Focus: The Live Commerce Boom: Although it accounts for just 5% of total revenue, live commerce is shaking up the market and capturing the interest of consumers in Vietnam.
Inside Vietnam
For The Benefit Of Farmers: National Assembly deputies have debated the possible implications of a 5% value-added tax (VAT) on fertilizers. They argue that while the tax could boost business competitiveness and profit, and increase budget revenue, it would burden farmers. Conversely, applying a 0% VAT would protect farmers from price hikes but would necessitate offsetting the budget by VND1,500 billion per year. Deputies urge the National Assembly and the Government to prioritize the interests of farmers.
Uncertainties Over Rice Exports: After a promising end to last year, Vietnam’s rice export prices have been declining since early this year. Will this decline reverse in the months ahead?
Credit Growth Trajectory: The credit growth trajectory in the first six months of this year shows many similarities to the same period of last year, characterized by slow growth.
Business
Seeking Opportunities For Portfolio Restructuring: With market corrections looming, investors are increasingly cautious. However, this presents an opportunity for restructuring portfolios by targeting industry groups and companies with strong performance in the first half of this year and promising prospects for the second half.
Short-haul Travel Turns Trendy: Tourist behavior has shifted, with many families and groups of friends now preferring destinations near to home.
Living
Embracing Imperfections: The Vietnamese language has earned a reputation as one of the most challenging to master, causing many learners to take breaks due to its intricate tonal system, which mirrors the ups and downs of life quite literally. In a conversation with The Saigon Times, DAVID WANN, an American ESL teacher in Taiwan, shares his cheerful adventure into mastering Vietnamese. He highlights that finding joy may lie in embracing our imperfections, accepting and learning from our mistakes in tones, pronunciation, and vocabulary.
A Village With Rich Cultural Offerings: Quynh Son community-based tourism and cultural village is nestled in Bac Quynh Commune, Bac Son District, Lang Son Province. This charming village is home to over 400 households, predominantly Tay ethnic people, who reside in south-facing architectural stilt houses. Visitors are especially enchanted by the ripe rice seasons in July and October. Climbing to the top of Na Lay Mountain offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Quynh Son valley, where the rice fields form a giant, picturesque natural landscape.
Travel
Exploring Puong Cave In Bac Kan Province: Located within Ba Be National Park in Bac Kan Province, Puong Cave captivates visitors with its pristine beauty and an array of stalactites and stalagmites in various shapes and colors. This natural wonder is a testament to the enchanting landscapes of northern Vietnam.
A Savory Delight: Northern Sticky Rice: The northern sticky rice (xoi bac) combines soft, chewy sticky rice with savory braised pork belly, creating a balance of rich flavors that makes it an ideal breakfast dish.
