Focus: Inflation Still Lukking: In order to achieve GDP growth of 8% or higher this year, the central bank will continue to target credit expansion of around 16% and keep interest rates low enough to support the economy. However, exchange rate and inflationary pressures remain, even though the falling commodity prices and the weakening U.S. dollar are helping to somewhat ease these pressures.
Inside Vietnam
Digital Asset Management: Strict And Timely: The development of digital assets, including digital currencies, in Vietnam would accelerate when regulatory frameworks are established to harness their potential while mitigating risks. This initiative aligns with Vietnam’s ambition to become a global financial hub, fostering comprehensive financial growth and attracting foreign investors. The Saigon Times spoke with Dr. Pham Nguyen Anh Huy, senior lecturer in finance and co-founder of the Fintech-Crypto Center at RMIT Vietnam University, and Associate Professor Nguyen Thanh Binh, senior dean for business on blockchain and co-founder of the Fintech-Crypto Center, RMIT Vietnam University, to discuss this topic.
Bridging The Gap: Traditional assets in tokenized form are expected to reach a staggering US$16 trillion by 2030, with millions of people already holding digital assets. Against this backdrop, regulators are being urged to introduce a legal framework for digital assets and cryptocurrencies to safeguard investors and prevent asset losses.
Dealing With New U.S. Tariff Policies: Continuous and abrupt changes in tariffs since U.S. President Donald Trump was re-elected for a second term have placed Vietnamese businesses on edge.
Business
Industrial Park Stocks Surge: Industrial park stocks continued growing robustly in the first two months of this year, emerging as one of the leading industry groups on the market.
Prodezi Eco-Industrial Park Holding Infrastructure Groundbreaking Ceremony: Prodezi Long An Joint Stock Company (Prodezi) and Huong Viet Investment Consulting Joint Stock Company (Huong Viet Holding) on Monday held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Prodezi Eco- Industrial Park (Prodezi EIP) in Long An Province, marking a milestone in the region’s push for sustainable industrial development.
Living
Vietnamese Smiles Are So Genuine And Welcoming: Julia James first visited Vietnam 15 years ago as a backpacker, instantly falling in love with the country’s vibrant energy and warm hospitality. Now, as the partner of the New Zealand Consul General in HCMC, she has come full circle, working with her husband, Scott James, to strengthen diplomatic ties between New Zealand and Vietnam. Through her involvement with the Consular Club, Julia has also become a quiet yet impactful advocate for local communities, driving charitable initiatives that leave a lasting mark.
HCMC Through A Photographic Journey: A father and son duo have embarked on a photography project documenting daily life in HCMC, offering a rich visual narrative of the metropolis as the city marks the 50th anniversary of the liberation of south Vietnam and the reunification of the nation.
Travel
Shimmering Lights Upon Long Dien Salt Fields: Nestled in Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province, the Long Dien salt fields are not only one of Vietnam’s largest salt-producing areas but also a mesmerizing attraction for visitors and photographers eager to capture the timeless craft of salt farming.
Muong Fish Balls: A Flavorful Delicacy From Danang: Muong fish, much like other freshwater varieties, has a naturally sweet and firm flesh that lends itself to a variety of dishes. Among them, cha ca Muong, or Muong fish ball, stands out as a delectable treat.
