Focus: Behind Forex Intervention: In response to the recent appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Vietnam dong, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) announced it would sell spot foreign currency to meet market demand. Why did the central bank employ this policy at this time and is it enough to calm the market?
Inside Vietnam
Risk Looms As Lending Accelerates: Since the beginning of the year, credit growth has shown signs of recovery as demand for loans has improved across various sectors. However, this growth has been accompanied by an increase in bad debt, and the Vietnamese economy is facing a myriad of challenges given ongoing global geopolitical tensions.
A Different Perspective On Temu: “The direct competition from foreign goods, particularly from China or larger economies, in Vietnam’s domestic market is inevitable. The best strategy is to bring Vietnamese goods to the global stage,” said Dr. Huynh Thanh Dien from Nguyen Tat Thanh University in an interview with The Saigon Times.
Tan Hiep Phat Gives Scholarships To Students: Riding on its path in Hau Giang Province, the “Connecting Love – Supporting Steps to School” scholarship program of Tan Hiep Phat Beverage Group has reached Binh Duong Province, awarding 200 scholarships and gifts to students with disadvantaged backgrounds.
Business
Cash Outflow Sparks Concerns: The Vietnamese stock market saw a steep decline in October, driven by a major cash outflow after multiple unsuccessful attempts to break through the 1,300-point threshold on the VN-Index. The continued trend of cash withdrawals could push the market even lower.
Culinary Artistry Shines: “I am thrilled to be here, and yes, the competition level is exceptionally high!” exclaimed Cherry Le Thi Kieu Oanh, president of the Vietnam Pastry Alliance and a Chef-Judge at the International Food Service & Hospitality Fair FHA-HoReCa 2024, held at the Singapore Expo from October 22-25.
Living
Cleaning Up The Ocean: Dao Dang Cong Trung grew up in the small coastal village of Cam Thanh in Hoi An, a place where the sea is more than just scenery—it is a source of dreams and possibilities.
Exploring Pottery Village In Hoi An: Thanh Ha pottery village, a renowned cultural site with over 500 years of heritage, is located along the Thu Bon River in Thanh Ha Ward, approximately two kilometers west of Hoi An’s center. The village has sustained its pottery craft since the 16th century, producing items integral to daily life, including bowls, plates, jars, vases, and furnishing items.
Travel
Trekking To Lomburr Peak In Lam Dong: Perched at 1,900 meters above sea level, Lomburr Peak in Lam Dong Province beckons nature lovers and adventurers alike. With its unspoiled beauty and tranquil seclusion, the peak offers breathtaking mountain vistas, a blend of temperate pine forests and tropical jungles, and mesmerizing scenes of clouds drifting over the summits.
Young Banana & Fermented Rice: A Taste Of Mekong Delta: Sliced young banana with fermented rice, known as chuoi chat cham com me, combines a symphony of flavors—sour, bitter, sweet, and spicy—that offers a true taste of the Mekong Delta region while providing a range of health benefits.
