Focus: Beyond expectations: Vietnam and Indonesia have enjoyed a strong bilateral relationship with time-tested values. The two countries have successfully exceeded their target by 2023, with US$14 billion in bilateral trade. In an interview with The Saigon Times, Denny Abdi, Ambassador of Indonesia to Vietnam, shared his insights into the new heights of strategic partnership between the two countries.
Inside Vietnam
Putting FDI Decline In Check: The process of trade and investment restructuring worldwide has gathered pace amidst the economic recession induced by the Covid-19 pandemic. Against this background, foreign direct investment (FDI) has dwindled. Vietnam, though having seen the slowing flow of FDI this year, is still viewed as an attractive investment destination, and therefore can expect a strong rebound in the coming time.
Riding On Rocky Roads: Any hope for improving business conditions by midyear has faded due to dismal demand in main markets and macroeconomic instability.
Shortage, But Abundance: Despite looming concerns over a shortage of electricity this summer, many completed wind and solar power projects have yet to be connected to the national grid, given protracted pricing problems.
Business
Navigating Monetary Policy Amid Economic Turmoil: Exercising prudence in navigating monetary policy has become more critical than ever as recession risks, escalating inflation, slow global trade growth and a banking crisis in the U.S. are biting into the global economy.
Worker Shortage Sparks Concerns: Besides limited technological capability, Vietnamese mechanical engineering enterprises are upset about their trained workers leaving for foreign-invested companies or searching for opportunities to work abroad in labor cooperation programs. Meanwhile, the number of fresh technical and mechanical engineering graduates remains low and they would have to be retrained if employed.
Living
Giving Vietnam A Taste Of Hawaii: Ryan Tsutsui, a Hawaiian food store owner in HCMC for six years, has merged Hawaiian and Vietnamese flavors, contributing to the country’s thriving food culture. Hibachi Takeaway Restaurant, located at 655/2 Doan Van Bo Street, District 4, HCMC, is a place where the spirit of aloha can be found in Vietnamese dishes.
Lotus In Blooming Season: Come summer, and it’s lotus blooming season in the 650-year-old La Chu Village, bedecked in pink and white.
Travel
Conquering Duong Cam Waterfall In One Day: Situated in the Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong Nature Reserve, the Duong Cam Waterfall only adds to the vivid and majestic natural beauty of Quang Binh.
Enjoying Avocado Ice Cream In Chilly Weather: Considered one of the best delicacies in Dalat, avocado ice cream is a must-try dish for travelers visiting the foggy city of Dalat.
