TENTATIVE BUSINESS AGENDA
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.
JANUARY
National Year of Tourism 2012
Who: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
When: From January to December
Where: Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien-Hue
How: Some highlights of the National Year of Tourism 2012: Entrepreneurs and Vietnamese Culture Program, Vietnamese Musical Instruments Festival, Gastronomy of Central Vietnam Festival, National Drama Festival, International Orchestra Festival in Vietnam, Hue Festival 2012, Lotus Village Festival, Quang Tri – April Memories Festival.
Deadline extension for corporate income tax payments
Who: Ministry of Finance
When: From January 9
How: Manufacturing, processing, agro-forestry-fishery, apparel and footwear enterprises with over 300 workers in 2011 will get the deadline for corporate income tax payment extended for one year starting from January 9.
Tet Flower Festival
When: Jan. 18-28
Where: Quoc Te Square and Tao Dan Park in Dist. 1, HCMC
How: Highlights include 14 flower and bonsai display areas, lion dances, human chess, martial arts, circus, calligraphy and music performances. There are also Tet flower markets at September 23 Park in Dist. 1, Gia Dinh Park in Go Vap Dist., Le Van Tam Park in Dist. 1 and 56 other places around the city from Jan. 16-22.
FEBRUARY
Afternoon trading at HoSE
Who: The Hochiminh Stock Exchange (HoSE)
When: From February
How: The market will start trading from 9:00 a.m., instead of 8:30 a.m. as currently, and will have an afternoon session from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Put-through deals are allowed from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Hoi An Day in HCMC 2012
Who: Hoi An Center for Culture and Sports
When: Feb. 10 and 11
Where: Ky Hoa, 16A Le Hong Phong St., Dist. 10, HCMC
How: There will be exhibitions of pictures and documents on Hoi An: Past and Present, Fatherland Memory and Tran Quy Cap School, Hoi An – 60-year Path; Hoi An Ancient Town Night in the early 20th century; calligraphy and pottery display, and tourism and service promotion activities.
ProPak Vietnam 2012
Who: Bangkok Exhibition Services and VCCI Exhibition Services
When: From Feb. 29 to Mar. 2
Where: Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center, 799 Nguyen Van Linh St., Dist. 7, HCMC
How: The 7th International Processing, Filling and Packaging Exhibition and Conference for Vietnam attracts 285 participants from 28 countries. Businesses are from various sectors such as automation/drives and control/energy efficiency, bakery equipment, bar coding/printing and labeling, beverage/brewing technology, canning technology, filling, food ingredients/additives, etc.
MARCH
Visit of Belgian Crown Prince Philippe to Vietnam
When: March
How: Prince Philippe and a Belgian business delegation will visit Vietnam to sound out business opportunities. Capacity building, water management and governance are the core goals of the bilateral cooperation program between Belgium and Vietnam. New and emerging challenges such as climate change, quality of human resources, development of a green economy and gender disparities are also addressed.
VIFA 2012
Who: Handicraft & Wood Industry Association of HCMC
When: Mar. 11-14
Where: Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center, 799 Nguyen Van Linh St., Dist. 7, HCMC
How: Vietnam International Furniture & Home Accessories Fair 2012 attracts domestic and foreign manufacturers and suppliers of imitation antique furniture, indoor and outdoor furniture, handicrafts, hospitality furniture, interior furnishing and accessories, etc. There are also meetings for exhibitors and buyers.
Ildex Vietnam 2012
Who: N.C.C. Exhibition Organizer Co. (Thailand), Livestock Department (the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) and Minh Vi Exhibition & Advertisement Services Co.
When: Mar. 22-24
Where: Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center, 799 Nguyen Van Linh St., Dist. 7, HCMC
How: International Livestock and Dairy Expo (ILDEX) is held in three agricultural countries — Vietnam, India and China. It attracts domestic and foreign producers of pig farming equipment, feed, feed ingredients, dairy farming, animal health and pharmaceutical products. There are meetings among exhibitors and visitors.
Earth Hour 2012
When: 8:30 p.m., Mar. 31
How: Joining Earth Hour by turning off electric devices. People can access the website www.earthhour.org to update information and offer suggestions about energy saving.
APRIL
Festival Hue 2012
Who: Hue City People’s Committee
When: Apr. 7-15
Where: Hue City and scenic spots
How: Themed “Cultural heritage in the context of development and integration” the festival welcomes cultural and artistic troupes from many countries. Apart from regular programs reflecting Hue’s culture, the Royal Night and áo dài festivals will serve as the centerpieces. Community programs will be held to attract the participation of locals and tourists. Special programs highlighting the 325th anniversary of Nguyen Phuc Khanh’s establishment of the capital of Dang Trong in Hue will be held.
Danang International Fireworks Competition 2012 (DIFC 2012)
When: Apr. 30
Where: Han River
How: Apart from the host team of Danang City, DIFC 2012 themed “Colorful Danang” features champions of the last four competitions. They are the Italian team from Parente Co., champion of DIFC 2011; the French team from Jacques Couturier Organization, champion of DIFC 2010; the Chinese team from Liuyang Dancing Group, champion of DIFC 2009; and the Canadian team from David Whysall Co., champion of DIFC 2008.
Van Phong Oil Terminal commissioned
Who: Vietnam National Petroleum Corp., Petrolimex
When: April
Where: Van Phong, Khanh Hoa Province
How: The 29-tank and 505,000-cubic-meter Van Phong bonded oil terminal will be capable of storing 230,000 cubic meters of gas oil, 125,000 cubic meters of gasoline and 150,000 cubic meters of fuel oil. The facility will have four jetties and be able to accommodate vessels of up to 150,000 tons.
National survey on business, administrative establishments
Who: Minister of Planning and Investment and General Statistics Office
When: April
How: Survey respondents include administrative offices, religious institutions, foreign enterprises’ brands and representative offices, non-profit organizations and business establishments except those operating in agriculture, aquaculture and forestry. The previous three surveys were held in 1995, 2002 and 2007. The survey will collect background information about the establishments, their employment, operation, assets and liability, and information technology application.
LifeStyle Vietnam 2012
Who: Vietnam Handicraft Co.
When: Apr. 18-21
Where: Tan Binh Exhibition and Convention Center, 446 Hoang Van Thu St., Tan Binh Dist., HCMC
How: Exhibition of home décor and handicrafts, indoor and outdoor furniture, houseware, home textiles and embroidery, gifts and ethnic items, etc.
MAY
Minimum wage rise
When: Since May 1
How: The National Assembly Standing Committee has agreed to increase the minimum wage as of May 1. Public servants will enjoy a 25% increase in work-related allowances. Pension and allowances for people with special contribution will rise as much as the minimum wage. The Government plans to spend VND59.3 trillion restructuring wages in 2012.
Vietnam History Museum built
Who: Ministry of Construction, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Ministry of Planning and Investment
When: May
Where: West Lake in Hanoi
How: Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai has requested three ministries to join forces to construct the Vietnam History Museum in May and complete the construction in May 2015. The museum will have indoor and outdoor exhibition areas.
Danang International Paramotor Competition 2012
Who: Danang People’s Committee, Japan’s AiREA Consulting Co., Japan Air Sports Federation and CATI Convention and Advertising Co.
When: From May 30 to Jun. 3
Where: Beaches in Danang City
How: Danang plans to attract 50-70 professional competitors from Japan, Argentina, Britain, France, the U.S., Korea, China and Japan. The city is seeking a professional team to represent Vietnam to join the competition. The city will mobilize some VND14 billion from private capital sources to organize the event.
JUNE
Saigon International Autotech & Accessories Show
Who: Asia Trade Fair and Business Promotion Co., Chanchao International Co. and Yorkers Trade & Marketing Service Co.
When: From May 31 to June 3
Where: Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center, 799 Nguyen Van Linh St., Dist. 7, HCMC
How: Displays of cars, motorbikes, buses, trucks and accessories, auto and motor parts, lubricants, insurance and banking services, and LNG, CNG, LPG technologies.
Support for Vietnamese Agent Orange (AO) victims
Who: South Korea’s MBC Television
When: June
How: MBC will bear all expenses incurred when 80 Vietnamese AO victims come to South Korea for medical checkups in June, said MBC General Director Kim Jae Cheul when working with the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange /Dioxin (VAVA) in Hanoi on October 26, 2011. From 2013, MBC will annually invite top doctors and health experts from large Korean hospitals to provide medical checkups and treatment for AO victims in Vietnam.
JULY
Collecting fees for road maintenance
Who: Ministry of Transport
When: July at the latest
How: The ministry plans to collect fees directly from motorbikes and cars. It plans to collect VND8-10 trillion every year to finance road maintenance.
The 97th World Congress Esperanto
When: From July 28 to Aug. 4
Where: Hanoi
How: The World Congress Esperanto, organized yearly by the World Esperanto Association, which has members in 121 countries, is entitled “Esperanto — Bridge for Friendship, Peace and Development” in 2012. It expects to attract 1,000-1,700 delegates from 60 countries. Highlights are Vietnam Day and activities to promote the Vietnamese culture. The Diary of Dang Thuy Tram in Esperanto will also be published at the event.
Shoes & Leather Vietnam 2012
Who: Top Repute Co. and Vietnam Leather and Footwear Association
When: July 19-21
Where: Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center, 799 Nguyen Van Linh St., Dist. 7, HCMC
How: The 14th International Shoes & Leather Exhibition Vietnam showcases machinery and equipment, products, materials, systems and technology in the shoes and leather production.
AUGUST
Electric bicycle world tour back to Vietnam
Who: Mr. Guim Valls Teruel from Spain
How: The electric cyclist started the Electric Bicycle World Tour in June 2009 in Beijing in support of a future with less reliance on traditional combustion engines, better energy conservation and greater waste reduction. He plans to travel through 75 countries on his electric bicycle to promote electric vehicles and clean energy. The tour is scheduled to end in August in Vietnam. Electric Bicycle World Tour information is updated on www.electricbicycleworldtour.com and videos are uploaded at http://vimeo.com.
Vietnam Medi-Pharm Expo
Who: Vietnam National Trade Fair
When: Aug. 24-27
Where: Tan Binh Exhibition & Convention Center, 446 Hoang Van Thu St., Tan Binh Dist., HCMC
How: Target sectors are laboratory technology, medical industry, pharmaceuticals, etc. Other fairs include Medical & Pharmaceutical Trade Fairs, Medical Industry Trade Shows, Pharmaceutical Trade Fairs and Trade Fairs for Laboratory Technology.
SEPTEMBER
ITE HCMC 2012
Who: HCMC Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism
When: Sept. 13-15
Where: Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center, 799 Nguyen Van Linh St., Dist. 7, HCMC
How: The expo this year is themed “Cambodia-Laos-Myanmar-Vietnam, Four Countries One Destination” and aims to maximize tourism advantages in the Mekong region. The event introduces tourism services and products of Vietnam and countries where the Mekong River passes by, includes seminars on linking the tourism industries of these countries and honors best local and foreign travel enterprises.
Elenex Vietnam 2012
Who: Hong Kong Exhibition Services Ltd. and VCCI Exhibition Service Co.
When: Sept. 19-21
Where: Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center, 799 Nguyen Van Linh St., Dist. 7, HCMC
How: Highlights include Power & Renewable Energy Vietnam 2012, Architecture Building M&E Vietnam 2012, and Industrial Automation Vietnam 2012.
OCTOBER
Eden complex put into operation
Who: Vingroup
When: In October
Where: Dist. 1, HCMC
How: The Vincom A commercial center, hotel and underground park complex with total area of over 8,000 square meters – part of Eden complex – will open in October.
HCMC Expo 2012
Who: HCM City Department of Industry and Trade and Handicrafts and Wood Industry Association of HCMC
When: Oct. 6-10
Where: Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center, 799 Nguyen Van Linh St., Dist. 7, HCMC
How: The 12th HCMC International Furniture and Handicrafts Fair 2012 displays interior decoration, indoor-outdoor furniture, furniture material accessories, traditional handicrafts and bamboo and rattan furniture.
The 4th ASEM Labor and Employment Ministers’ Conference
Who: Vietnamese Government
When: Oct. 1-31
Where: Hanoi
How: The conference is entitled “Social protection and employment – a key to inclusive growth.”
Vietnam Plas 2012
Who: Vietnam National Trade Fair & Advertising Co., Yorkers Trade & Marketing Service Co., Paper Communication Exhibition Services and Shenzhen Mass Exhibition Co.
When: Oct. 24-27
Where: Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center, 799 Nguyen Van Linh St., Dist. 7, HCMC
How: The 11th Vietnam International Plastic & Rubber Industry Exhibition features equipment for injection and blow molding, recycling, semi-finished products and technical parts, rubber and synthetic fiber, adhesives, fillers, etc.
NOVEMBER
The 4th International Circus Festival 2012
Who: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
When: In November
Where: Hanoi
VTG 2012
Who: Vietnam National Trade Fair & Advertising Joint Stock Co., Yorkers Trade & Marketing Service Co., Paper Communication Exhibition Services and Shenzhen Mass Exhibition Co.
When: Nov. 19-22
Where: Tan Binh International Exhibition & Convention Center, 446 Hoang Van Thu St., Tan Binh Dist., HCMC
How: The 12th Vietnam International Textile & Garment Exhibition displays textile machinery, apparel machinery and labeling machines, among others.
DECEMBER
V.I. Trade Expo
Who: Vietnam Trade Fair and Advertising Co. (Vinexad)
When: Dec. 1-4
Where: Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center, 799 Nguyen Van Linh St., Dist. 7, HCMC
How: The 9th Vietnam International Trade Fair in HCMC displays machinery and equipment, agricultural products and food processing, construction, electrical products, electronics, services, handicrafts and fashion. It expects to welcome 400 enterprises from 15 countries and territories.