2011,15:55 (GMT+7) |
|
Some depositors who have never invested in the stock market say that they will withdraw money from their bank accounts and purchase shares if the VN-Index falls to 300-400 points. These people are not speculators; instead, they rely on the VN-Index as a benchmark for determining whether shares are costly or inexpensive in general. |
|
|
Businesses Shy Away From E-Customs
|
|
|
|
Thursday, January 27,2011,15:53 (GMT+7) |
|
Instead of replacing paperwork with a speedy user-friendly service, frequent network failures have made the new e-customs declarations more tedious |
|
|
2010 - The Rise And Fall Of Joint Stock Companies
|
|
|
|
Thursday, January 27,2011,15:51 (GMT+7) |
|
As investors contemplate the ups and downs of the past year, they must be questioning the future of joint stock companies after their savaging by the new laws |
|
|
The Only Choice
|
|
|
|
Thursday, January 27,2011,15:24 (GMT+7) |
|
The need to postpone the deadline for meeting the charter capital requirement imposed on banks is no longer at the forefront of public debate. In fact, it can be argued that policymakers do not have much leeway. |
|
|
No Room For Small Banks
|
|
|
|
Thursday, January 27,2011,15:22 (GMT+7) |
|
While some domestic banks have failed to increase their charter capital to VND3 trillion in line with Decree 141, many foreign banks in Vietnam have expanded their financial capabilities to four, five or even eight times as much as their legal capital. Several experts contend that competition will intensify from 2011. |
|
|
Cathay Pacific Commitment Is Long Term
|
|
|
|
Thursday, January 27,2011,15:20 (GMT+7) |
|
Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways has announced new investment for 2011, including new uniforms for cabin crews, new business class seats, new business lounge and more airplanes. The Weekly talks with Cindy Lam, country manager of Cathay Pacific Airways in Vietnam, about the new investment. |
|
|
Enhancing The Value Of Vietnam’s Agro-Products
|
|
|
|
Thursday, January 27,2011,15:17 (GMT+7) |
|
Vinamit, a Vietnamese company specializing in processing and trading in dried fruits, enters 2011 with an ambitious plan to improve the quality of Vietnam’s agro-products. Nguyen Lam Vien, Vinamit’s CEO, shares with the Weekly the plan and his ambition to make Vietnamese agro-products known internationally. |
|
|
Hygiene, Safety Win Consumer Trust
|
|
|
|
Thursday, January 27,2011,15:12 (GMT+7) |
|
Health conscious consumers favor clean, safe foods with known brands and shun those of unclear origin |
|
|
Tourism Grows, But Slowly
|
|
|
|
Thursday, January 27,2011,15:11 (GMT+7) |
|
When you compare Vietnam’s 5 million foreign tourists in 2010 with the 15.7 million of Thailand, 12 million of Singapore, 24 million of Malaysia, it puts last year’s growth into another perspective |
|
|
The 2010 Rice Export Picture
|
|
|
|
Thursday, January 27,2011,15:06 (GMT+7) |
|
The optimistic outlook from last year’s bumper rice exports could distract enterprises from the potential challenges ahead. A closer look at the market in 2010 is warranted to prepare for the future. |
|
|
Darkening Hair With Foods
|
|
|
|
Monday, January 17,2011,23:55 (GMT+7) |
|
Tips on some dishes prepared from certain herbs that can help darken early gray hair |
|
|
Welcoming Tet On Phu Quoc Island
|
|
|
|
Saturday, January 15,2011,12:21 (GMT+7) |
|
The four-star Saigon-Phu Quoc Resort & Spa offers special tours of Phu Quoc Island on the occasion of the upcoming Lunar New Year |
|
|
Tamarind Street And Its Landmarks
|
|
|
|
Saturday, January 15,2011,12:17 (GMT+7) |
|
Nguyen Du Street in HCM City’s District 1 has been named unofficially as “the street of tamarind leaves” |
|
|
A Whole New World
|
|
|
|
Saturday, January 15,2011,12:16 (GMT+7) |
|
The Saigon Times Concert, which took place last Saturday night on the occasion of Thoi bao Kinh te Sai Gon’s 20th anniversary, is a joyous melody of liberty and love |
|
|
What Is In A Name?
|
|
|
|
Saturday, January 15,2011,12:10 (GMT+7) |
|
The brand dispute between Vincom and Vincon gives rise to the possibility of settling wrangles over intellectual property rights in court instead of via management agencies |
|
|
Of Factories And Fields
|
|
|
|
Saturday, January 15,2011,12:07 (GMT+7) |
|
The construction of PepsiCo’s biggest Asia-based food and beverage factory started on January 5 in VSIP Bac Ninh integrated township and industrial park |
|
|
The Third Wave Coming
|
|
|
|
Saturday, January 15,2011,12:05 (GMT+7) |
|
U.S. investment and trade in Vietnam have made positive progress since the two countries normalized relations 15 years ago. Two-way trade in 2010 reached a landmark of US$18 billion. U.S. companies are striving to become the top foreign investor in Vietnam. |
|
|
Moving In Tandem With Market Demand
|
|
|
|
Saturday, January 15,2011,12:02 (GMT+7) |
|
Takashi Fujii, chairman and general director of Dai-ichi Life Vietnam, says that 2010 was arguably a successful year for Vietnam’s life insurance industry, which clocked up growth of some 25% in terms of new policies even though the economy was still mired in trouble. Dai-ichi Life Vietnam, in particular, saw new business premiums surge by 70% year-on-year. Takashi Fujii talks to the Saigon Times about the company’s development path in 2011. |
|
|
Confidence Under Threat
|
|
|
|
Saturday, January 15,2011,12:00 (GMT+7) |
|
This article discusses several issues surrounding confidence, monetary policy and public debt in Vietnam |
|
|
Remedies With Celeries
|
|
|
|
Saturday, January 15,2011,11:54 (GMT+7) |
|
Celeries and celery seeds possess several nutritional and medicinal values |
|
|
A Dip In Form
|
|
|
|
Saturday, January 15,2011,11:48 (GMT+7) |
|
The director of a securities firm likens the stock market in 2010 to a lackluster soccer match |
|
|
Fuel From Rice Husks
|
|
|
|
Saturday, January 15,2011,11:46 (GMT+7) |
|
A chance meeting between two old buddies from engineering school winds up in an innovative factory that converts waste from rice mills into a valuable fuel source |
|
|
Tet In HCM City And Beyond
|
|
|
|
Saturday, January 15,2011,11:44 (GMT+7) |
|
Tet in HCM City for the New Year of the Cat is going to be bigger and better than ever with lots of entertainment venues and festivals to visit. Local tour companies are offering amazing Tet packages. |
|
|
Leadership Refreshment
|
|
|
|
Saturday, January 15,2011,11:38 (GMT+7) |
|
When a group of corporate leaders from Vietnam fly to the U.S. for a two-week leadership and executive development course at UCLA and MIT, they discover a case study approach to learning with no right or wrong answers |
|
|
Corporate Governance Comes To The Fore
|
|
|
|
Saturday, January 15,2011,11:36 (GMT+7) |
|
Corporate governance plays an important role in improving the competitiveness of enterprises, especially in an increasingly competitive business environment |
|
|
Mixed Views On The Economy
|
|
|
|
Saturday, January 15,2011,11:34 (GMT+7) |
|
The Government and enterprises differ in their assessment of the economy in 2010. While the State offers rather rosy macroeconomic statistics for 2010, some enterprises say last year was even more grueling than 2009, when Vietnam had to grapple with the global financial turmoil. |
|
|
Leadership Needed To Build Supporting Industries
|
|
|
|
Saturday, January 15,2011,11:31 (GMT+7) |
|
It is crunch time for Vietnam to develop competitive supporting industries as the economy has spread horizontally into import-dependent processing and assembly lines |
|
|
First Hotel Inaugurates New Section
|
|
|
|
Saturday, January 15,2011,11:25 (GMT+7) |
|
First Hotel will put into operation new bedrooms and restaurants, built with funding from Saigontourist Holding Company, to serve the increasing number of customers, including VIPs |
|
|
Soul Of The City
|
|
|
|
Saturday, January 15,2011,11:23 (GMT+7) |
|
Every city has its own landmarks. The best part of the soul of a city, however, must be formed by its inhabitants. |
|
|
Losing Weight With Fruits
|
|
|
|
Saturday, January 15,2011,11:20 (GMT+7) |
|
Along with a proper regime and physical exercise, regular intake of some fruits can help lose unexpected weight |
|
|
A Fresh Start For Infrastructure Investment
|
|
|
|
Saturday, January 15,2011,11:18 (GMT+7) |
|
The Government has approved a regulation for pilot public-private partnership (PPP) investment in infrastructure from 2011, a move expected to open up more opportunities for private investors in this sector |
|
|
Expatriates In Love With Vietnam
|
|
|
|
Saturday, January 15,2011,11:16 (GMT+7) |
|
When you talk to expats who have lived in Vietnam for a long time, they often say it started with a short visit. What is it that makes people fall in love with this country and set up their lives and businesses here? |
|
|
Growing In An Environmentally Sustainable Way
|
|
|
|
Saturday, January 15,2011,11:11 (GMT+7) |
|
During his recent visit to Vietnam, Mr. José Lopez, Head of Operations of the Nestlé Group, shared with the Weekly the company’s ethical responsibility of applying knowledge on food safety, support for local farmers and development of business sustainability. |
|
|
Multinationals Care About The Planet
|
|
|
|
Saturday, January 15,2011,11:06 (GMT+7) |
|
As environmental protection becomes more imperative, many multinationals are doing their bit to make a greener Vietnam |
|
|
The Three Pillars
|
|
|
|
Saturday, January 15,2011,11:04 (GMT+7) |
|
Stable business environment, effective state apparatus and open citizen society are the trio for sustainable growth |
|
|
Way Out For 2011
|
|
|
|
Saturday, January 15,2011,11:02 (GMT+7) |
|
In 2011, restoring public confidence in the domestic currency and building effective monetary policy should be the top priorities in place of higher growth rate |
|
|
Technology Can Help
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, January 12,2011,00:35 (GMT+7) |
|
The Government is working on a plan to gradually raise power price from 5.2 U.S. cents/kWh to 8 U.S. cents/kWh. In this case, technology is considered a solution to reducing difficulties in power pricing. |
|
|
To Get Japanese Tourists Back
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, January 12,2011,00:34 (GMT+7) |
|
In November, at a meeting of the Vietnam-Japan Tourism Cooperation Committee, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism set a target of attracting 1 million Japanese visitors by 2015. Will this goal be met amid the declining interest of one of the 10 biggest markets in Vietnamese tourism? |
|
|
“King Stock” Return
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, January 11,2011,18:00 (GMT+7) |
|
Transactions on Vietnam’s stock market from December 8-14 |
|
|
Noble Act Of A Loser
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, January 11,2011,17:59 (GMT+7) |
|
In November, the traditional Japanese bottlemaker, Hoi An-Okinawa Co., gave all its assets worth VND8.7 billion to Hoi An authorities after five years of operation |
|
|
Improving Vietnamese Lives
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, January 11,2011,17:52 (GMT+7) |
|
Procter & Gamble (P&G) is one of the original U.S. business pioneers that invested into Vietnam after the two countries re-established diplomatic relations. Recently, the company held a function to mark its 15th anniversary here and open a new Pampers diaper plant in Binh Duong Province. Sam Kim, ASEAN vice president of P&G, and Omar Channawi, country general manager of P&G in Vietnam, talk about P&G’s investment and community achievements. |
|
|
Land Corruption: Tip Of The Iceberg
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, January 11,2011,17:27 (GMT+7) |
|
Figures released at the eighth anti-corruption dialogue (*) between Vietnam and developed countries hint at the severity of the problem |
|
|
Fresh Status, Fresh Challenges
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, January 11,2011,17:25 (GMT+7) |
|
As a new middle-income country, Vietnam faces new challenges. This is also the highlight of the Consultative Group meeting this year. |
|
|
Determination Is Key
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, January 11,2011,17:23 (GMT+7) |
|
In regulating monetary policy, it is necessary to understand that money is the “root” and prices are only “branches.” To harness inflation, the “root” should be tackled first. |
|
|
Saigon: Looking Back In Time
|
|
|
|
Monday, January 3,2011,18:59 (GMT+7) |
|
Over 120 specimens recording the formation, development and urban modernization of Saigon – HCM City are currently on display at the HCM City Museum until December 26, 2010 |
|
|
Of Law And Insurance
|
|
|
|
Monday, January 3,2011,18:51 (GMT+7) |
|
A draft law aimed at amending and supplementing the Insurance Law is awaiting feedback from the National Assembly. It consists of only five A4 pages but addresses important issues such as the almost full liberalization of the insurance market. What are the consequences? |
|
|
Firm Steps Toward A Firm Market Foothold
|
|
|
|
Monday, January 3,2011,17:42 (GMT+7) |
|
Officially receiving the investment certificate in the middle of November 2006, Liberty Insurance Company (Vietnam) has secured a solid position in the non-life insurance market, not only for its diversified products, but also for quality service |
|
|
Stability Within Reach
|
|
|
|
Monday, January 3,2011,17:38 (GMT+7) |
|
While economists and government officials agree on the importance of macroeconomic stability, they have yet to reach a consensus on how to attain this goal |
|
|
Keeping Fish Clean And Safe Counts
|
|
|
|
Monday, January 3,2011,17:34 (GMT+7) |
|
Local fish exporters have expressed grave concern about the WWF’s inclusion of Vietnamese tra fish on its red list. But in reality, the situation is not so pessimistic. |
|
|
Opening The Starting Gates For Legal Betting
|
|
|
|
Monday, January 3,2011,17:31 (GMT+7) |
|
Punters are champing at the bit for the Government decision this month on the draft decree that will open up more legal betting and gambling |
|
|
New PPP Law – A Work In Progress
|
|
|
|
Monday, January 3,2011,17:28 (GMT+7) |
|
From January 1 next year, the new regulation on public-private partnerships (PPP) will go into effect, but there are still some areas that need clarification |
|
|
To Better Vietnam’s Tourism
|
|
|
|
Monday, January 3,2011,17:24 (GMT+7) |
|
Many tourism promotion trips to foreign countries made in 2010 and careful preparations for Vietnam’s national tourism year in 2011 are aimed at not only attracting more tourists next year but also improving the country’s tourism quality |
|
|
Growth Vs. Inflation
|
|
|
|
Monday, January 3,2011,17:22 (GMT+7) |
|
Apart from the perennial tradeoff between growth and inflation, Vietnam has to shoulder the burden of a fixed exchange rate and an increasingly open capital account |
|
|
Why Supporting Industries Remain Infantile
|
|
|
|
Monday, January 3,2011,17:20 (GMT+7) |
|
By virtue of their important role in industrial development, supporting industries have captured many people’s attention. Unfortunately, despite much heated debate, Vietnam’s supporting industries continue to trail far behind those of other countries. |
|
|
Looking Beneath The Surface
|
|
|
|
Monday, January 3,2011,17:16 (GMT+7) |
|
The World Bank (WB) released its update on Vietnam’s economy at the donors’ meeting in Hanoi early this week. The report shows that while Vietnam’s growth remains relatively robust, its economy is still confronted with various challenges. |
|
|
The Hot, Healthful Chili
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, December 8,2010,16:45 (GMT+7) |
|
Apart from a vegetable and spice, the hot chili has also been used to treat certain illnesses |
|
|
Confidence Returns
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, December 8,2010,16:40 (GMT+7) |
|
Transactions on Vietnam’s stock market from November 24-30 |
|
|
New Areas Dance To The Backpacker Beat
|
|
|
Wednesday, December 8,2010,16:33 (GMT+7) |
|
The backpacker grapevine, online and word of mouth, lands Vietnam travelers in areas where Westerners congregate such as HCM City’s Pham Ngu Lao area in District 1. One Westerner I spoke to there said he had heard about it by posting a query on the lonelyplanet.com website about where to find the backpacker social life when he arrived in HCM City. |
|
|
Vietnam On A Shoestring
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, December 8,2010,16:28 (GMT+7) |
|
The strip between HCM City and Hanoi has a lot of sights and experiences to offer and it does not have to cost an arm and leg |
|
|
Time To Address Key Issues
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, December 8,2010,16:25 (GMT+7) |
|
The European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) has pinpointed a number of major structural issues for the Government to solve to turn Vietnam into a real destination for foreign investors and a sustainably growing economy. |
|
|
The Race For Shopping Space
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, December 8,2010,16:19 (GMT+7) |
|
Despite the global economic slowdown and high domestic inflation, the distribution market in Vietnam has continued to grow and offered much room for expansion. Apart from big cities, distributors are seeking prime sites in provinces to expand operations. |
|
|
Stock Price Manipulation Tackled
|
|
|
Wednesday, December 8,2010,16:15 (GMT+7) |
|
Clamping down on stock price manipulation will make the market more healthy and attractive to investors |
|
|
Tighter Control On Interbank Lending
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, December 8,2010,16:12 (GMT+7) |
|
Fundamental regulations of a draft circular on lending and trading in definite-term valuable papers among credit institutions have been introduced by the State Bank of Vietnam to collect public opinions |
|
|
Three New Luxury Hotels For HCM City
|
|
|
Wednesday, December 8,2010,16:07 (GMT+7) |
|
On November 29, 2010, Saigontourist will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its five-star Pullman Saigon Center Hotel, complete the foundation for its four-star Novotel Saigon Center Hotel and inaugurate its four-star Liberty Central Hotel. |
|
|
A Gift Of Mother Nature
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, December 8,2010,16:04 (GMT+7) |
|
Honey has long been used as food as well as a medicine to cure many illnesses |
|
|
Returning Home To MaintainThe Village
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, December 8,2010,15:41 (GMT+7) |
|
The Paris architect and academic, Bui Kien Quoc, returned to Vietnam to find a culture that needs protection and respect. He has turned his draftsmanship to developing cultural tourism that immerses visitors in rural life. |
|
|
Optimism Prevails Despite Labor Crunch
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, December 8,2010,15:39 (GMT+7) |
|
The textile, garment and footwear industries have reaped various achievements in 2010, when export prices shoot up again and importers recover from the economic downturn. Market prospects for 2011 are rosy, too, provided these sectors promptly tackle their perennial labor shortage. |
|
|
From Policies To Actions For Environment
|
|
|
Wednesday, December 8,2010,15:28 (GMT+7) |
|
For businesses to make an impact on environmental and marine conservation, they need a program of action, not just a bunch of policies. Song Be Golf Resort and Premier Oil are proactive in protecting the environment around them. |
|
|
Share Sacrifice
|
|
|
Wednesday, December 8,2010,15:23 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam’s stock market is on the slide, but is it true that it will pick up again soon? |
|
|
All-Out Efforts To Stabilize Prices
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, December 8,2010,15:20 (GMT+7) |
|
Food manufacturers have to tighten their belts as increased input material costs and the Tet price stabilization lid have squeezed out their profit margins |
|
|
Back To Sell Soup In Soc Trang
|
|
|
|
Thursday, November 25,2010,00:28 (GMT+7) |
|
A Vietnam-born American, executive director of a company specializing in exporting handicrafts, decided to open a restaurant serving bún nc lèo (Vietnamese rice vermicelli noodle soup in savory broth) in Soc Trang. He even set up a website to promote his homeland’s specialty. |
|
|
Advocates For Written Vietnamese
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 24,2010,17:12 (GMT+7) |
|
Alexandre de Rhodes and Han Thuyen, the two short streets in District 1, and their environs are good places to visit in Saigon. The chances are that you will end up sitting there sipping coffee and watching the rhythm of the Saigonese life. |
|
|
Putting The Environment On The Drawing Board
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 24,2010,17:10 (GMT+7) |
|
According to the 2009 national environment report, announced in June this year, around 70% of the 1 million cubic meters of sewage produced daily is released directly into Vietnam’s waterways. Experts say that fining polluters who can’t balance their bottom lines is only attacking the tailend of the problem. |
|
|
Renewable Energy: Waiting To Take Off
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 24,2010,17:07 (GMT+7) |
|
Renewable energy will inevitably be theworld’s energy of choice as other energy sources are depleting. The energy accounts for slightly more than 1% of all energy consumption in Vietnam and is still in its infancy. |
|
|
Convenience For All
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 24,2010,17:06 (GMT+7) |
|
The service that allows passengers to check in before arriving at the airport (web check-in) is being used more and more by airlines in Vietnam, as it saves time for service suppliers and travelers |
|
|
A Golden Question
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 24,2010,16:50 (GMT+7) |
|
Soaring share prices often fuel consumption as the newly rich go on a spending spree. This trend was especially pronounced when, for instance, the dot.com boom was all the rage in the U.S. or the VN-Index surpassed 1,000 points. |
|
|
Cooperation Brings Benefits For Both Sides
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 24,2010,16:47 (GMT+7) |
|
Most Vietnamese commercial banks that have forged strategic cooperation with foreign banks have reported positive results and learned much from their experienced partners |
|
|
Green Buildings To Ease Urbanization Impact
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 24,2010,16:40 (GMT+7) |
|
Property developers have been interested in energy efficiency and the environment when designing their residential and office buildings in cities |
|
|
Sinking Into Floods
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 24,2010,16:28 (GMT+7) |
|
HCM City’s land sinking, while confined to its boundaries, will prove intractable if remedies are not taken immediately |
|
|
Vietnamese, I Love
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 24,2010,16:16 (GMT+7) |
|
The author of this article, a Vietnamese businessman working in Singapore, tells his own story on how his mother tongue has helped him in business and how much he loves it |
|
|
Trading At A Time Of A Strong Renminbi
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 24,2010,16:14 (GMT+7) |
|
When the yuan strengthens, the cost of Chinese goods will increase and face tougher competition on the world market. This would be an opportunity for Vietnamese firms to reclaim the domestic market and boost exports to the most populous market in the world. But in the meantime firms struggle to compete, while consumers come under pressure of a new price hike. |
|
|
Building A Sustainable Dairy Industry
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 24,2010,16:04 (GMT+7) |
|
Jan Bles, managing director of FrieslandCampina Vietnam (FCV), talks with the Weekly about the company’s business and community commitments in Vietnam. |
|
|
Let The Market Do Its Job
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 24,2010,15:47 (GMT+7) |
|
On November 4, 2010, the Government made it clear that the exchange rate would remain unchanged until the next Lunar New Year and the dong interest rate would be floated. The message was marked by clear timing and revolved around a market-oriented interest-rate setting mechanism. |
|
|
Nailing Down The Causes Of Persistent Deficit
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 24,2010,15:43 (GMT+7) |
|
Merchandise and service import-export, denominated in the dollar and the dong respectively and based on current and comparative prices, fuels concerns about the merits of devaluing the dong. |
|
|
Curing With Freshwater Fish
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 24,2010,15:16 (GMT+7) |
|
A carp that is edible and has long been used to relieve certain illnesses |
|
|
Environmental Watchdog Needs Sharper Teeth
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 24,2010,15:13 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam’s new environmental law does not have enough teeth to be a deterrent against businesses discharging untreated wastewater into rivers |
|
|
Lessons From A Lawsuit
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 24,2010,15:11 (GMT+7) |
|
That a private firm has mustered enough courage to sue the Minister of Industry and Trade is unprecedented but also offers useful insights |
|
|
When Conglomerates Flex Their Muscles
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 24,2010,15:08 (GMT+7) |
|
PetroVietnam’s resolution on internal strength enhancement has given a boost to member service providers but deprived non-members of access to important customers |
|
|
Branding Value Cries For Legal Gauge
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 24,2010,15:07 (GMT+7) |
|
Stories about company acquisitions and legal battles to protect the brands of domestic firms are often exchanged at leisure time by entrepreneurs, but still have not been learnt from |
|
|
Project 30 – Just A StepToward Smoother Procedures
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 24,2010,15:05 (GMT+7) |
|
The long running Project 30 to simplify administrative procedures will wind up at the end of this year. So far it has simplified only a third of the 5,000 or so procedures across all levels and sectors, including export and import. The streamlining in these areas will save 30% of administrative costs. |
|
|
Thinking Long Term For Sustainable Development
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 24,2010,15:02 (GMT+7) |
|
“Continue thinking long term, not only short term, try to make sure you make your spring clean, protect your nature and set high standard for industries,” Mr. Hans Wijers, chief executive officer of AkzoNobel - the world’s leading paints and coatings company manufacturing Dulux, shared with the Weekly his view on the relationship between environment and manufacturing during his trip to Vietnam last week. |
|
|
Huge Demand Backs Construction Market Growth
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 24,2010,14:59 (GMT+7) |
|
A young population and fast urbanization are the major elements turning Vietnam into a promised land for local and international property development companies |
|
|
Import Restriction Incompatible With Integration
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 24,2010,14:54 (GMT+7) |
|
In an interview with the Saigon Times on the sidelines of a conference on paddy production in 2010 in southern, south-central and Central Highlands localities, Bui Ba Bong, deputy minister of agriculture and rural development, highlights the need for several measures to add more value to agro-exports |
|
|
Transparency As A Strategy
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 24,2010,14:43 (GMT+7) |
|
On August 31, 2010, Vinashin unveiled its audited financial report for 2009. Three days later, Standard & Poor’s announced that the credit rating of this shipbuilding group would be downgraded by one notch owing to Vinashin’s failure to fulfill its financial obligations fully and in time. |
|
|
An Uphill Task
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 24,2010,14:41 (GMT+7) |
|
Last week, the State Bank of Vietnam issued Circular 22/2010, which seeks to restrict gold-denominated deposits and loans and to discourage the use of credit tools for gold trading and speculation |
|
|
When Dams AreTo Produce Floods
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, November 24,2010,14:37 (GMT+7) |
|
Around this time of the year, dwellers in the Mekong Delta often go fishing while waiting for the replenishment of paddy fields. However, this seasonal routine has recently faded in many places, leaving several locals temporarily jobless. It is likely, then, that hydropower dams are inflicting real damage instead of merely posing a threat. |
|
|
Oil And Gas Field Risks A Sticky Problem
|
|
|
|
Monday, November 8,2010,22:51 (GMT+7) |
|
A recent seminar on safety issues in the oil and gas sector held in HCM City by PetroVietnam Group ignites several concerns |
|
|
Halloween At Rex, Majestic And Saigon Boat
|
|
|
|
Monday, November 8,2010,22:51 (GMT+7) |
|
Halloween, a western festival that is held annually at the end of October, is approaching. Some members of Saigontourist Holding Company will celebrate it for fun’s sake. |
|
|
Why We Have To Take Coals To Newcastle
|
|
|
|
Monday, November 8,2010,22:50 (GMT+7) |
|
The fact behind the truth that Vietnam has to import a huge amount of feed materials when it has high agricultural production compared to the world’s average |
|
|
Experience Delftware Blue Now In The City
|
|
|
Monday, November 8,2010,22:49 (GMT+7) |
|
Martinus van den Berg, an artist of Holland delftware blue, and some other artists in the Netherlands’ traditional industries will come to HCM City to show their talent at the Holland Village Festival slated for October 22-31 at September 23 Park near Ben Thanh Market in District 1, HCM City. On this occasion, the Weekly had an interview with Martinus van den Berg. Excerpts: |
|
|
Mekong Delta’s King Of Rice Seeds
|
|
|
Monday, November 8,2010,22:47 (GMT+7) |
|
When a company from one of the world’s biggest rice exporting nations comes to Vietnam to pay a man who used to be a motorbike taxi driver to breed a new strain of rice, it seems incredible but it is true |
|
|
Two Giants Become Partners
|
|
|
|
Friday, November 5,2010,17:30 (GMT+7) |
|
Saigontourist Holding Company cooperates with the U.S. credit card services company MasterCard Worldwide to promote sales and publicize Vietnam’s tourism |
|
|
The Small Crab That Cures
|
|
|
|
Friday, November 5,2010,17:25 (GMT+7) |
|
Cua ng is an inexpensive, popular foodstuff for most Vietnamese people. The small crab can also help treat certain illnesses. |
|
|
Be Responsible For A More Livable City
|
|
|
Friday, November 5,2010,17:23 (GMT+7) |
|
Aside from building better infrastructure, a more responsible attitude toward it should be adopted to have a better living place |
|
|
Feng Shui: Entrepreneurs’ Approach
|
|
|
Friday, November 5,2010,17:20 (GMT+7) |
|
More and more Vietnamese entrepreneurs are applying feng shui to their business to enhance performance and bring them wealth and success. The line between feng shui as a science and as a superstition for a quick route to success is more delicate than ever. |
|
|
Air Bladders Go Abroad
|
|
|
|
Friday, November 5,2010,17:16 (GMT+7) |
|
The air bladders of tra (Pangasius hypophthalmus) and basa catfish (Pangasius bocourti), were previously by-products with little value at fish-processing plants in Vietnam and were used mainly for animal feed production. Now, they are an export to several neighboring countries such as China, Cambodia and Thailand. |
|
|
Service Sector’s Sloping Playing Field
|
|
|
|
Friday, November 5,2010,17:09 (GMT+7) |
|
State-owned enterprises in the service sector keep their competitive edge through market share and administrative intervention, according to a new government report |
|
|
Optimistic Outlook For e-Hotel Booking
|
|
|
|
Friday, November 5,2010,17:04 (GMT+7) |
|
Although the volume of online bookings for hotel rooms in Vietnam are still modest, hoteliers in Vietnam are increasingly focusing on developing this kind of service along with conventional sales channels |
|
|
New Step Towards Ambitious Expansion
|
|
|
Friday, November 5,2010,16:59 (GMT+7) |
|
Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways, told the Weekly about the airline’s ambition to facilitate market growth and meet higher demand before the inauguration of flights to Hanoi and new services to HCM City |
|
|
Stronger Demand Boosts Aviation Market Growth
|
|
|
|
Friday, November 5,2010,16:53 (GMT+7) |
|
Good sentiment is spreading over Vietnam’s aviation market as demand for air travel within, as well as from and to the country is rebounding strongly and forecast to grow higher than the years before the global financial crisis |
|
|
Strengthening An Education Brand
|
|
|
|
Friday, November 5,2010,16:50 (GMT+7) |
|
Britain’s Renaissance International School Saigon (RISS) has recently been awarded the status of ‘International Advocate’ for the ASDAN award scheme and appointed an “Open Center” for the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT). On this occasion, Ms. Annie Thomson from RISS shares with the Weekly the achievements as well as the school’s education plans. |
|
|
When The Environment Provokes Questions
|
|
|
|
Friday, November 5,2010,16:48 (GMT+7) |
|
When it comes to business, the most important question for corporations like Unilever Vietnam and Procter and Gamble Vietnam (P&G) is how to deliver the best-quality products and services to achieve the highest business efficiency |
|
|
In Hope Of A Confidence Boost
|
|
|
|
Friday, November 5,2010,16:46 (GMT+7) |
|
Judicious monetary policy is key to luring investment, slashing the trade deficit and encouraging the public’s sale of foreign currency |
|
|
Traditional Dress In A Changing Life
|
|
|
Friday, November 5,2010,16:41 (GMT+7) |
|
Although it has become less ubiquitous, the traditional Vietnamese long dress still has a role to play in the Saigonese lifestyle |
|
|
Peat Exploitation: Good Or Bad?
|
|
|
|
Friday, November 5,2010,16:30 (GMT+7) |
|
Some localities in southern Vietnam’s Mekong Delta regard the exploitation of peat as part of their policies while scientists say the activity may bring about fewer gains than losses |
|
|
The Monetary-Fiscal Discrepancy
|
|
|
|
Friday, November 5,2010,16:24 (GMT+7) |
|
Though not sheltered from criticism, those in charge of hammering out Vietnam’s monetary policy have at least been willing to embrace transparency. In contrast, fiscal policy is not widely debated due to inadequate information, and is often inconsistent with monetary policy. |
|
|
Persistent, Sky-High Inflation Hard To Avoid
|
|
|
Friday, November 5,2010,15:19 (GMT+7) |
|
While it is normal for Vietnam’s comparatively lower prices to converge with those in other countries, managerial causes of soaring inflation remain a pressing concern |
|
|
Interest Rates On The Wane
|
|
|
|
Thursday, November 4,2010,15:22 (GMT+7) |
|
Interest rates are clearly on the wane. However,the duration and extent of this downward movementare hard to nail down. |
|
|
Luxury Cars Run With Deluxe Services
|
|
|
|
Monday, October 25,2010,00:32 (GMT+7) |
|
Many five-star hotels and luxury resorts have equipped modern, deluxe conveniences to improve their services. Mercedes-Benz Vietnam sees this as a great potential market for its luxury sedans. |
|
|
Vietnamese Cakes Take Off Overseas
|
|
|
|
Monday, October 25,2010,00:31 (GMT+7) |
|
When she discovered the Vietnamese living in Europe and North America were crying out for traditional cakes, the owner of Long Uyen Co. in My Tho Industrial Park, Tien Giang Province, made it her business to supply them |
|
|
A Home For Visitors To Halong
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 20,2010,14:30 (GMT+7) |
|
Saigon-Halong Hotel, based in the northern province of Quang Ninh’s Halong City, has diverse services for visitors to the area |
|
|
All That Glitters Is Not Gold
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 20,2010,14:22 (GMT+7) |
|
How the gold price hike is affecting the daily life of Saigonese, from savers who keep their assets in gold to couples who are about to get married |
|
|
Heritage, Tourism And Conservation
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 20,2010,14:18 (GMT+7) |
|
In the wake of the reopening to visitors of the Royal Citadel in Hanoi, the Weekly looks at the partnership between the preservation of Vietnam’s heritage sites and cultural tourism |
|
|
A Hard Nut To Crack
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 20,2010,14:15 (GMT+7) |
|
The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has just announced the preliminary outcome of its anti-dumping administrative review. The exorbitant tax imposed has ignited concerns among many Vietnamese enterprises. The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) has exerted tremendous efforts to tackle this problem, but success has yet to dawn. |
|
|
Vietnam’s Car Market Bounces Along
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 20,2010,11:46 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam’s locally assembled and imported car market has had its worries this year with sales figures fluctuating every month, but the luxury car segment has been moving full steam ahead |
|
|
Wind Power Off To A Good Start
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 20,2010,11:40 (GMT+7) |
|
When the first wind-power plant got commissioned and generated power to the national grid in late August, many people were still skeptical about the future of this renewable energy resource in Vietnam. The reason was simple: investment in wind power was deemed preventively high while the selling price for this energy is low, discouraging the investors. |
|
|
Behind The Bright Picture
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 20,2010,11:36 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam’s GDP continued to grow more rapidly in the third quarter than in the previous two quarters and its macroeconomic performance will probably improve year-on-year. However, hurdles such as inflation, trade deficit and public debt must be coped with in the remaining three months. |
|
|
The Expectation-Reality Mismatch
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 20,2010,11:35 (GMT+7) |
|
The Government’s efforts to stabilize prices in the remaining months of 2010 have yet to bear fruit |
|
|
The Tamiflu Saga
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 20,2010,11:31 (GMT+7) |
|
Four pharmaceutical producers are currently suspected of supplying the Ministry of Health with Oseltamivir 75mg pills to replace Tamiflu when the World Health Organization was warning of an H1N1 pandemic. Whether the allegation is justified remains to be seen. However, this episode does offer much food for thought. |
|
|
Credit-Thirsty SMEs Seeking Ways To Survive
|
|
|
Friday, October 15,2010,15:50 (GMT+7) |
|
Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are regarded as the backbone of the economy, accounting for 97% of the 470,000 registered businesses. Over the years, they have played an increasingly significant role in the economy, contributing to the GDP and generating employment. |
|
|
New Cuisine And Wedding Party Promotions
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 13,2010,22:57 (GMT+7) |
|
Some places in HCM City to enjoy northern Vietnam’s Hanoi cuisine during the Thang Long-Hanoi Millennium (October 1-10) or hold the wedding party with incentives offered by hotels |
|
|
Review Shows Need Of Bigger Scale
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 13,2010,22:57 (GMT+7) |
|
This year, the Ho Chi Minh City Expo, an annual international fair for woodwork and handicrafts, is a landmark which provides a review on the10-year path the Expo has helped local exporters in the industry find theirway to the international marketplace |
|
|
Outsourcing IT System As IaaS For Business Convenience
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 13,2010,22:55 (GMT+7) |
|
IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service*) is becoming a key trend in Vietnam IT market thanks to cost advantage and maximum prevention of risks in operation. The Weekly has conducted an interview with Mr. Carlton Pringle, technology director of VietnamWorks ( www.vietnamworks.com ), a website providing online recruitment solutions and has been the pioneer in IaaS in Vietnam. |
|
|
Regulation Key To Sustainable Development
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 13,2010,22:54 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam must hammer out specific regulations on the establishment and operation of conglomerates in finance and banking to ensure these sectors achieve sustainable development |
|
|
Holland Village Coming To Town
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 13,2010,22:53 (GMT+7) |
|
An old-day Holland Village will grow at HCM City’s September 23 Park on October 22-31 to give local people and tourists an insight into Dutch traditional lifestyles and age-old culture |
|
|
Green Workplace For A Green Environment
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 13,2010,22:53 (GMT+7) |
|
They do not want to become a pathfinder or a trendsetter in environment protection, but many foreign-invested enterprises in Vietnam have come to the forefront, initiating their own ways of fostering green production and green workplace |
|
|
Competition Counts In Quality Assessment
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 13,2010,22:53 (GMT+7) |
|
The protracted domination of a few State-owned enterprises in the field of quality assessment is being challenged by hundreds of local private and foreign firms |
|
|
Saigontourist Reaps Results From ITE HCMC 2010
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 13,2010,14:49 (GMT+7) |
|
The sixth International Travel Expo HCM City 2010 (ITE HCMC 2010), held from September 30-October 2 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center in District 7, HCM City, was among the big events of Vietnam’s tourism this year. |
|
|
Guava – A Folk Medicine
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 13,2010,14:40 (GMT+7) |
|
All parts of guava have long been used to treat many illnesses |
|
|
Expo 2010: A ChanceTo Polish Brands
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 13,2010,14:13 (GMT+7) |
|
The ongoing 10th International Furniture and Handicraft’s Fair and Exhibition, or Expo 2010, is taking place at the HCM City International Exhibition and Convention Center in Tan Binh Dist., HCM City, from Oct. 6-10. On this occasion, Dang Quoc Hung, vice chairman of the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of HCM City (HAWA), shared with the Weekly about the annual expo and the current situation of wood and handicraft enterprises. |
|
|
Strong Potential For Investment, Trade
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 13,2010,14:02 (GMT+7) |
|
There is still much potential for increasing trade and investment between Vietnam and Russia, which have maintained good relations over the past 60 years |
|
|
Convergence Point For Environmentalists
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 13,2010,13:58 (GMT+7) |
|
Success stories of energy-saving enterprises coupled with the far-reaching campaign in HCM City for environment protection are expected to rally enthusiatic support for an exhibition on energy-efficient equipment due to take place in HCM City late next month. Hundreds of enterprises have put their names down for the Encon Expo 2010, due to take place at Phu Tho Indoor Stadium from November 25-28. |
|
|
The Bright Side Of Inflation
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 13,2010,13:53 (GMT+7) |
|
Inflation may serve as a lubricant that helps the economy function properly and as a confidence booster |
|
|
Reliability Of Statistics In Doubt
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 13,2010,13:50 (GMT+7) |
|
At a recent meeting held in HCM City by the National Assembly’s Economic Commission, Nguyen Duc Kien, vice chairman of the lawmaking body, urged participants to frankly discuss Vietnam’s socio-economic woes. His ultimate aim was to generate feedback on the Government’s report on Vietnam’s economic performance in 2010 and targets for 2011. Much to Kien’s delight, responses poured in fast. |
|
|
Institutional Reforms A Must For Success
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 13,2010,13:35 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam has recently joined the group of middle-income countries, but still has a long way to go before turning into a developed economy, an ambitious goal which entails institutional reforms |
|
|
Market For E-Signatures Boasts Staggering Potential
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 13,2010,11:46 (GMT+7) |
|
In 2007, the Government promulgated Decree 26/2007/ND-CP on e-signatures and e-signature certification. Together with the E-transaction Law in 2006, this decree has fostered a legal environment where e-signatures, which have flourished in many other countries, can develop. However, much of the potential with which the market for e-signatures is endowed has yet to translate into astounding business results. |
|
|
The Burden Of Steel
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 13,2010,11:32 (GMT+7) |
|
Steel projects worth billions of dollars each are turning Vietnam into a location for energy-guzzling and environmentally hazardous factories |
|
|
Energy Saving Imperative
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 13,2010,11:32 (GMT+7) |
|
Although it is now still in the middle of the rainy season, severe power shortage is looming large, with the people and enterprises in many provinces decrying frequent power outages |
|
|
Bank Mergers No Simple Feat
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 13,2010,11:31 (GMT+7) |
|
While mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are ubiquitous in a market economy, they are not so common in Vietnam’s banking sector |
|
|
HCM City Hosts International Travel Expo
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 13,2010,11:27 (GMT+7) |
|
The sixth International Travel Expo HCM City 2010, or ITE HCMC 2010, will take place in HCM City by the end of this month |
|
|
Vietnam’s Best Receptionist In 2010
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 13,2010,11:24 (GMT+7) |
|
A HCM City woman is recognized as the best receptionist of Vietnam in 2010 after winning the first prize in the national competition for hotel receptionists |
|
|
Making A Wild Fruit Delicious
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 13,2010,11:17 (GMT+7) |
|
A woman in the southern province of Tra Vinh, with her dexterity, adds value to the mangrove apple or ban (Sonneratia caseolaris), the mangrove apple or ban by making various products from it such as jam and bouillon powder for sour soup |
|
|
Shaping Stumps Into Statuettes
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 13,2010,11:15 (GMT+7) |
|
Bamboo stumps washed onto the banks of the Hoai River in Hoi An Town have offered Huynh Phuong Do a new lease of life. Every day, he fashions souvenirs from bamboo stumps to cater to demand of tourists. |
|
|
Price Management Unworkable
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 13,2010,11:06 (GMT+7) |
|
Management agencies should handle market prices with a different strategy |
|
|
A Grey Area
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 13,2010,11:00 (GMT+7) |
|
Determining whether a business tactic constitutes commercial fraud is no easy task, as the recent dispute centering on auto imports from Korea illustrates |
|
|
Weaving Dreams Into Reality
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 13,2010,10:59 (GMT+7) |
|
Despite the proliferation of seminars on how to turn HCM City into a national or even regional financial hub over the past decade, the vision remains a distant dream |
|
|
Still A Long Way To Go
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 13,2010,10:57 (GMT+7) |
|
What has HCM City done to become a national financial hub? |
|
|
No Short-Cut To Success
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 13,2010,10:55 (GMT+7) |
|
While HCM City’s status as a financial hub, as suggested by several experts and officials, is indisputable on the national level, the locality still has a long way to go before emerging as one of the financial powerhouses in the region |
|
|
Where Is The Money?
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 13,2010,10:53 (GMT+7) |
|
The Ministry of Finance has been officially tasked with handling Vinashin’s request that this shipbuilding conglomerate be allowed to use US$300 million worth of government bonds to settle the loan owed to France’s Natexis Bank. This move has sparked controversy and bred concerns about the foreign debt quagmire currently plaguing Vinashin. |
|
|
Ministerial Performance Under Review
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, October 13,2010,10:51 (GMT+7) |
|
The Legal Development and Enforcement Assessment (LDEA), released by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) on September 8, 2010, is not yet a comprehensive evaluation of ministerial competitiveness, but has offered some rational, realistic and important insights |
|
|
Lion Holds Oktoberfest 2010
|
|
|
Thursday, September 23,2010,18:49 (GMT+7) |
|
On the nights of October 1 and 2, the German beer festival, Oktoberfest, takes place at Lion Restaurant from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. This is a program organized annually in October by Lion Restaurant. This year’s program is held in coincidence with the 200th anniversary of the traditional festival of Germany. |
|
|
Treatments With Lotus Leaves
|
|
|
|
Thursday, September 23,2010,18:46 (GMT+7) |
|
Lotus leaves have long been used to refresh the body, relieve flu and lose extra weight |
|
|
Drink Of Nature
|
|
|
|
Thursday, September 23,2010,18:44 (GMT+7) |
|
Available and affordable, coconut juice in Saigon offers not only a valuable natural drink but also an exciting lifestyle |
|
|
A Journey To Nature’s Arms
|
|
|
Thursday, September 23,2010,18:41 (GMT+7) |
|
One hour and 45 minutes flying from HCM City to Brunei, 25 minutes from Brunei to Malaysia’s estern state of Sabah, another 25 minutes back to Brunei, and finally one hour and 45 minutes flying back from Brunei to HCM City are all the boring parts for any who dislikes flights. The rest of our five-day tour to the two destinations provides new experiences. And they are very good experiences at that, when one really returns to the wide arms of nature. |
|
|
In Favor Of Bidding
|
|
|
|
Thursday, September 23,2010,18:36 (GMT+7) |
|
Will China’s investment in Vietnam soar? What do experts and enterprises say? |
|
|
Post-WTO Challenges For Vietnam’s Economy
|
|
|
|
Thursday, September 23,2010,18:34 (GMT+7) |
|
It has been three years since Vietnam became a member of the World Trade Organization and joined the world market. Vietnam will have to ride out many challenges ahead if it is to reach the sustainable growth target. |
|
|
Green Awareness Of Staff Is The Utmost Reward
|
|
|
|
Thursday, September 23,2010,00:21 (GMT+7) |
|
On September 11, the seventh annual Green Day program will start at all six facilities of Victoria Hotels & Resorts in Vietnam and Cambodia, asserting its strong commitment to environment protection besides business. Eric Simard, managing director of Victoria Hotels & Resorts, has a talk with the Weekly about the program. Excerpts: |
|
|
African Market Necessitates A Different Approach
|
|
|
|
Thursday, September 23,2010,00:20 (GMT+7) |
|
In recent years, the Vietnamese Government and enterprises have done quite a lot to expand the African market rated as having high potential. Such first steps have brought certain success, yet in reality, the export turnover of Vietnamese goods to Africa is still too small compared with the demand of this market. |
|
|
Doing Business In Africa
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, September 22,2010,16:55 (GMT+7) |
|
The Vietnam-Africa national action plan in 2004-2010, which identifies the Black Continent as a key export market, has been implemented and even extended to include the 2011-2015 period. Two-way trade between Vietnam and Africa has grown by an average of 45% per annum. However, export is not the only way in which Vietnamese enterprises can penetrate Africa’s market. |
|
|
Combating Fakes In Solitude
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, September 22,2010,16:53 (GMT+7) |
|
Online sale businesses back themselves in fighting more copyright piracy and product counterfeiting without legal protection |
|
|
When Apparel, Footwear Become Fashion Industry
|
|
|
Wednesday, September 22,2010,16:46 (GMT+7) |
|
For many years, Vietnam has tried to build on its leading industries such as biology, electronics, information technology and mechanical engineering. However, very few people actually know the names of famous domestically-made products. Meanwhile, textile-garments and leather-footwear are being neglected. |
|
|
Economic Profile And Inventories
|
|
|
Friday, August 27,2010,17:40 (GMT+7) |
|
Consumption patterns are leaning toward imports while demand for local products becomes lackluster. If this problem persists, stagnation may arise. |
|
|
FDI: Trying To Reach Year’s Targets
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 25,2010,11:59 (GMT+7) |
|
Attracting capital from new and operational projects and capital disbursement in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province in particular and Vietnam in general in the first seven months witnessed mixed trends, promising another tough year in investment attraction |
|
|
PepsiCo Vietnam Keen On Corporate Responsibility
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 25,2010,11:57 (GMT+7) |
|
Mr. Saad Abdul-Latif, CEO of PepsiCo Asia, Middle East and Africa Sector (AMEA), the largest geographic and most diverse business sector in the PepsiCo system, made a trip to Vietnam early this week. On this occasion, he shared further development plans as well as corporate social responsibility initiatives with the Weekly. |
|
|
Multinationals Bring Multiple Benefits
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 25,2010,11:51 (GMT+7) |
|
The presence of multinationals and their long-term commitments bring many benefits to Vietnam, boosting the country’s image in the eyes of the international business community and helping improve the foreign investment policy |
|
|
Wise Investment Pays Off
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 25,2010,11:46 (GMT+7) |
|
Business efficiency rests with not only maximizing profits but also on minimizing costs. And, to minimize costs, a certain cost has to be paid upfront. This principle applies well to investment in energy saving, an endeavor many enterprises are pursuing in today’s world of increasingly scarce energy sources. |
|
|
Hesitation Will Exact A Terrible Price
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 25,2010,11:43 (GMT+7) |
|
The Saigon Times speaks with Prof. Vo Quy, Vietnam’s leading ornithologist and environmentalist, about current biological diversity in the country |
|
|
Incentives With Prudence
|
|
|
|
Sunday, August 15,2010,01:20 (GMT+7) |
|
The Government issued Decree 61/2010/ND-CP on June 4, 2010 (Decree 61), on boosting investment in agriculture and rural areas. While this document bodes well for enterprises, experts contend that the incentives must be launched with care; otherwise these measures may breed international trade disputes and violate the rules set by the World Trade Organization. |
|
|
Investment Law: Traffic Warden Or Road Builder?
|
|
|
|
Sunday, August 15,2010,01:19 (GMT+7) |
|
Following the article “Investment Law: Murky Regulations Remain” (the Weekly No. 27-10, dated July 3, 2010), we would like to introduce a new angle on the objective of the Investment Law |
|
|
Labor Market: Greater Pressure On Society
|
|
|
Sunday, August 15,2010,01:19 (GMT+7) |
|
The forecast from now till 2015 shows that there will be 738,000 more Vietnamese entering the labor market annually, a significantly upward trend for the third biggest workforce in Southeast Asia. Tens of millions of the current workers are facing tough challenges. So how will current workers and prospective ones find their feet in the market? |
|
|
Polishing Fragrant Rice Trademark
|
|
|
Sunday, August 15,2010,01:18 (GMT+7) |
|
Gentraco Joint Stock Co. in Can Tho City has joined forces with farmers to establish the trademark and GlobalGap production standards for fragrant rice. With this move, not only can farmers sell rice at high prices but Gentraco can also profit handsomely. |
|
|
Money Supply Is The Key
|
|
|
|
Sunday, August 15,2010,01:18 (GMT+7) |
|
Transactions on Vietnam’s stock market from July 28 to August 3 |
|
|
New Programs At Grand And Dong Khanh
|
|
|
|
Sunday, August 15,2010,01:17 (GMT+7) |
|
Grand and Dong Khanh hotels in HCM City, under the management of Saigontourist Holding Company, are running new gastronomic programs with many incentives for diners |
|
|
Saigontourist – A Journey Of 35 Years
|
|
|
|
Sunday, August 15,2010,01:16 (GMT+7) |
|
Saigontourist Holding Company has achieved strong and sustainable growth over the past 35 years along with the tourism development in Vietnam |
|
|
The Pros And Cons Of Diversification
|
|
|
Sunday, August 15,2010,01:15 (GMT+7) |
|
Diversification of investment is becoming a rising trend among business groups in many countries. The trend has both its pros and cons, especially for State-owned conglomerates in Vietnam. |
|
|
Tempering Steel Pipe Export With Caution
|
|
|
|
Sunday, August 15,2010,01:15 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam’s producers of steel pipes are beefing up the export of such products to the U.S. However, prudence should be practiced if this activity comes without restraint. |
|
|
Energy Need Heats Up ASEAN
|
|
|
Sunday, August 15,2010,01:14 (GMT+7) |
|
ASEAN countries should bolster cooperation in effective energy use as a way to reduce power need and tackle climate change |
|
|
Saigontourist Golf Tournament 2010’s Winners
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 11,2010,14:36 (GMT+7) |
|
Saigontourist Golf Tournament 2010 was held by Saigontourist Holding Company on July 31 at the East Course of Thu Duc Golf Course to mark its 35th anniversary (August 1, 1975-August 1, 2010) |
|
|
Saigontourist Travel Service Celebrates Birthday
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 11,2010,14:34 (GMT+7) |
|
On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of Saigontourist (August 1, 1975-August 1, 2010), Saigontourist Travel Service Company launches a special program to present Saigontourist Premium Travel cards to customers buying its tours |
|
|
Tasty And Healthy Duck
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 11,2010,14:30 (GMT+7) |
|
Duck has long been prepared into delicious dishes, many of which can help cure illnesses |
|
|
First Things First
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 11,2010,14:27 (GMT+7) |
|
The campaign against ghost money in Saigonese funerals seems to have taken the right path. It first began with propaganda in the community to be followed by financial sanctions. |
|
|
Vietnam’s Wetland Rice Can Be A Savior
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 11,2010,14:16 (GMT+7) |
|
While Western and Asian economic powerhouses are providing Africa with aid, Vietnam can help reduce the poverty in the black continent by providing it with wetland rice cultivation techniques |
|
|
Struggling For A True Reform
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 11,2010,14:04 (GMT+7) |
|
The reform of State-owned enterprises (SOEs) has again become a pressing issue, especially when the State-owned Enterprise Law became void as of July 1, 2010, and SOEs are mandated to operate under the Enterprise Law |
|
|
Micro-Insurance: Optimal Financial Protection For The Poor
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 11,2010,13:58 (GMT+7) |
|
Returning to Vietnam to join the 4th ASEAN Conference on Micro-insurance organized by Asia Business Review, Mr. David Wong, former CEO of Manulife Vietnam and currently Manulife ASEAN Operation’s Senior Vice President and Regional Executive for Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, has a talk with the Weekly on Vietnam micro-insurance |
|
|
Pitfalls Loom
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 11,2010,13:55 (GMT+7) |
|
A quick look at outstanding business affairs during this past week |
|
|
Pay Television: The Road Ahead
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 11,2010,13:53 (GMT+7) |
|
K Plus’ Barclay Premier League broadcast package, which costs two to three times as much as common pay TV services and smacks of monopoly, has ignited public discontent. This saga, as well as other problems currently plaguing pay TV services, reflects the daunting challenges that management agencies in charge of this sector have to face. |
|
|
Savoring Slices Of Airtime Success
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 11,2010,13:50 (GMT+7) |
|
The television sector at present is far more complex than it was 10 years ago, when public participation was first encouraged through the sale of airtime to advertisers. Television channels are and will be a fertile ground for business opportunities to flourish, as evinced by the proliferation of increasingly diverse, complicated and lucrative cooperation deals. |
|
|
Golf To Bring Light To Vision-Impaired People
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 11,2010,11:51 (GMT+7) |
|
On July 31, Saigontourist Golf Tournament 2010 will be held at the East Course of Thu Duc Golf Course to mark Saigontourist Holding Company’s 35th anniversary (August 1, 1975-August 1, 2010) |
|
|
To Ban Or Not To Ban
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 11,2010,11:43 (GMT+7) |
|
Banning online games at night is controversial. But some strict regulations should be introduced to reduce the adverse effect of video game addiction. |
|
|
Go Cong Chicken A Delight To Crow About
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 11,2010,11:39 (GMT+7) |
|
The owner of Le Toit Gourmand, a French restaurant, thinks highly of Go Cong free-range chickens, which boast a registered brand |
|
|
Baking Becomes Breadwinning
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 11,2010,11:38 (GMT+7) |
|
The passion of an American couple who started a bakery three years ago is to give training to socially disadvantaged Vietnamese who are willing to learn the art of baking Western bread and cakes |
|
|
Public Support Helps Fuel Investment
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 11,2010,11:33 (GMT+7) |
|
Over many years, private firms have played a limited role in pouring money into development projects. Not only is their participation discouraged, but it is also faced with impediments. |
|
|
The Long Winter
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 11,2010,11:31 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam is enjoying a valuable opportunity to generate more orders for textile, garment, wood and food producers. However, translating opportunities into real improvements requires policymakers to rigorously implement the prescribed policies. |
|
|
A Welcomed Sign
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 11,2010,11:21 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam is known as a country with the “advantage” of cheap labor. However, labor costs are getting dearer and dearer, thus diminishing this advantage. Is this worth worrying? |
|
|
No Way Back
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 11,2010,11:13 (GMT+7) |
|
For three consecutive years, catfish farmers in the Mekong Delta have seen their hope dashed and faced extremely bleak profit prospects |
|
|
An Onerous Rule
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 11,2010,11:10 (GMT+7) |
|
Over the past few months, foreign applications for the purchase of shares issued by listed joint stock companies have faced hindrance at business registration agencies |
|
|
International Bonds: Time Matters
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 11,2010,11:05 (GMT+7) |
|
Some State-owned conglomerates are planning to issue international bonds worth approximately US$1 billion each in late 2010. Will this move bode well for these conglomerates, considering that domestic credit sources are arguably being tightened? |
|
|
Stock Winners And Losers
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 4,2010,23:31 (GMT+7) |
|
Over the past 10 years, the stock market has been swampedwith both winners and losers |
|
|
Striking A Delicate Balance
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 4,2010,23:30 (GMT+7) |
|
Thoroughly exploiting natural resources without comprehensively assessing the environmental impact will lead to their inexorable demise |
|
|
Public-Private Partnership Needs A Boost
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 4,2010,23:30 (GMT+7) |
|
The Ministry of Planning and Investment is fine-tuning its pilot regulation for public-private partnership (PPP) in response to the Prime Minister’s request. Dang Huy Dong, deputy minister of planning and investment, says that the regulation is ambitious but not without challenges. Once given the nod, it will hopefully knock capital mobilization for infrastructure projects into shape. |
|
|
Tattered Business In Hope Of Recovery
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 4,2010,23:30 (GMT+7) |
|
Directorate H – Trade Defense under the European Commission – indicates that the anti-dumping tax levied on Vietnam’s bicycles has been removed since July 1, 2010. This piece of news bodes well for Vietnam’s bicycle exporters. |
|
|
Downtown Area Planning Ahead Of High-Rises
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 4,2010,23:28 (GMT+7) |
|
Six months ago, the Prime Minister ordered that the demolition of old villas and construction of new high-rises in central Hanoi should be halted. According to the Hanoi authorities, if this policy continues unabated, it will wreak financial havoc and exert social problems. |
|
|
Time For Penny Stocks
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 4,2010,23:28 (GMT+7) |
|
Transactions on Vietnam’s stock market on July 14 – 20 |
|
|
Hotel Majestic Turns 85
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 4,2010,15:38 (GMT+7) |
|
The five-star Hotel Majestic, an affiliate of Saigontourist Holding Company, held a gala dinner on July 15 to celebrate its 85th birthday, marking a long development period with many achievements. It also introduced its development plans. |
|
|
Discrimination Hurts
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 4,2010,15:26 (GMT+7) |
|
Businesses shouldn’t do things that hurt their vulnerable workers |
|
|
Why Spontaneous Strikes Arise
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 4,2010,11:38 (GMT+7) |
|
Strikes are among the main tactics which employees adopt to protect their legitimate interests |
|
|
Advertising Milks The Truth
|
|
|
Wednesday, August 4,2010,11:22 (GMT+7) |
|
The reality about fresh milk’s quality is an issue that needs to be analyzed and widely made known to consumers. This is also the chance for milk producing companies to prove their products’ value to consumers as well as the authorities. |
|
|
Overcapacity Dogs Cement Sector
|
|
|
Thursday, July 29,2010,00:54 (GMT+7) |
|
Besides the tile and steel industries, cement manufacturers are also in the grip of an overcapacity. The Ministry of Construction and enterprises in the sector are struggling to find new export markets to tackle this problem. However, should Vietnam turn its cement industry into an export sector? |
|
|
The Return Of “Blond-Haired Thi Mau”
|
|
|
|
Thursday, July 29,2010,00:54 (GMT+7) |
|
In her comeback after several years of absence, the Australian girl would not perform excerpts of the ancient performing art of tuong and cheo anymore. Instead, she would bring in some fresh air with her very own music style. On stage, apart from her blond hair, Eleanor Clapham looks no different from a Vietnamese girl, with khan xep, ao dai, yem tham and her fluent Vietnamese singing. |
|
|
Star 39 Hotel Inaugurated
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 28,2010,17:05 (GMT+7) |
|
A hotel under the umbrella of Saigontourist was put into operation early this month, targeting middle-income guests. In addition to accommodation services, the hotel pays close attention to gastronomy. |
|
|
Winners of Vietnam Tourism Awards Named
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 28,2010,17:03 (GMT+7) |
|
The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism and the Vietnam Tourism Association granted the Vietnam Tourism Awards 2009 to leading travel companies, hotels, including 19 Green ASEAN hotels, and tourism service companies last month in Hanoi |
|
|
Positive Outlook As Absorption Increases
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 28,2010,16:46 (GMT+7) |
|
According to the just released CBRE Quarterly Report, after the lackluster first quarter, the local property market was back on the fast track of recovery in the second quarter given positive economic signals. The market will continue to move forward as absorption in all sectors has grown recently. |
|
|
A Relationship-Based Economy
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 28,2010,16:42 (GMT+7) |
|
At a seminar on the sale of the State’s capital, the general director of a securities firm ascribed his company’s tendency to recruit men ahead of women to the fact that Vietnamese entrepreneurs often had to drink beer or alcohol at networking sessions. His remark sent the audience into fits of laughter. However, it does stand as a testament to the view that Vietnam is a relationship-based economy. |
|
|
Enterprises Still Beset With Tax And Customs Problems
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 28,2010,16:41 (GMT+7) |
|
During a dialogue session between enterprises and finance officials, including those in charge of taxes and customs, which the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently held in Hanoi, many businesses had the opportunity to voice their concerns and submit their proposals to the authorities |
|
|
To Stand Well On Top Of Investment World
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 28,2010,16:06 (GMT+7) |
|
Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province in the first half of this year continued to show its leading position in investment attraction. This year it has drawn more interest into the retail sector. |
|
|
How To Lure Foreign Indirect Investment
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 28,2010,16:03 (GMT+7) |
|
Le Van Chau, former chairman of the State Securities Commission and current chairman of the Securities Trading Association, has kept a close watch on the flow of foreign indirect investment (FII) in Vietnam for several years. Below are excerpts from an interview with him. |
|
|
SeAH’s Another Market In the Pipeline
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 28,2010,15:22 (GMT+7) |
|
Another market that Nam Hyung-Kun, President of SeAH Steel Vina Corporation, mentioned is API (American Petroleum Institute) steel pipes for oil firms after his company in April this year achieved the certificate of authority to use the official API monogram on its products |
|
|
Surplus Capacity Heralds Stiffer Competition
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 28,2010,15:16 (GMT+7) |
|
Competition in the local steel market is forecast to become tougher when more and more imported steel continues to flood the market. The situation will be more severe over the next few years when the market gets more supplies that far outpace demands. |
|
|
Navigating Reversals Of Fortune
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 28,2010,15:13 (GMT+7) |
|
After standing below VND19,000 per U.S. dollar for two and a half months, the exchange rate has been on the move since late June. Commercial banks simultaneously quote the dollar at VND19,100, the floor price. Challenges to the Government’s policy have emerged. |
|
|
A Ten-Year Look Back
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 28,2010,15:08 (GMT+7) |
|
Ten years ago, the concept of stock market was a peculiar one to many people. Ten years later, the Nguyen Cong Tru Street area, in District 1, HCM City, is known as the Wall Street of Vietnam. |
|
|
How The Bourse Was Born
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 28,2010,15:06 (GMT+7) |
|
Le Van Chau, the first chairman of the State Securities Commission, recalls the nascent stage of the stock market on its 10th anniversary |
|
|
Huge Potential For Wind Power
|
|
|
Friday, July 16,2010,00:47 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam’s potential for wind power development far surpasses that of some other Southeast Asian countries, particularly Thailand, Laos and Cambodia |
|
|
Hydropower Plants Not A Bane?
|
|
|
Friday, July 16,2010,00:46 (GMT+7) |
|
The view that hydropower plants in China, Laos and Thailand exert an insidious effect on countries in the lower reaches of the Mekong River does not generate a unanimous consensus. However, the data attest to that view. On July 28, 2009, the 14th dialogue among countries in the lower Mekong River took place in Laos. According to Jerang Bird from the Mekong River Commission (MRC) Secretariat, China has promised to bolster cooperation with countries in the lower reaches of the river to minimize the impacts of hydropower plants. |
|
|
New Tours To Famous Attractions
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 14,2010,15:31 (GMT+7) |
|
On the occasion that Vietnam Airlines started Dalat-Danang flights on June 30, Saigontourist Travel Service Company launched new tours to famous tourist destinations in the central region and Central Highlands |
|
|
Majestic Saigon Marks Birthday
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 14,2010,15:29 (GMT+7) |
|
On the occasion of its 85th anniversary, the five-star Majestic Saigon Hotel under Saigontourist is running new gastronomic events and attractive promotion programs |
|
|
Poor Student Support Deserves More Help
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 14,2010,15:22 (GMT+7) |
|
Lending poor provincial students a helping hand with accommodation and meals during the examination time in Saigon is a community drive worth being supported |
|
|
Charter Capital Requirement: Bane Or Boon?
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 14,2010,15:14 (GMT+7) |
|
The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has asked commercial banks in Vietnam to have at least VND5 trillion and VND10 trillion of charter capital in late 2012 and 2015 respectively, up by 67% and 233% from the VND3 trillion required in late 2010. This requirement has received a mixed response from banks. |
|
|
Two Sides Of The Same Coin
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 14,2010,15:06 (GMT+7) |
|
The difficult time lasting from 2009 till the first half of this year has witnessed two contrary trends of the hotel industry in Vietnam. Two- and three-star hotels have had quite stable business while deluxe ones have been struggling with the hard time. |
|
|
Trade Deficit Swells To US$6.7 Billion
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 14,2010,14:38 (GMT+7) |
|
According to initial estimates by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, export turnover and import spending in the first half of 2010 rose considerably, achieving over 53% of the target for 2010 |
|
|
Reaching Out To Showcase The Value
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 14,2010,14:35 (GMT+7) |
|
With the opening of its new distribution center in Hanoi and other development plans, DKSH, formerly known as Diethelm, is committed to having a wider range of client and customer services for broader and deeper penetration into the Vietnam market. On his trip to Vietnam, Joerg Wolle, President & CEO of DKSH Holding Ltd., elaborated on the plans after the company changed its name last year. |
|
|
Phasing Out Bottlenecks In Logistics Industry
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 14,2010,14:31 (GMT+7) |
|
The logistics industry boasts immense development potential, but problems gripping transport infrastructure must be obliterated and investment in human resources enhanced before the industry can take off |
|
|
Fishery In Jitters Again
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 14,2010,14:27 (GMT+7) |
|
According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), the sector exported over US$1.6 billion worth of products in the first half, up 17.3% year-on-year. However, it still has to surmount formidable hurdles in its endeavor to fulfill the export target of US$4.5 billion for 2010. |
|
|
Restructuring Vinashin: Pros And Cons
|
|
|
Wednesday, July 14,2010,14:18 (GMT+7) |
|
Some experts contend that the Government’s decision to rescue the Vietnam Shipbuilding Industry Group (Vinashin) by means of debt restructuring sends wrong signals to the economy, which is embarking on structural reforms |
|
|
Donors’ Questions Remain After Consultation
|
|
|
Friday, July 2,2010,15:56 (GMT+7) |
|
At the mid-term consultative group (CG) meeting this month, it seems donors were not satisfied with the information they got, though they spent over eight hours discussing the socio-economic development plan for 2011-2015 with the Government |
|
|
Saigontourist Launches New Summer Tour Of Nha Trang
|
|
|
|
Friday, July 2,2010,15:55 (GMT+7) |
|
To meet tourists’ demand for relaxation in the beautiful coastal city of Nha Trang, Saigontourist Travel Service Company introduces a new tour named “Blue Sea and Sky in Nha Trang” |
|
|
Tourist Village Wins Labor Order
|
|
|
|
Friday, July 2,2010,15:55 (GMT+7) |
|
Binh Quoi Tourist Village received a second-class Labor Order from the State President on June 10 for its success in the 2005-2009 period |
|
|
Let’s Put FDI In The Mekong Delta In Perspective
|
|
|
|
Friday, July 2,2010,15:53 (GMT+7) |
|
To achieve breakthroughs in foreign direct investment attraction in the Mekong Delta, regional links must be considered from a national perspective and institutionalized |
|
|
Cultural Integration A Mixed Blessing
|
|
|
|
Friday, July 2,2010,15:53 (GMT+7) |
|
In the context of Vietnam’s integration path, exposure to foreign literature not only satiates a reader’s love for engaging, well-written stories, but may also prove useful to local writers, who have much to learn from their international peers |
|
|
Moving Toward Sustainable Growth
|
|
|
Friday, July 2,2010,11:28 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam’s coffee industry is gearing toward sustainable development to ensure better quality and value |
|
|
Majestic Runs Promotions
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 30,2010,16:12 (GMT+7) |
|
The five-star Majestic Hotel, in downtown HCM City and opposite the Saigon River, has 175 rooms with restaurants, bars and entertainment services. On the occasion of its 85th anniversary, the hotel is launching attractive promotions. |
|
|
The National Reunification Fruit
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 30,2010,15:34 (GMT+7) |
|
The lychee not only is a very enjoyable good fruit but also has gone down in history with a mystery whose truth may not be known forever |
|
|
Failure To Meet Delivery Deadline Ignites Lawsuit
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 30,2010,15:32 (GMT+7) |
|
After nearly half a year of negotiation, Hyundai VinaMotor Viet Han Co. in Danang (referred to as Viet Han in short), decided to sue K.P.I., a wholly Korean-owned producer of auto parts in Hung Yen, on the ground that the latter has allegedly violated economic contracts. In particular, Viet Han Co. accuses K.P.I. of failing to deliver goods on time, which adversely affected its business, and of refusing to pay compensations when the contract ended. |
|
|
Megastar And Policy Concerns
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 30,2010,15:28 (GMT+7) |
|
The lawsuit which six local enterprises have recently filed against Megastar for abusing its market dominance shows that local businesses have started using the Competition Law to protect themselves. However, from the perspective of State management, the saga is a sad commentary on Vietnam’s filmdom. |
|
|
The Dow Jones Effect
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 30,2010,15:25 (GMT+7) |
|
Transactions on Vietnam’s stock market from June 16 to 22 |
|
|
New Regulations In Banking Laws
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 30,2010,15:22 (GMT+7) |
|
The two banking laws about to come into effect include new regulations. However, several sub-law documents are required to facilitate the implementation of these laws. |
|
|
Bonsai Brings Prosperity
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 30,2010,15:19 (GMT+7) |
|
Situated between the Ham Luong and Co Chien rivers, Cho Lach District in Ben Tre Province, in the Mekong Delta, has abundant silt, vast sand dunes, lush orchards and prosperity – nowadays especially bonsai prosperity |
|
|
Strong Commitment To Sustainable Agricultural Practices
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 30,2010,15:16 (GMT+7) |
|
Following the worldwide principle of “Creating Shared Values,” Nestlé Vietnam seeks to improve farmers’ living standards, environment practices and water usage, an effort that contributes to the sustainable development of agriculture in Vietnam |
|
|
Two Business Fields, One Passion
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 30,2010,14:37 (GMT+7) |
|
Starting out as a small paper producer in 1980, Vinh Tien has undergone so many ups and downs to become a prestigious brand name in the market of student notebooks and stationery both at home and abroad. In celebration of Vinh Tien Corporation’s 30th anniversary, General Director Lam An Dau recalls his story. |
|
|
Greater Spending On The Internet
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 30,2010,14:31 (GMT+7) |
|
Yahoo! and Kantar Media have just issued the results of a survey on Internet use in Vietnam, Net Index 2010. Spending on the Internet is on the rise and the prospects for e-commerce bright. |
|
|
Message From The Governor
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 30,2010,14:29 (GMT+7) |
|
The State Bank of Vietnam will not allow commercial banks to use the capital borrowed from the interbank market as customer loans. Neither will the deadlinefor banks to scale up their charter capital be extended. |
|
|
An Advantage Backfires
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 30,2010,14:11 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam’s economic growth has hinged mainly on cheap, unskilled labor. Unless the quality of the workforce improves, stagnation will be likely. |
|
|
More Drastic Changes Needed
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 30,2010,14:07 (GMT+7) |
|
The corporate community currently comprises State-owned enterprises (central and local), non-State enterprises (private firms, cooperatives, partnerships and joint-stock companies, with State capital or otherwise) and foreign-invested enterprises. After July 1, when State-owned enterprises are transformed into one-member limited liability companies, will this profile change? |
|
|
External Pressure Boosts National Facilitation Of Trade
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 30,2010,14:06 (GMT+7) |
|
Once again, Vietnam has the opportunity to reflect on its trade environment as the World Economic Forum releases the Enabling Trade Index (ETI) 2010, a measure of national conditions facilitating trade |
|
|
Fairs Aren’t For Fun!
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 30,2010,14:02 (GMT+7) |
|
Quite a few Vietnamese business people nowadays with a good command of professional knowledge and foreign languages have regarded trips to overseas trade shows as business opportunities |
|
|
Power Shortages Plague Enterprises
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 30,2010,13:58 (GMT+7) |
|
Frequent or sudden blackouts in summer have been damaging equipment, adversely affecting output and increasing production costs |
|
|
Football Betting A Knotty Problem
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 30,2010,13:53 (GMT+7) |
|
Like many other places on this earth, the FIFA World Cup brings to Vietnam joy and also the pressing problem of illegal betting. How to deal with this remains a hard nut to crack. |
|
|
Steering Clear Of Over-reliance On Raw Natural Resources
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 30,2010,11:41 (GMT+7) |
|
The management, extraction and use of natural resources in Vietnam have had negative effects on the environment, economy and local populations. The Saigon Times put questions to Pham Quang Tu, deputy director of the Hanoi-based Development Consultancy Institute. |
|
|
Land Fever In Suburban Hanoi
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 30,2010,11:31 (GMT+7) |
|
Realty fever takes hold every one to two years in Hanoi. The latest episode is over land in the west of the capital city. |
|
|
Weighing Costs And Benefits
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 30,2010,11:09 (GMT+7) |
|
On a national level, it is essential to do away with myopic views so as to ensure the optimal outcome for the country |
|
|
Administrative Procedures Simplified
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 30,2010,11:07 (GMT+7) |
|
“The simplification of 258 out of the 5,500 existing administrative procedures marks a radical change which will bolster administrative reforms and enhance the welfare of the public and the business community,” deputy minister of internal affairs Nguyen Tien Dinh comments on Resolution 25 by the Government |
|
|
Trade In Farm Produce With The U.S. In Deficit
|
|
|
Thursday, June 17,2010,01:13 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam’s imports of agricultural products from the U.S. surged in the first quarter of 2010. Experts believe that the U.S. has started to benefit from relentless efforts to promote its agricultural products in Vietnam. |
|
|
Motivation For Creativeness And Dedication
|
|
|
|
Thursday, June 17,2010,01:13 (GMT+7) |
|
Last year, Saigontourist Holding Company welcomed more than two million guests and gained revenue of US$500 million. Contributing to this success is the effort of members and affiliates of the company. One of the reasons is that the company created more motivation for its members and affiliates to be more creative in business and customer services. |
|
|
Export Growth An Open Question
|
|
|
Thursday, June 17,2010,01:11 (GMT+7) |
|
Export of textiles and garments has increased by 78 times over the past 20 years. However, is there still room for growth in the future? |
|
|
Manulife Vietnam: New Leader – New Passion
|
|
|
Thursday, June 17,2010,01:10 (GMT+7) |
|
Manulife Vietnam celebrates its 11th anniversary on June 12 with an impressive growth result in Q1/2010, remaining in the top third position in the life insurance industry. The Weekly has a talk with Carl Gustini, the new CEO and general director, about his vision and passion. |
|
|
People Enduring Toxics Imported For Recycling
|
|
|
Thursday, June 17,2010,01:09 (GMT+7) |
|
The draft Environmental Protection Tax Law, on the National Assembly’s agenda this session, has ignited the public’s interest as environmental destruction becomes more frequent and more severe |
|
|
Environmental Protection: Easier Said Than Done
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 16,2010,18:37 (GMT+7) |
|
Better laws, better policing and better technology could make for environmentally cleaner industry in Vietnam, but while some stakeholders are true believers, some are still not clear why it is necessary to bother |
|
|
Antique Street To Go Into Oblivion
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 16,2010,18:27 (GMT+7) |
|
Given the growing scarcity of authentic local antiques and the proliferation of fake antiques, the future of Le Cong Kieu Street in District 1, HCM City, which is famous for antique shops, is rather bleak unless the authorities view antique dealing as a special trade, different from the sale of ordinary handicrafts |
|
|
Remedies With Tamarind
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 16,2010,18:07 (GMT+7) |
|
Tamarind has long been consumed as a fruit, an ingredient for many dishes, and remedies for several illnesses |
|
|
Doves And Roasted Pigeons
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 16,2010,18:04 (GMT+7) |
|
In Vietnamese poetry, flowers, butterflies and birds are often associated with romanticism. In this modern world, they are also indicators of pollution in a given place. Their absence may signify a high level of environmental pollution. |
|
|
The Bearish May
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 16,2010,18:01 (GMT+7) |
|
Transactions on Vietnam’s stock market (May 26-June 1) |
|
|
Gio Noi Buffet
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 16,2010,17:54 (GMT+7) |
|
Que Huong Liberty 4 Hotel, under the management of Que Huong Liberty Joint Stock Company, on Pham Ngu Lao Street in the center of HCM City, provides accommodation and services that meet three-star standards for local and foreign tourists. The hotel’s Gio Noi Restaurant is notable for cm th and Vietnamese dishes. |
|
|
All For A Delicious, Healthy Bowl of Pho
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 16,2010,17:49 (GMT+7) |
|
The word pho (for Vietnamese-style beef or chicken noodle soup) is now familiar to foreigners. In this issue, Chao! covers the two main kinds of pho places in Saigon. |
|
|
Cotton Or Fashion?
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 16,2010,17:34 (GMT+7) |
|
The Government has approved the program for developing cotton cultivation in Vietnam in 2010-2020. However, the resources for fulfilling this plan should be channeled into other more productive uses, such as fashion design |
|
|
Sacomreal To Go Public In July
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 16,2010,17:32 (GMT+7) |
|
An array of realty companies are pressing on with their plans to go public this year. Among them, Saigon Thuong Tin Real Estate Company, or Sacomreal, is slated to list on the Hanoi Stock Exchange in July. |
|
|
Vietnam hosts WEF as Asia Takes New Role In World Business
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 16,2010,17:28 (GMT+7) |
|
VinaCapital is exclusive meeting supporter of the WEF on East Asia 2010 held in Vietnam on June 6-7 in HCM City. On this occasion, Don Lam, VinaCapital’s CEO, talked with the Weekly about the importance of this event to Vietnam, Asia and the world. |
|
|
Further Integrating Vietnam Into The Global Economy
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 16,2010,17:24 (GMT+7) |
|
A year ago, when the world was in the midst of the worst global crisis in decades, there was a significant fear that the situation would lead to a protectionist backlash and put globalization at risk. |
|
|
The Growing Role Of Asia
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 16,2010,17:19 (GMT+7) |
|
The Saigon Times had the following interview with Mr. Sushant Palakurthi Rao, director, head of Asia, World Economic Forum on the eve of the WEF East Asia 2010 to be held in HCM City, Vietnam, from June 5 to 7 |
|
|
Asia Ponders New Role
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 16,2010,17:07 (GMT+7) |
|
The World Economic Forum on East Asia discusses Asia’s leadership agenda |
|
|
Independent Central Bank: Still A Long Way To Go
|
|
|
Wednesday, June 16,2010,17:00 (GMT+7) |
|
The National Assembly’s last discussion on the draft amended State Bank Law, held on May 21, did not achieve its goal of providing a glimpse into the characteristics of an independent central bank. Changes deemed as vital for the establishment of a modern and independent central bank have not been given priority. |
|
|
The Downside Of Unofficial Trade Channels
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 26,2010,23:28 (GMT+7) |
|
Some economists contend that enterprises must boost exports through official channels and restrict trade through unofficial channels to reduce the trade deficit with China and seize the opportunity created by a dearer yuan |
|
|
Attention To Local Market Warranted
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 26,2010,23:27 (GMT+7) |
|
Exports of fishery products such as tra fish and shrimp have run into trouble due to unstable foreign demand. Why have local producers focused excessively on volatile export markets and neglected the vast domestic market? |
|
|
The Absurdity Of Bigger Export Volumes
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 26,2010,23:27 (GMT+7) |
|
Soaring input prices are driving garment exporters into a corner even though they have won plenty of orders since early this year |
|
|
Four-Star Hotels Offer Promotions
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 26,2010,10:56 (GMT+7) |
|
Two HCM City four-star hotels managed by Saigontourist, the Grand Hotel Saigon and the Liberty Central Hotel, are offering promotional discounts |
|
|
Pedestrians Now Under The Spotlight
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 26,2010,10:48 (GMT+7) |
|
In a renewed effort to restore urban traffic order, authorities will get tougher on traffic violators, pedestrians included |
|
|
Instability Caused By Sector II
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 26,2010,10:40 (GMT+7) |
|
According to the author of this analysis, sector II—which includes the mining, manufacturing and construction industries—should not be excessively expanded |
|
|
Trade Sector Needs Strategy Switch
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 26,2010,10:16 (GMT+7) |
|
After a 25-year reform, the economic restructuring related to raising the efficiency of export markets and the domestic market is of prime importance not only in 2010 but also on the long path to development |
|
|
Keeping Track Of Public Debt
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 26,2010,10:07 (GMT+7) |
|
For decades, government spending has outstripped budget revenue, fueling a continuous surge in public debt |
|
|
A High Price To Pay
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 26,2010,10:05 (GMT+7) |
|
A project aimed at growing cajuput in alum soil and creating jobs for over 150,000 poor households in seven Mekong Delta provinces was expected to commence in 2008, with total investment of US$1.4 billion. The Japan Bank for International Cooperation also had high regard for the project and offered to provide non-refundable loans. However, the project has yet to take off. |
|
|
Trekking Up Nui Chua From Vinh Hy Bay
|
|
|
Friday, May 21,2010,14:47 (GMT+7) |
|
In spite of the baking heat of Ninh Thuan in April, visitors do not flinch from touring Nui Chua National Park, including making a 10-kilometer trek to the lake on the mountain |
|
|
The Kite’s Wars
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 19,2010,14:05 (GMT+7) |
|
In the fight against video games for children’s interest, real kites have almost lost the battle to virtual games |
|
|
Cranes Get Into Murky Water
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 19,2010,14:03 (GMT+7) |
|
Recently, forest fires at Tram Chim National Park have provoked public outcries. The following are arguments by two scientists about this issue. Both have spent a long time doing research at this park. |
|
|
Hydro- And Thermo-power: The Hidden Implications
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 19,2010,13:52 (GMT+7) |
|
Power shortages have adversely affected the livelihood of the Vietnamese people. Behind the mistakes leading to the shortages is the confusion in appraising and endorsing power projects. |
|
|
Legal Discrepancies Breed Tax-Related Lawsuit
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 19,2010,13:48 (GMT+7) |
|
Although the lawsuit involving Vinametric Co. and the HCM City Taxation Office is not too complex, it took the court three months to issue the verdict, with nearly US$8 million of tax at stake |
|
|
Tackling The Paradox Of Growth
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 19,2010,11:49 (GMT+7) |
|
Mr. Tran Vinh Nhung, deputy director of the HCM City Department of Industry and Trade, talks about the restructuring of production by enterprises in HCM City. Excerpts: |
|
|
Growth Model Needs Change
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 19,2010,11:44 (GMT+7) |
|
A senior economist argues that Vietnam has to change her growth model to stabilize her macro-economy |
|
|
FDI In Vietnam Sees Something New
|
|
|
Wednesday, May 19,2010,11:39 (GMT+7) |
|
Foreign-invested projects in services, manufacturing and high technology are better for Vietnam than realty projects capitalized at billions of U.S. dollars, according to experts |
|
|
Eating For Health’s Sake
|
|
|
Sunday, May 9,2010,20:47 (GMT+7) |
|
Tips on foods that help fight tiredness and strengthen human health |
|
|
Green Space In Need
|
|
|
|
Sunday, May 9,2010,20:47 (GMT+7) |
|
Saigonese long for green and airy space in town as it has become so rare in this city |
|
|
Move For A Clean Shrimp Industry
|
|
|
Sunday, May 9,2010,20:44 (GMT+7) |
|
The aquafeed company Qualasa is cooperating with Soc Trang Province to implement the project “Standardizing the inputs, farming and branding for shrimp in Soc Trang Province.” The goal of the project is to help local farmers develop a clean shrimp farming process to meet the demand for clean seafood of importing countries. |
|
|
Clean Fisheries Gain More Value
|
|
|
Sunday, May 9,2010,20:44 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam’s export fisheries are facing more barriers from importing countries — such as higher food quality and safety requirements. This challenge, however, is also an opportunity for Vietnamese fisheries businesses to pay more attention to sustainable growth that helps protect the environment and enhance the value of their export products. |
|
|
More Transparency Needed
|
|
|
|
Friday, May 7,2010,16:49 (GMT+7) |
|
The draft Post Law, which is about to be presented to the National Assembly, needs to aim for greater transparency |
|
|
On The Two Feet
|
|
|
|
Friday, May 7,2010,16:46 (GMT+7) |
|
Vietnam’s growing oil and gas service market is significant. But Vietnamese enterprises in the industry will have to outperform themselves so as to provide more technically complicated products and services. |
|
|
The Joy Of Backpacking
|
|
|
Friday, May 7,2010,16:43 (GMT+7) |
|
Backpacking trips are increasing in Vietnam thanks to lots of beautiful landscapes and diverse, low-cost services |
|
|
Summer Promotions
|
|
|
Friday, May 7,2010,16:39 (GMT+7) |
|
Saigontourist Travel Service Company and Fiditour under Saigonntourist Holding Company are offering promotion programs for summer |
|
|
Oscar Hotel Awarded Four Stars
|
|
|
Friday, May 7,2010,16:35 (GMT+7) |
|
The Oscar Saigon Hotel, under the management of Saigontourist, has been rated four stars. The hotel will hold a celebration to mark this event and the new stage of its development on May 20. |
|
|
Favorite Destinations For Summer Tours
|
|
|
Friday, May 7,2010,16:32 (GMT+7) |
|
The waterfalls and forests along the way from HCM City to Dong Nai Province and Dalat City are favorite destinations for tourists in this summer season as they bring new pleasures. Tour operators are looking to add these attractions to their summer tours. |
|
|
The Market Is Roomy
|
|
|
|
Friday, May 7,2010,14:44 (GMT+7) |
|
Two more credit information institutions will be set up in addition to the Credit Information Center (CIC) which is still monopolizing the market. Pham Cong Uan, CIC director, elaborates on Decree 10/2010/ND-CP regarding this issue. Excerpts: |
|
|
People Waiting At The Door
|
|
|
Friday, May 7,2010,14:40 (GMT+7) |
|
A clear legal framework and the transparency in the selection of competent investors are the prerequisite for bringing into full play the effectiveness of the Public-Private Partnership model |
|
|
Lower Water Levels Spell Trouble
|
|
|
Thursday, May 6,2010,22:24 (GMT+7) |
|
Over 20 major hydropower plants, with a combined capacity of 6,200MW, must restrict output at 50 million kWh per day until the end of the hot season. This translates into merely eight hours of operation when the plants are at full throttle, which is rather dismal. |
|
|
Smarter Choices Needed
|
|
|
|
Thursday, May 6,2010,22:08 (GMT+7) |
|
Enterprises consider more informed choices vital in the new economy |
|
|
Insurance Market Promises Strong Growth
|
|
|
Thursday, May 6,2010,22:08 (GMT+7) |
|
Although 2009 was not an easy year for any business sector, life insurers still posted very good results with growth of 14% in total premiums. Therefore, 2010, which promises to see a strong recovery of the local economy, will also be a good year for general insurance companies to widen their operations and meet their business ambitions. |
|
|
Artificial Grass Breeds Good Business
|
|
|
Thursday, May 6,2010,21:58 (GMT+7) |
|
Many investors are keen on laying artificial turf on playing fields, which often measure 20m by 40m, require an investment of some VND500 million each, take two to three years to recoup capital and bring a stable profit of VND20 million per month |
|
|
Discovering The Mekong Delta Tours
|
|
|
|
Thursday, May 6,2010,21:58 (GMT+7) |
|
To mark the inauguration of the cable-stayed Can Tho Bridge that has the longest main span in Southeast Asia, Saigontourist Travel Service Company is launching new tours of the Mekong Delta |
|
| |