Focus: Should Individual Access To Corporate Bonds Be Regulated? The latest draft of a law that amends seven finance-related laws is more accommodative than the earlier drafts, as it allows professional individual investors to buy, trade, and transfer privately issued corporate bonds in certain cases. However, there remain opposing views on this matter.
Inside Vietnam
Consumption Remains Weak: Vietnam has been able to maintain high GDP growth but consumer spending has remained weak.
Current Strengths And Future Needs: Vietnam’s semiconductor industry should leverage its unique strengths to move towards self-sufficiency and meet domestic demand for applications that do not require high-cost, state-of-the-art chips, said Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Mai Khanh, senior manager at Marvell Vietnam, in an interview with The Saigon Times.
Expanding E-commerce Market: Vietnam’s e-commerce market is expected to amount to US$14.7 billion in 2024, with mid- range products making up a majority of sales. By 2029, the market is projected to expand to US$23.77 billion, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.9% from 2024 to 2029. Given this growth, the entry of new platforms like Temu is hardly surprising.
Seeking More Catalysts To Go Green: Vietnam’s huge renewable energy potential is attracting increasing interest from foreign investors, creating new growth opportunities in the sector. However, business leaders said that the sector will require a transparent legal framework and advanced technologies.
Business
Potential Investment Opportunities: The recent Q3 corporate earnings report season presents a promising outlook, with many companies achieving substantial profits and even meeting their full-year targets. However, despite these positive financials, many of their stock prices remain under pressure due to the broader market downturn. This disconnect could offer a strategic opportunity for investors.
Korean Perspectives On Central Vietnam: Kang Boo Sung, consul general of South Korea in Danang City, discusses how Danang and its neighboring provinces in central Vietnam can attract Korean investors, particularly in high-tech industries.
Living
Brewing Up A Stir: In HCMC, where culinary innovation is boundless, a surprising creation is sparking conversation at the inaugural Fish Sauce Festival: fish sauce coffee. This daring blend of rich Vietnamese coffee and savory fish sauce has captured the curiosity of festival-goers.
Vibrant Blooms On Flower Fields: Located 25 kilometers from Dalat, The Florest is the largest ecological tourism area in the region, nestled within pine and primeval forests. This rich and diverse ecosystem truly lives up to its description as a “convergence of a thousand flowers.”
Travel
Conquering Lung Cung Peak In Northern Vietnam: Standing proudly at 2,913 meters above sea level, Lung Cung is one of northern Vietnam’s tallest mountains, offering breathtaking scenery and an escape into nature’s tranquility. This majestic peak draws trekking enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Spicy Beef Rice Noodles: A Bac Lieu Specialty: Bac Lieu is known for more than its charming, straightforward locals; it also boasts a rich culinary heritage. Among its standout dishes, spicy beef rice noodles hold a special place as a daily favorite for locals and a must-try for visitors exploring the region.
