The five are Vietnam Railway Corporation (VRC), Vietnam National Shipping Lines (Vinalines), Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (SBIC), Vietnam Expressway Corporation (VEC), and Cuu Long Corporation for Investment Development and Project Management of Infrastructure (Cuu Long CIPM).

As for VRC, the ministry has plans to merge Saigon Railway Transport JSC and Hanoi Railway Transport JSC into a single concern.

However, certain divisions will be separated from the consolidated firm, including employees, capital and assets, to set up a joint stock company trading in rail freight transport. When the company operates smoothly, all the State capital at this company will be divested while State ownership at VRC will be reduced to 51%.

Regarding Vinalines, the Ministry of Transport has submitted the PM an equitization plan for the corporation. To cut losses, Vinalines is told to combine with other large groups such as Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin), Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PVN), Hoa Phat Steel JSC and Vissai Ninh Binh to secure enough goods for transport.

Vinalines will also have to liquidate old vessels that no longer operate effectively. The corporation last year managed to sell six 125,000-ton aging vessels, and its current fleet still comprises 91 ships with a combined tonnage of over 1.8 million tons.

It will hold 65% of chartered capital in three key ports, namely Haiphong, Danang and Saigon, and will maintain its ownership of 49% at Khuyen Luong Port JSC and 51% at Nghe Tinh and Can Tho Port JSCs.

As of 2017, Vinalines has divested State capital from 39 enterprises, including complete divestment from 31 enterprises, fetching VND2.4 trillion (US$105.6 million), and earning profit of VND360 billion.

The corporation also settled nearly VND6.6 trillion in debts including over VND1 trillion of principal at the Vietnam Development Bank (VDB) and paid debts totaling VND5.6 trillion. As of 2017, Vinalines still owes VND14.7 trillion.

Vinalines was initially scheduled to go public at the end of June this year but its specific equitization plan has not been approved. Although the corporation has negotiated with Rent A Port and Deep C as potential strategic investors, but none have registered to buy Vinalines shares as the cap of 30% of chartered capital is not attractive enough.

SBIC will restructure its workforce, finance and production and business administration this year, focusing on the last one to reduce products’ prices to improve its competitiveness.

Meanwhile, VEC will continue recovering capital invested in five expressway projects which have been put into operation. The firm will also mobilize capital for the medium-term public investment plan.

Cuu Long CIPM has divested the entire State capital from Can Tho Bridge JSC and reduced the State ownership at 715 Joint Stock Company to 65%.

Delta region’economic growth slows down

Economic growth in the Mekong Delta region has been slowing, despite achievements in some fields like transport infrastructure construction, heard a review meeting of the Steering Committee for the Southwest Region held on February 5.

A report of the committee showed that the region obtained annual growth of 11.7% in 2001-2010 before the tempo slowed to 8.55% in 2011-2015. Last year, however, the region’s growth rate was 7.39%, compared to 2016 growth of 6.9%.

The report did not tell why economic growth of the region has slowed down. However, at a conference organized in Can Tho City last July, slowing economic growth was attributed to the declining agricultural sector of the region.

In particular, at this conference, Vo Hung Dung, the then director of the Can Tho branch of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), said agriculture of the region grew by around 6% before 2014, but only 3% in 2014-2015 and 0.6% in 2016. Such figures are proportional to the economic growth rates as aforementioned.

While the region’s agricultural growth was recorded at 2.77% last year and 0.6% in 2016, its economic growth was 7.39% and 6.9% respectively. It can be seen that fluctuations of the agricultural sector have impacted on the region’s economy.

With the decline in agricultural production, localities relying on agriculture have posted low growth rates, Dung noted. Dung’s remarks accord with data of the committee.

For instance, with agriculture contributing VND10.02 trillion, industries VND3.65 trillion, and trade-services VND9.93 trillion, Bac Lieu Province recorded economic growth of only 6.5% last year.

Meanwhile, Long An Province’s economy grew by 9.53% last year, when its agriculture generated VND12.77 trillion, the lowest among the three sectors compared to the manufacturing sector’s VND29.275 trillion and trade-services revenue of VND19.902 trillion.

It then seems fair to say that local economic development, if depending too much on agriculture, would find it hard to make breakthroughs. Therefore, it is necessary to research into economic development strategies for the region in the coming time.

Addressing the meeting on February 5 reviewing the committee’s activities of last year and the past 15 years, standing deputy head of the committee Son Minh Thang said that the region has made breakthroughs in logistics and transport infrastructure besides proposing many policies concerning regional connectivity.

The Politburo earlier decided to terminate the operations of the steering committees for the northwest, Central Highlands and southwest regions.

Thang of the Steering Committee for Southwest Regions said activities of his committee will end this quarter.

Local giants offer to fund Hanoi metro line studies

Leading Vietnamese real estate conglomerates Vingroup and T&T Group will conduct pre-feasibility studies for three urban railway projects in Hanoi City if a proposal of the capital city receives approval from the central Government, news website VnEconomy reports.

The Government Office has asked the Vietnam Railways Corporation, and relevant ministries and agencies for feedback on the proposal for Vingroup and T&T to finance pre-feasibility and feasibility studies for new metro lines under the build-transfer investment format.

Many investors have expressed interest in developing the projects after a master plan for urban railways in Hanoi was made public lately. However, only Vingroup and T&T Group registered to take part, according to the municipal government.

In particular, Vingroup wants to build two metro routes – the 38.4-kilometer line No.5 linking Van Cao with Hoa Lac and the 5.9-kilometer line No.2 between Tran Hung Dao and Thuong Dinh.

Meanwhile, T&T Group is keen on metro line No.4 connecting Me Linh, Sai Dong and Lien Ha, and stretching 54 kilometers in length.

Both investors pledged they would use their own finances to study the feasibility of the projects, and hand over pre-feasibility and feasibility studies to the city government and other investors free of charge, in case they are not chosen as main investors.

If selected as investors, they would add expenses incurred for the studies into the total costs of the projects.

The municipal government stressed in case of approval, the investors would be urged to hire experienced and capable foreign consultants to make the studies as scheduled.

As the railway projects are of great national importance, they are expected to be submitted to Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc for consideration and the National Assembly for approval later this year.

According to the master plan for transport infrastructure in Hanoi City until 2030 with a vision to 2050, the city will have 10 urban railways of 417.8 kilometers in length which costs an estimated US$40.05 billion.

The 10 lines are Line No.1 (Ngoc Hoi-Yen Vien-Nhu Quynh), No.2 (Noi Bai-Thuong Dinh-Buoi), No.2A (Cat Linh-Ha Dong-Xuan Mai), No.3 (Troi-Nhon-Yen So), No.4 (Me Linh-Sai Dong-Lien Ha), No.5 (Van Cao-Hoa Lac), No.6 (Noi Bai-Ngoc Hoi), No.7 (Me Linh-Ha Dong), No.8 (Son Dong-Mai Dich-Duong Xa), and No.9 (Son Tay-Hoa Lac-Xuan Mai).

Cushman & Wakefield forecasts Grade-A office rent to rise 20% in 2018

Office rents in HCMC could rise 20% in some Grade A properties this year, according to the 2018 Asia Pacific Forecast report by global real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield.

The office sector in HCMC will see its vacancy rate fall to ultra-low levels, pushing rents to highs not seen since 2009, news website VnExpress reports, citing the real estate services provider.

Therefore, Cushman & Wakefield estimates that this could lead to an increase of up to 20% for some Grade A properties this year. As a result, this will have a dampening effect on leasing transactions as limited space is available.

The real estate services provider stresses that this vacancy pressure will continue into late 2019 so tenants will need forthright strategies and creative solutions in order to avert serious increases in rent.

Similarly, the Central Business District (CBD) market in Hanoi City which is now frozen in terms of new development, will see faster rent growth and low vacancy, and thus likely push some occupiers to explore the west and midtown areas of Hanoi, where more affordable, brand-new options are abundant, according to the report.

Meanwhile, other property services providers like CBRE, Savills and Jones Lang LaSalle project office rents in HCMC will rise by 5-7% on an annual basis.

Moody’s positive about bad debt settlement in local banks

Some Vietnamese banks have made meaningful progress in the settlement of legacy problem assets, which has helped improve banks’ asset quality and removes a drag on their profitability, according to Moody’s Investors Service.

Moody’s says in its latest Credit Outlook released on Monday that the Asia Commercial Bank (ACB) has recently published its full-year 2017 results including a full write-down of bonds issued by the Vietnam Asset Management Company (VAMC).

Earlier, the Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam (Vietcombank), the Vietnam Technological and Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Techcombank), and the Military Commercial Joint Stock Commercial Bank successfully wrote down their VAMC bond exposures from their balance sheets in the fourth quarter of 2017. As a result, these banks no longer have to set aside a 20% annual provision cost.

Moody’s notes that asset quality at many local banks stabilized last year, helped by healthy macroeconomic conditions. Banks’ profitability also improved as higher-yielding retail loans increased, enabling them to allocate higher provisioning expenses to write off their VAMC bonds ahead of schedule.

Notably, since the National Assembly’s Resolution 42/2017/QH14 on settlement of non-performing loans (NPLs) at credit institutions came into force in August 2017, VAMC and local banks have rapidly repossessed collateral in the event of a borrower default.

In other words, the resolution has allowed banks to be more active in managing bad debt. As a result, the total stock of VAMC bonds at rated banks decreased in 2017, the first decline since the establishment of VAMC.

Although asset risks remain elevated for some banks owing to their large legacy problematic exposures, Moody’s predicts that local banks are on a positive track toward resolving their bad debt.

Given a favorable macroeconomic environment and the help of new laws like Resolution 42, other rated banks are also likely to make progress in resolving legacy problem assets over the next 12 to 18 months, Moody’s forecasts.

Generally, with improved profitability, banks are now capable of increasing credit provisions and building up buffers against problem assets. At this pace, more banks are likely to fully write down their VAMC bond holdings by the end of this year, according to the agency.

Set up in July 2013, VAMC has a policy mandate to take over bad debts that had plagued Vietnamese banks in prior years and to manage recovery work.

The company takes NPLs off banks’ balance sheets in exchange for special bonds it issues. The VAMC bonds do not carry interest, and banks have to recognize losses related to the NPLs effectively, as they provision for the VAMC bonds over either five or 10 years, so these assets add to credit costs and hurt profitability.

Alternatively, if VAMC succeeds in recovering a bank’s transferred NPLs, any recovered value can be transferred back to the bank. However, the cumulative NPL recovery rate by VAMC has been low at approximately 20%.

Through this mechanism, banks have been able to lower their reported NPL ratios, but they can only truly resolve bad debts through a full write-down or cash recovery of the VAMC bonds.

Ministries to set RON95 petrol base price

The Ministries of Industry-Trade and Finance have proposed monitoring the supply and consumption of RON95 gasoline in the first quarter of 2018 to set its base price, according to a report on fuel price adjustment sent to the Government by the Finance Ministry.

Since early February 2017, domestic fuel prices have been adjusted four times. All the adjustments ensured flexibility and struck a balance between traders and consumers’ interests, according to news website Dan Tri.

Since Vietnam replaced RON92 gasoline with E5 bio-fuel early this year, RON95 gasoline consumption has increased significantly. However, the ministries have not set the base price for A95 gasoline, prompting public speculation that fuel price management is not transparent.

Therefore, the ministries are collecting data and information about the emissions standards, supply and consumption, import, costs, tax, and others to set the appropriate base price for RON95 gasoline.

The two ministries have also asked for the Government’s permission to use the fuel price stabilization fund flexibly to keep retail fuel prices stable before, during and after the Lunar New Year.

MWG to open six more BigPhone stores in Cambodia this year

Mobile World Investment Corporation (MWG), or The Gioi Di Dong, said it would open six more BigPhone stores in Cambodia’s capital of Phnom Penh this year, taking the total to 10.

On the occasion of a visit to a BigPhone store in Phnom Penh last weekend, MWG general director Ho Viet Dong said MWG has had four BigPhone stores in the city. The group will launch four more stores this month and two others by the end of this year.

Cambodian consumers favor genuine high-end smartphones with good warranty policies though prices of these products including import duties are higher.

BigPhone retail shops mainly sell mobile phones, tablets, accessories, SIM cards and pre-paid phone cards, and will diversify products in the coming time.

Cambodia has not had a mobile phone retail chain like BigPhone, so MWG will have more development opportunities there. In addition, BigPhone stores offer products of more diverse brands than mobile service providers in the neighboring country.

MWG opened its first BigPhone store in Cambodia in June last year. The 400-square-meter store, the first store of MWG in a foreign market, is expected to have monthly revenue of US$100,000.

US dollar devalued against đồng despite global rise

Domestic commercial banks on Thursday continued devaluing the US dollar against the Vietnamese đồng for the second consecutive session, despite a rise of the greenback in the global market.  

The decline was seen in the context of the country’s abundant dollar supply source, while having no demand pressure. Việt Nam’s foreign reserves hit record high of more than US$57 billion till February 6, according to the State Bank of Việt Nam (SBV)’s Governor Lê Minh Hưng.

State-owned Vietcombank on Thursday listed the dollar at VNĐ22,650 and VNĐ22,720 for buying and selling, respectively, down VNĐ10 against the previous day and VNĐ25 from Monday.

BIDV also cut the buying and selling rate by VNĐ25 and VNĐ15 to quote the dollar at VNĐ22,650 and VNĐ22,730, respectively, while the decreasing rate at Vietinbank is VNĐ9 to VNĐ22,652 for buying and VNĐ22,722 for selling.

The same move was also seen at joint stock commercial banks, with a decrease of VNĐ15-25 per dollar.

ACB devalued the dollar by VNĐ20 against the previous day to VNĐ22,650 for buying and VNĐ22,720 for selling, while Techcombank listed it at VNĐ22,650 and VNĐ22,740 for buying and selling, respectively.

The SBV on Thursday also set the daily reference exchange rate at VNĐ22,435 per dollar, down by VNĐ10 from the previous day.

With the current trade band of +/- 3 per cent, the ceiling rate applied to commercial banks during the day is VNĐ23,108 and the floor rate is VNĐ21,762.

In the global market, the dollar was supported after a budget deal in Washington, rising against a broad range of currencies. US congressional leaders reached a two-year budget deal on Wednesday to raise government spending by some US$300 billion. The dollar index rose to a two-week high of 90.403 on Wednesday and last stood at 90.251.

HAG and its agribusiness unit face probable delisting

The HCM Stock Exchange has warned Hoàng Anh Gia Lai JSC (HAG) and its agribusiness arm, Hoàng Anh Gia Lai Agricultural JSC (HNG), of probable delisting if they fail to submit the financial statements for 2017.

In the warning issued on February 7, the southern exchange said HAG and HNG had not submitted their audited financial statements for FY2015 and FY2016 (consolidated and of parent companies).

Decree 58/2012/NĐ-CP stipulates that securities of a company will be removed from listing if the company delays the submission of financial statements for three consecutive years.

On February 6, HAG and HNG sent documents to the HCM  Stock Exchange requesting an extension in the date to submit their financial statements.

The two bodies are required to submit the quarterly financial statements within 30 days from the last day of the quarter, reviewed semi-annual financial statements within 60 days from the last day of the first six months of the fiscal year and audited annual financial statements within 100 days from the last day of the fiscal year.

Their requests, however, will be reviewed by the State Securities Commission.

Shares of both HAG and HNG dropped by the maximum 7 per cent capped on the HCM Stock Exchange for a single trade on February 8 at some VNĐ6,200-VNĐ6,700 each.

Central bank injects nearly $573mn to support liquidity

State Bank of Việt Nam (SBV) made a net cash injection of VNĐ13 trillion (US$572.9 million) into the economy in the past week to support the liquidity of commercial banks.

According to Saigon Securities Incorporate (SSI), the cash was pumped through the bill issue channel to meet the rising capital demands as Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) approaches.

The past week also saw the inter-bank rates inch up by 0.1 – 0.22 percentage points, pushing the overnight rate to 1.57 per cent and the one-week rate to 1.65 per cent. However, the one-month rate inched down by 0.05 percentage points to 3.4 per cent.

Despite the hike, inter-bank rates were still low compared to the same period in previous years. For example, ahead of Tết last year, the inter-bank rates surpassed 2 per cent for overnight and one-week loans.

Rule on standard conformity relaxed for food

Yogurt imported into Vietnam is no longer subject to hygiene and quarantine checks by the ministries of health and agriculture, according to Decree 15/2018/ND-CP guiding the implementation of some articles of the law on food safety and hygiene.

The decree, coming into force on February 2, 2018 and replacing Decree 38/2012/ND-CP, has made life easier for food traders with the removal of overlapping inspection requirements.

Under Decree 15, food traders and producers must provide information about processed products, food additives, substances for use in food processing, and packaging materials directly contacting food. With additives, nutritious products for children aged under 36 months and food supplements, registration for the announcement of regulation conformity with the competent management body is still required before the product is circulated on the market.

The new decree also allows processed food for export and domestic consumption to be free from the announcement of conformity to regulations.

Dau Anh Tuan, head of the Legal Department at the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that the decree has lessened the burden on food traders, keeping them from spending months asking for regulation conformity announcements and huge inspection costs.

Previous overlapping inspections were said to be a waste of money and resources, whereas a shift from pre-inspections to post-inspections of products is necessary.

According to data of the working team on administrative reforms last August, enterprises needed to spend a total of 28.6 million days and VND14.3 trillion for specialized inspections of exported and imported products at the time of customs clearance, but few violations were detected.

The rate of products relating to food safety and hygiene subject to inspections is 19.1%, whereas specialized inspections account for 41.2%. For instance, chocolate needs 13 certificates, with 12 for materials and one for conformity announcement.

With such requirements lifted, the rate of specialized inspections is expected to be brought down to 15% from 30-35%.

FPT launches construction project of Research and Development Center

FPT Software HCM (a member of FPT Software) has just begun its construction project of FPT Center for Research & Development and Software Solutions (F-Town 3) with an area of more than 52,000 m2.

This is considered the largest campus for software solutions in Saigon Hi-tech Park.

With seven floors and one basement, F-Town 3 has a total investment capital of VND800 billion (around $35.2 million), providing working space for 7,500 software creators.

Besides the main office area, the research and development center for solution services, the training zone, and the meeting room, F-Town 3 also includes space for utilities such as a recreational and relaxation area, a cafeteria, a kindergarten, and a health room.

Along with F-Town 1 set up in 2011 and F-Town 2 in 2014, the project is expected to make FPT Software HCM the highest investment company in Saigon Hi-tech Park, having a total of VND1.2 trillion (approximately $52.83 million)

On this occasion, FPT Software also signed a $100-million-worth contract, the largest in its history of nearly 20 years, with Innogy SE, one of the leading corporations on energy in Europe.

Accordingly, FPT Software will provide Innogy SE with solutions based on the platforms of SAP and IoT as well as digital conversion in the period from 2018 to 2024. Both partners have experienced successful cooperation for the last 4 years.

Tourism, hospitality, and travel tech programs taking applications

Destination Mekong and the Mekong Business Initiative have announced that applications are now open for their 2018 Mekong Innovative Startups in Tourism (MIST) business support programs.

For the first time, the MIST Startup Accelerator is welcoming applications from tourism, hospitality, and travel tech startups headquartered in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.

The Startup Accelerator provides support to early-stage companies with innovative and scalable business models. Applications will close on March 10.

The 15 to 20 startups selected will attend an all-expenses paid intensive boot camp where they will compete for six months of advanced mentorship, in-kind acceleration support valued at $20,000, prize money up to $10,000, and customized business matching with potential investors and partners.

The MIST Market Access Program, now in its second year, is taking applications from successful, small to mid-sized international tourism, hospitality, and travel tech companies that want assistance expanding into Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Applications to the Market Access Program will close on March 31. Past participants have hailed from Australia, Canada, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, and the US.

As many as five companies accepted into the Market Access Program will receive consulting to support their market access plans and be introduced to key stakeholders in the region, including government and industry leaders. The applicant with the highest-potential plan for the region will receive a complimentary market access tour valued at $15,000.

“Greater Mekong Sub-region government, tourism, and hospitality leaders have embraced MIST as a force for innovation, sustainability, and growth in the region,” said Mr. Jens Thraenhart, Executive Director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office. “Through this program, we have created the ideal mechanism for tourism innovators and travel startups to get paired with investors and industry mentors who can equip them to scale and thrive.”

Destination Mekong and the Mekong Business Initiative – with the backing of the Australian Government, the Asian Development Bank, and the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office – launched MIST in 2016 to propel innovation in the rapidly growing tourism markets of the Greater Mekong Sub-region. MIST aims to expedite tourism industry growth, create an ecosystem that inspires innovation, and promote sustainability in tourism.

VietJet Air to jumpstart operations in Changi Airport Terminal 4

On March 6, Changi Airport Group scheduled the Vietjet Air’s shift of operations to Terminal 4 (T4) from Terminal 3 (T3) of Changi Airport, which would help reduce passengers’ time spent on transfer buses from the remote gate to the terminal as well as expand the Vietnam-based airline’s operations at Changi Airport.

Specifically, the relocation of the Vietnam-based airline to T4 was scheduled to follow the terminal’s recent addition of a new airline, JC (Cambodia) International Airlines, which would carry out daily aviation services from Singapore to Phnom Penh from January 25. Additionally, both Vietjet Air and JC would operate a total of 28 weekly flights in T4, serving more than 8.3 million passengers each year.

Previously, since October 31, 2017, Vietjet Air was reported to welcome over 1.6 million passengers and more than 9,400 flights thanks to its presence in Terminal 3.

Currently, T4 is home to 11 airlines, including Vietnam Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and AirAsia, which connect flights among 21 destinations in the region. Opening the first flight to Ho Chi Minh City in 2014, VietJet Air was reported to have added the second daily flight to Ho Chi Minh and the first daily flight to Hanoi.

To date, Changi Airport provides seven connection flight routes from Singapore to three large cities of Vietnam (Danang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City) via 148 weekly flights. In 2017, Ho Chi Minh City was Changi’s eighth busiest route, welcoming more than 1.7 million passengers, which was 4.5 per cent up against 2016.

Since October 2017, with a floor area of 225,000 square metres, T4 offers new aviation experience with an innovative design and the latest technology.

In addition, passengers could enjoy a variety of international travel experiences, such as Changi Airport’s fast and seamless travel (FAST) option for departing passengers as well as exhibitions of art, local culture, and architecture at T4.

In 2016 alone, Changi Airport, the world’s sixth busiest airport for international traffic, was reported to serve 58.7 million passengers from around the globe, offering 400 retail and service stores as well as 140 food and beverage (F&B) outlets. With over 100 airlines connecting destinations in 400 cities around the world, the airport could operate about 7,200 flights every week, equivalent to about one flight every 80 seconds.

Founded in June 2009, Singapore’s Changi Airport Group Pte., Ltd. (CAG) was established as Changi Airport’s managing firm, focusing on the airport’s operation and management, air hub development, commercial activities, and airport emergency services, as well as investing in and managing foreign airports.

Ha Bac Nitrogenous Fertiliser report third annual consecutive loss

Ha Bac Nitrogenous Fertiliser & Chemicals JSC (Hanichemco) reported a loss of VND612 billion ($26.98 million), marking a consecutive loss for the third year.   
ha bac nitrogenous fertiliser report third annual consecutive loss

Hanichemco has published its financial report in the fourth quarter of 2017. Accordingly, it acquired VND730 billion ($32.2 million) in revenue, up 20 per cent against the same period in 2016. The company’s revenue for the whole year was VND2.33 trillion ($101.39 million).

According to the leaders of Hanichemco, increasing material costs boosted input expenditure, while the selling price saw a plunge, resulting in losses.

This is the third consecutive year Hanichemco reports a loss. Notably, in 2015 alone, the company suffered losses of VND700 billion ($31.3 million), while the figure in 2016 was VND1.05 trillion ($46.2 million).

The company started making losses after expanding its production facility, upgrading its capacity to 500,000 from the initial 180,000 tonnes per year, in June 2015.

Due to the bleak financial results, it was ignored by investors when it listed on the UpCoM trading platform in late July 2017.

Notably, on July 26, Hanichemco (ticker DHB) made 272.2 million shares, representing a registered capital of VND2.71 trillion ($119.2 million), officially available for trading at the initial reference unit price of VND6,800. At present, the share is valued at VND4,800.

A subsidiary of state-run Vietnam National Chemical Group (Vinachem), Hanichemco specialises in manufacturing urea nitrogenous fertiliser, which makes up 80 per cent of its revenue.

However, in recent years, the domestic demand for urea fertiliser fell far short of supply, leading to extreme imbalance. Besides, the domestic fertiliser manufacturing sector also needs to compete with imported products, especially cheaper Chinese ones.

Aquatic export surges in January

Fishery export value amounted to 560 million USD in the first month of 2018, up 15.6 percent from the same period last year.

Also in January, Vietnam imported US$151 million worth of aquatic products, an annual increase of 55.8%.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, fishing activities are in its high time of the year, with Phu Yen, Binh Dinh, and Khanh Hoa harvesting approximately 690 tonnes of tuna fish during the month.

In the domestic market, prices of Tra fish materials in the Mekong Delta region remained at high levels, ranging between VND27,000 and VND29,000 per kg due to supply shortage. The situation is unlikely to change soon, as export is brisk while supply sources expand only marginally. 

The prices of shrimp are projected to follow an upward trend compare to the last month of 2017 thanks to increases in consumer and factory’s materials demand.

The US, Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea were top four importers of Vietnamese aquatic products last year, together accounting for 55% of the country’s total fishery exports.

Ministries, trade counsellors seek to boost agricultural export

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) coordinated with the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) to organise a trade counsellors’ meeting in Hanoi on February 8, discussing ways to enhance the export of agricultural products.

The agricultural sector targets a growth rate of about 3 percent and export revenue of 40 billion USD in 2018.

Tran Van Cong, Deputy Director of the MARD’s Agro Processing and Market Development Authority, said agricultural trade promotion is facing numerous difficulties as many countries like the US, China, Japan and the EU have increased protecting domestic agriculture. Their quality and food safety standards have become stricter.

As a result, it takes more time, five to seven years in average, for Vietnam to negotiate with other countries to open markets for its farm produce.

He said in 2018, the agricultural sector will work to enhance the market analysis and forecast capacity, ensure smooth consumption of farm produce, and increase marketing key Vietnamese products in big and potential markets. It will also tighten links with domestic and foreign agricultural businesses, remove technical barriers, and solve payment difficulties in export to Africa and the Middle East.

MARD Minister Nguyen Xuan Cuong emphasised that as Vietnam’s agricultural production has surpassed demand, an important task is maximising global markets and producing farm produce with the best quality.

Trade Counsellor in Japan Ta Duc Minh said Japan highly values many agricultural products of Vietnam, particularly mangoes and bananas. The shipment of the first chicken meat batches to Japan also proved that the country’s agricultural products have satisfied this demanding market.

However, he noted, export prices are still high, especially fruit since they are rotten easily and shipment cost is not low. He asked for solutions to reduce shipment cost in order to boost Vietnamese products’ competitiveness.

Meanwhile, Trade Counsellor in Australia Nguyen Hoang Thuy said the opening of the Australian market is long and full of difficulties. For example, it takes up to 12 years for lychees to enter this market. Therefore, it is necessary to shorten negotiation duration.

She stressed the need for better coordination between the MARD and the trade office to promote negotiations.

At the meeting, Minister Cuong also asked trade counsellors to not only promote trade but also provide more information on technology, culture and market trends which are crucial for the agricultural sector to expand markets.

VN may export longans to Australia in 2019
     
Vietnamese longans may be exported to Australia in 2019, according to a delegation of the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.

The delegation recently worked with the Department of Crop Production under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to examine the longan farming, processing and packaging process in northern Hung Yen Province and southern Ben Tre Province.

The Australian department will discuss plant guarantee measures with the Vietnamese officials in the near future.

The agriculture ministry said this is good news for Viet Nam’s fruit sector as Australia is a potential fruit export market. Earlier, the country also permitted the import of fresh lychees, mangoes and dragon fruits from the Southeast Asian nation.

Last year, fruit and vegetable exports set a record of US$3.5 billion, rising by 40 per cent from the previous year. Vietnamese fruits and vegetables are sold in 40 countries and territories around the world. 

Ford VN gains double-digit market share
     
Ford Vietnam reported on Monday that it has for the first time achieved double-digit market share in this country after increasing by one percentage point in 2017.

At 10.5 per cent it is the second largest in the market after selling over 28,580 vehicles, it said.

In related news, the US company got an authorised agent in the southern province of Tay Ninh, its 36th agents in the country.

With a total investment of US$2 million, Tay Ninh Ford is built to Ford’s international standards.

It sells new as well as used cars and spare parts, and offers warranty services. 

Applications open for MIST programmes
     
Destination Mekong and Mekong Business Initiative on Wednesday announced their 2018 Mekong Innovative Startups in Tourism (MIST) business support programmes.

For the first time, the MIST Startup Accelerator is welcoming applications from tourism, hospitality and travel tech start-ups headquartered in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Viet Nam. The Startup Accelerator provides support to early-stage companies with innovative and scalable business models. Applications for its 2018 cohort will close on March 10.

Some 15-20 start-ups selected by the Accelerator will attend an all-expenses-paid intensive boot camp, where they will compete for six months of advanced mentorship, in-kind acceleration support valued at US$20,000, prize money up to $10,000 and customised business matching with potential investors and partners.

The MIST Market Access Programme, now in its second year, is soliciting applications from successful, small- to medium-sized international tourism, hospitality and travel tech companies that want assistance in expanding in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Viet Nam. Applications for the Market Access Programme will close on March 31. Past participants have included Australia, Canada, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand and the US.

As many as five companies accepted into the Market Access Programme will receive consultation to support their market access plans and will be introduced to key stakeholders in the region, including government and industry leaders. The applicant with the highest-potential plan for the region will receive a complimentary market access tour valued at $15,000.

“The Greater Mekong sub-region’s government, tourism and hospitality leaders have embraced MIST as a force of innovation, sustainability and growth in the region,” said Jens Thraenhart, executive director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office. “Through this programme, we have created the ideal mechanism for tourism innovators and travel start-ups to get paired with investors and industry mentors who can equip them to scale and thrive.”

Destination Mekong and Mekong Business Initiative – with the backing of the Government of Australia, Asian Development Bank and Mekong Tourism Co-ordinating Office – launched MIST in 2016 to propel innovation in the rapidly growing tourism markets of the Greater Mekong sub-region. MIST aims to expedite tourism industry growth, create an ecosystem that inspires innovation and promote sustainability in tourism.

Interested companies can find application details online at mist.asia. 

Intellectual property key for start-ups
     
Start-ups must focus on intellectual property that can enhance their competitiveness, experts said.

Tran Le Hong, chief of the secretariat of the Intellectual Property Department under the Ministry of Science and Technology, said at a conference on Tuesday that intellectual property was an important asset to start-ups.

But many start-ups seem unaware of intellectual property and have not invested adequate amount of time, effort and money in it to develop their brands from the beginning.

The inadequate investment in intellectual property may result in disputes and lawsuits, which can hinder the development of start-ups, Hong said.

He said enhancing awareness and knowledge about innovation and intellectual property must start from universities and colleges.

According to Bui Anh Tuan, principal of the Foreign Trade University, many universities now pay special attention to enhancing students’ knowledge about intellectual property, together with the foundation of start-up clubs, to promote a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship as well as contribute to the development of the national start-up ecosystem.

Tran Thi Tam, CEO of IPCom, said there was a huge demand for basic knowledge about innovation and intellectual property of start-ups.

Experts at the conference said it was necessary to enhance the cooperation of universities, communication agencies and businesses to raise awareness on the matter.

At the conference, a project on enhancing students’ and start-ups’ awareness of innovation and intellectual property was officially kicked off, which will be jointly implemented by IPCom, VietnamPlus online newspaper under the Viet Nam News Agency, and Foreign Trade University. Tam said that in the 2018-19 period, the project would evaluate the innovation and intellectual property management capacity of start-ups and provide support tocommercialise intellectual property products to contribute to socio-economic development.

Phan Ngan Son, deputy director of the Intellectual Property Department, said the project was critical to raising awareness on intellectual property, which was important in rapid economic integration. 

Property market attracts $77.6 million in FDI in January

Foreign investors poured a total of 77.6 million USD into the real estate market in January, according to the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

Real estate ranked third among 19 sectors with foreign direct investment (FDI) in January, attracting 6.2 percent of the total registered FDI.

Su Ngoc Khuong, investment director at property services firm Savills Vietnam, said foreign capital would promote the development of the property market in the country.

In 2017, the real estate sector lured 3.05 billion USD in FDI, accounting for 8.5 percent of the country’s total registered foreign investment, ranking third in terms of FDI attraction after the manufacturing and processing industry and power distribution sector.

According to the General Statistics Office, 1,400 new construction firms were founded in January, up by 21 percent, together with more than 460 new firms in real estate business, up by 47 percent over the same period last year.

New construction firms had the highest registered capital worth 20.6 trillion VND (903.5 million USD), accounting for 21 percent of the total registered capital of new firms in January. This was followed by real estate business with 17.5 trillion VND, accounting for nearly 19 percent.

Last year, the total registered capital of new firms operating in the real estate sector was 388 trillion VND, accounting for 30 percent.

The average capital of new real estate firms last year was also highest, with 76.7 billion VND for each firm.-

Sherwood Residence among Top 10 hotels for families

Sherwood Residence has been recognized as a 2018 Travelers’ Choice Award winner in the “Top 10 Hotels for Families – Vietnam” category at the 2018 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice® awards for hotels, ranking fourth out of ten.

Sherwood Residence General Manager Janet Fitzner said the hotel has always strived to deliver an outstanding guest experience by providing excellent service in exceptional surroundings. “The entire team here at Sherwood Residence can take pride in receiving this honor, but we will not rest on our laurels and will continue trying to improve what we can do for our valued guests,” she said.

The Travelers’ Choice award winners were based on millions of reviews and opinions collected in a single year from TripAdvisor travelers worldwide. In the 16th year of the awards, TripAdvisor highlighted the world’s top 8,095 properties in 94 countries and eight regions worldwide.

This year, the awards celebrate hotel winners in ten categories: Top Hotels Overall, Luxury, Bargain, Small, Best Service, B&Bs and Inns, Romance, Family, All-Inclusive, and Value for Money. The hallmarks of Travelers’ Choice hotels winners are remarkable service, value, and quality.

“This year’s Travelers’ Choice awards for hotels recognize thousands of exceptional accommodations that received the highest marks for overall experience, including service, amenities, and value, from travelers worldwide,” said Brooke Ferencsik, Senior Director of Communications. “The global TripAdvisor community informed this list of winners that will inspire and help travelers find the hotel that’s right for them, as they plan and book their next amazing trip.”

Sherwood Residence is a luxury serviced apartment hotel conveniently located on the edge of District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City. Its 228 apartments and 12 penthouses are available for short or long-term stays and its extensive range of services and facilities make it an exceptional city living experience.

TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site, enables travelers to unleash the full potential of every trip. With over 570 million reviews and opinions covering the world’s largest selection of travel listings worldwide – 7.3 million accommodations, airlines, attractions, and restaurants – TripAdvisor provides travelers with the wisdom of the crowd to help them decide where to stay, how to fly, what to do, and where to eat.

Cuba promoted as potential market for Vietnamese firms

A seminar was held in Ho Chi Minh City on February 5, introducing Cuba as a potential market, in terms of both trade and investment, for Vietnamese businesses.

Pham Thiet Hoa, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Centre, said Vietnam and Cuba boast sound traditional relations along with expanding economic and trade ties. Vietnam is now one of the 10 biggest trade partners of Cuba and also the second largest Asian trade partner of the Latin American nation.

However, bilateral trade remains modest compared to the two countries’ demand and potential, he noted, elaborating that Vietnam’s exports to Cuba are estimated at 240 million USD per year, accounting for only 3.5 percent of Cuba’s total annual trade – nearly 7 billion USD. Hence, there remains much room for Vietnamese firms to invest in and trade with Cuba.

Hoa noted Cuba has big demand for food, consumer goods, footwear, textile-garment, and computer devices, which are also the strengths of Vietnam. Meanwhile, it is strong at pharmaceuticals, training, health care, and construction, which the Southeast Asian nation is interested in.

Promoting investment in and trade with Cuba will also help Vietnamese enterprises to access the vast market of the Latin American and Caribbean region.

Indira Lopez Arguelles, Cuban Consul General to HCM City, said her country’s economy has improved in recent years with annual growth rate maintained at 4 – 5 percent. A stronger economy has also encouraged consumption in Cuba while the country still has to import most of consumer goods. This is a good opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to enhance exports to the country, especially rice, apparel, footwear, and computers.

The sound bilateral friendship is an advantage for Vietnamese firms, she said, adding that the two countries are preparing to sign a bilateral free trade agreement to remove tariff barriers and bolster trade.

However, there remain certain obstacles to bilateral trade.

Tran Ngoc Thuan, Deputy General Director of the Thai Binh Investment – Trade Company, which has had investment and trade ties with Cuba for 20 years, said the biggest barrier is the geographical distance, which will augment transportation costs. Due to financial difficulties, Cuba importers’ payment also usually lasts for more than one year.

He said Cuba needs to shorten the payment period. Meanwhile, Vietnamese companies should learn about their partners’ transaction habits thoroughly while preparing appropriate capital and long-term strategies for investment in Cuba.

Indira Lopez Arguelles said Cuba promotes import activities, but in the long term, it will prioritise attracting investment to develop domestic production. She suggested Vietnamese firms develop production and distribution in her country so as to ensure long-term development in this market.

Vietnamese economy shows positive signals in January

The Vietnamese economy showed positive signals in January with hikes in export-import as well as domestic and foreign investment. 

According to the General Statistics Office (GSO), there were nearly 11,000 newly-established firms nationwide with a total registered capital of 98.3 trillion VND (4.36 billion USD) in the month, up 20.6 percent in volume and 8.9 percent in value. The additional capital hit 316.4 trillion VND, proving that business confidence is improving. 

During the first month of 2018, the State investment hit 16,175 billion VND, or 4.9 percent of the yearly plan and up 13.9 percent annually. 

Notably, the industrial production index surged by 20.9 percent year-on-year as firms focus on manufacturing to meet demand during the upcoming traditional Lunar New Year. Among industries, manufacturing and processing sector expanded by 23.8 percent while other sectors posted year-on-year growth such as mining, electronics, computers and optical products, coal mining and apparel. 

The consumer price index rose by 0.51 percent monthly and 2.65 percent annually due to higher electricity and fuel prices, said acting Director of the GSO’s Price Statistics Department Do Thi Ngoc. 

As the Lunar New Year is days away, costs of housing repair services, railway tickets and health care moved higher, thus driving CPI up, she said. 

Also in January, the total export-import value surpassed 38 billion USD, 19 billion USD of which was export, up approximately 33.9 percent. Top five currency earners include mobile phones and spare parts (4.2 billion USD), apparel (2.3 billion USD), electronics and accessories (2.2 billion USD), footwear (1.3 billion USD), machinery and equipment (1.05 billion USD). 

However, only roughly 1.25 billion USD in foreign direct investment (FDI) was recorded, equivalent to 75.9 percent in the same period last year. The FDI disbursement went up 10.5 percent to 1.05 billion USD. The top investors remained the Republic of Korea and Singapore. 

The Overseas Investment Agency said the newly-registered capital fell strongly as only projects worth 100-300 million USD were licensed, accounting for nearly 71 percent of the total. 

The Ministry of Planning and Investment asked ministries, agencies and localities to complete assigning socio-economic targets, State budget estimate and devising public investment plan for 2018, as well as accelerate disbursement from early this year. 

It also requested preventing epidemics on plants and animals, closely controlling cross-border fowl and cattle transportation and ensuring food safety and hygiene.

Auto imports in record drop in January: GSO

Some 1,000 cars worth 94 million USD were imported to the Vietnamese market in January, reports the General Statistics Office.

This marks a record drop of 86.2 percent in volume and 38 percent in value compared to the previous month.

The drop comes after auto businesses, including Toyota Motors Vietnam and Honda, stopped importing autos due to the government’s Decree 116, which tightens control over quality, technical safety and environment protection of imported autos.

Speaking at the government’s recent monthly press conference, Minister and Chairman of the Government Office Mai Tien Dung, said a number of embassies and organisations had sent letters to the Prime Minister proposing him to direct relevant ministries and sectors to reconsider the decree.

Dung said the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers’ Association had submitted four letters of recommendation to the government to remove difficulties, saying that the provisions in the decree were inappropriate.

Meanwhile, several associations, such as Japan Business Association in Vietnam, and foreign direct investment joint ventures have repeatedly proposed the government to delay the implementation of Decree 116 by at least six months.

Dung said there were three major issues arising out of the decree troubling auto businesses and organisations.

The first is that the importers must obtain a Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) certificate issued by authorities in the exporting country. Dung explained that VTA was not a certificate of the State body but of authorised agencies or associations of the exporting countries, which aimed to ensure the origin, quality and value of the vehicle.

Such authorised agencies and associations will also be responsible for recalling the vehicles if they have faults during the production process. This is to ensure the rights and interests of automakers and consumers alike, Dung said.

As for the second issue, Dung said the decree states that the inspection agency will randomly select one unit of each batch to check. The check will be conducted on every batch of imported autos. This regulation will prove to be more costly and time-consuming in testing vehicles. And it is the customer who will have to incur the cost as businesses will ensure their profit.

Dung said the government was considering the issue.

The third problem posed by Decree 116 is that it requires automakers to have a testing route of 800m, with minimum 400m straight, before rolling out the vehicles in the market. According to automakers, this condition will require them to pay more, including registration fee, cost of land and cost of building testing routes.

Dung said Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc had assigned the Government Office and relevant ministries and sectors to consider the above-mentioned problems. The recommendations would not only ensure the government’s demand on domestic auto production but also the country’s implementation of international standards that Vietnam was committed to, Dung said.

Decree 116’s regulations are being evaluated as a technical barrier for auto importers to overcome. Dung, however, said all countries were applying necessary measures to ensure the quality of imported products as well as the rights and interests of consumers.

Further explaining the issue, Dung said a batch of BMW autos previously imported to Vietnam was found with a lot of problems related to procedure and origin of the vehicles, in addition to the fact that they were used cars. “If we do not check them carefully, the consumers will be the most vulnerable,” he said.

Vietnam ranks third in natural rubber production, export

Vietnam currently ranks third globally in natural rubber production and export, according to the Vietnam Rubber Association.

The association revealed that in 2017, the country earned 2.3 billion USD from export of 1.4 million tonnes of natural rubber, up 36 percent in value and 11.4 percent in volume year on year.

The Vietnam Rubber Group alone produced over 250,000 tonnes of rubber latex and earned revenue of 21.38 trillion VND (936 million USD), exceeding the plan by 20 percent. Its pre-tax profit reached over 4.1 trillion VND (179.58 million USD), surpassing the yearly plan by 36 percent. The firm contributed 1.7 trillion VND (74.46 million USD) to the State budget in the year, while paying its employees about 7.1 million VND (310 USD) each per month averagely.

Spring trade fair introduces Vietnamese specialties
     
The Spring Fair 2018 began on Monday at the Ha Noi International Exhibition Centre in the capital city, introducing many specialties from different areas across the country to local customers.

Co-organised by the Viet Nam Exhibition Fair Centre JSC and the Viet Nam Beverage Association, the fair features over 400 booths of more than 350 businesses nationwide, covering a total area of nearly 5,000 square metres.

The annual fair will be a good opportunity for participating businesses to introduce their products in order to better serve purchasing demands prior to the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday, organisers said.

The products on display include fish sauce, tea and fresh farm produce, along with garment textile, footwear, fine arts and handicrafts, household appliances, confectionery and beverages.

In addition, the event also introduces products from other countries including Russia, South Korea, the United Kingdom, France and Belgium, among others. It will run until December 12.

A previous event, it saw the participation of more than 300 domestic firms, displaying a variety of goods across 500 pavilions.

Israelis eye opportunities in VN
     
A delegation of Israeli business executives visiting the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre to explore co-operation opportunities in many sectors has said Israeli technologies can be applied anywhere in the world.

The application does not depend on workers’ skill, they said.

Boaz Zadik, CEO of Arrow Technologies, said his company is looking for investment opportunities in Viet Nam.

In his country, a large quantity of water is treated and reused, he said.

His company has been undertaking projects in India and Africa for 30 years and is ready to tie up with Vietnamese companies, he said.

Other executives also hoped to tie up with Vietnamese companies and transfer technology to the latter.

Bar Sharon, marketing director of Argos Company, said: “We will transfer technology and show Vietnamese companies how to use it … so that they can develop steadily for long.”

Dr Ngo Ke Xuong, an agricultural expert, said he is intrigued by Israel.

“A country with sand and desert can export tomato, cucumber and mango. It is amazing!”

“Viet Nam should get technologies from Israel. Adoption of technology in agriculture is inevitable because we are under pressure from an increasing population and limited land.”

Huynh Ky Tran, director of Thorakao Cosmetic, said Israeli companies are good.

“In future we will co-operate with them to make more new products.”

Nguyen Kim Lan, chairman of Incomex Sai Gon, said: “By meeting with Israeli companies, I have obtained new knowledge about clean agriculture. There is a lot of knowledge about technology and skill to ensure high yields and keep the environment clean.”

Israel is the only country in the world that has been able to roll back the desert. It is the leader in recycling water, recycling a total of 70 per cent. 

Electronic components factory being built in Yen Bai
     
Construction of a fully-owned South Korean factory producing electronic components was kicked off on February 3 in the northern province of Yen Bai’s Tran Yen District.

Covering an area of 6.49ha in Bao Hung Commune, the Edge Glass factory has the capacity to produce 54 million products every year. It will produce 18 million products in the first year of operation, 48 million products in the second year and 54 million products in the third year.

Manufactured products will include 2D and 3D cover glass for phones and 2D cover glass for tablets. The factory also plans to produce glass for autos in future.

South Korea’s Edge Glass Joint Stock Company has invested nearly VND5 trillion (US$220 million) in the factory.

It is expected to create 1,500 jobs for local people when it becomes operational by April 2019.

Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said the project investment was a proof that South Korean investors highly appreciated the province’s investment climate.

The Prime Minister asked the local authorities to create favourable conditions for the investors to implement the project. He also expressed the hope that the investors would realise their commitment to protect the environment and contribute to sustainable development of the locality.

According to statistics of the Ministry of Planning and Investment, South Korea was Viet Nam’s biggest foreign direct investor in January, with a total capital of $355.6 million. This was followed by Singapore with a much lower capital of $199 million. 

Viet Nam, Cambodia’s bilateral trade surged 30% in 2017
     
Bilateral trade between Viet Nam and Cambodia last year surged 29.7 per cent against the previous year to nearly US$3.8 billion, the General Department of Customs reported.

Of the total, Viet Nam’s export turnover to this market was $2.77 billion, rising 26.1 per cent against the previous year. Vietnamese key export goods to Cambodia last year included steel and iron products ($521 million, up 69.7 per cent year-on-year) and oil and petrol ($375 million, up 30 per cent year-on-year).

Meanwhile, Viet Nam’s imports from Cambodia reached $1 billion, a year-on-year increase of 40.6 per cent, mainly with timber and wood products ($214 million, up 16.9 per cent), cashews ($168 million, up 46 per cent) and rubber ($138 million, up 64 per cent).

The leaders of Viet Nam and Cambodia have agreed to enhance the comprehensive co-operation between the two nations and raise the bilateral trade value to $5 billion. Viet Nam is currently the third largest trade partner and the fifth largest foreign investor in Cambodia.

According to the Asia-Pacific Market Department, under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, trade across the border of the two nations has become easier, contributing to making Cambodia the 16th largest export market of Viet Nam.

In recent years, the economic co-operation between the two nations has seen strong development. Statistics showed that the two-way trade between Viet Nam and Cambodia jumped from only $184 million in 2001 to $3 billion in 2016.

Major export products of Viet Nam to Cambodia included steel, fertilisers, garments, machinery and plastic products.

The two countries also expect to soon sign agreements on avoidance of double taxation, border trade and labour co-operation along with a memorandum of understanding on transport cooperation strategy for 2017-25 with a vision to 2030, which will help advance the trade relationship between the two sides to higher levels. 

PM agrees to Phu Quoc Island’s planning adjustment
     
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has agreed in principle to adjustments to the planning of Bai Thom Commune in Kien Giang Province’s Phu Quoc Island.

The adjustments were proposed by the provincial People’s Committee.

Local authorities were asked to update the adjustments on the island’s master plan by 2030 and to enhance management activity to ensure the implementation of the plan is compliant with land regulations, urban planning and construction planning.

Phu Quoc Island’s master plan was approved in May 2010 and was adjusted once, in June 2016.

The plan targeted promoting sustainable development, culture, environment protection and security and harmonising economic growth with the preservation of historical monuments.

Phu Quoc will be developed into a hub for high-quality services and a centre for science and technology in Southeast Asia, with an international airport and seaport system connecting it with other destinations in the region.

Phu Quoc was among three localities, besides Bac Van Phong in central Khanh Hoa Province and Van Don in northern Quang Ninh Province, planned for development into a special administrative-economic unit. 

Electronic firms asked to ensure sustainable employment

Electronic enterprises should practice their social corporate responsibility through abiding by labour law, thus contributing to promoting sustainable employment in the firms, heard a seminar in Hanoi on January 31.

Participants at the event should focus on major measures such as abolishing the use of child labourers, ensuring employment security and stable jobs for post-35 year-old employees, and eliminating discrimination in employment and occupation.

The firms should engage strongly in developing skills for workers to meet demands in the new technology era, while providing a safe environment for them together with adequate wage and social welfare, they added.

According to the Institute of Labour Science and Social Affairs, the growth of Vietnam’s electronic sector is mainly attributed to investment from multinational businesses, especially those from the Republic of Korea and Japan.

By 2016, the firms employed 451,181 labourers, mainly women and under 35 years old, with poor skills. The fourth industrial revolution is likely to affect their employment.

A survey by the institute shows that 68 percent of electronic firms agreed that Vietnamese labourers are able to adapt to new technology.

Meanwhile, Chief Inspector of the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Tien Tung revealed that 67 inspections from March to October 2017 on 67 electronic businesses in 10 localities discovered 1,794 violation cases, mostly in contract, working time, and labour safety.

Tax sector asked to surpass State budget estimate

The Finance Ministry’s General Department of Taxation should strive to surpass at least 3 percent of the State budget estimate of more than 1,070,200 billion VND (55.88 billion USD), said Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

He made the statement during a conference in Hanoi on January 31 to review the sector’s 2017 performance and launch tasks for 2018. 

The leader requested that the rate of delayed tax payment should be below 5 percent of the total State collection this year.

The PM asked for continuing to cut 50 percent of procedures for specialised inspection and 50 percent of business requirements, ensuring that 26 percent of the total State spending will be used for development investment and 64.1 percent for regular expenditure. 

To achieve the above targets, he stressed the need to speed up administrative reform by using technological advances in tax declaration, payment and management, towards scaling down payment in cash. 

General Director of the General Department of Taxation Bui Van Nam said the sector asked agencies to work hard to achieve set targets, closely monitor the progress of State budget collections, and step up inspection over tax declaration and payment. 

He said at least 18.5 percent of the total number of businesses will be under inspection this year to prevent loss of revenue to the State budget. 

Last year, the sector collected a record 1.019 quadrillion VND to the State budget, up 5.2 percent of the estimate and higher than 968.58 trillion VND as assigned. 

Tax agencies also conducted 103,211 inspections, or 113.65 percent of the plan, collected 44.773 trillion VND in delayed tax payment, equivalent to 59.5 percent of the total as of December 31, 2016, he said.

2018 Happy Tet Fair features various products

The 2018 Happy Tet Fair opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City on January 31 with more than 300 booths of prestigious domestic and international brands.

On showcase are not only Vietnamese specialties in Tet (Lunar New Year), but also numerous products including food, organic milk, cosmetics and household appliances from Thailand, Japan and the Republic of Korea, among others.

Visitors have a chance to enjoy discounts of up to 50 percent. Many travel agencies offer Tet tours on the occasion with attractive gifts and vouchers.

SECC General Director Thuong My An said the fair aims to introduce high quality products at reasonable prices to consumers. Dishes from various regions of the country are also served at the event, she added.

The fair runs until February 4 and is expected to welcome more than 40,000 domestic and foreign visitors.

Hong Kong – gateway for Vietnamese products reach out to world

Hong Kong (China) is one of the important gateways for Vietnamese products to enter other large markets in the region and the world, an official has said.

Ho Xuan Lam, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Investment and Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC), made the remark at a workshop which was jointly held in HCM City on January 31 by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the ITPC.

Lam said Hong Kong is one of the potential markets that Vietnam will exploit in 2018, saying that Hong Kong is not only a destination market but also a bridge to bring Vietnamese products to other broader markets in Asia and the world as it is home to many large-scaled commodity trading floors.

Sharing Lam’s opinion, Ly Kim Chi, President of the Food and Foodstuff Association of HCM City, said Hong Kong is a potential market for Vietnamese agricultural products and foodstuffs.

Not just meeting the demand of Hong Kong people, Vietnamese products traded in the market will be distributed to many nations in the world thanks to a global network of retailers, Chi elaborated.

However, only a small volume of Vietnamese rice and dragon fruits are currently available in supermarkets in Hong Kong, Chi said, attributing the situation to a lack of trade promotions in and information about the market.

Meanwhile, Tina Phan, Director of the HKTDC Indochina, described Hong Kong  as an ideal market for Vietnamese exporters to expand their markets and connect with the regional and global supply chains since it is also a gateway to enter China, the world’s most populous nation.

According to Phan, Vietnam has a large number of high-quality products, particularly agricultural products and food, which have become favourite among foreign consumers. However, Vietnam’s exports have failed to match its potential due to limits in trade promotions in international markets and building brand names.

In order to increase Vietnam’s exports to Hong Kong, thus joining large supply chain, experts suggested Vietnam and Hong Kong increase trade promotion activities and share information about the markets and facilitate connections among their enterprises.

Vietnamese firms should actively participate in trade fairs and trading floors to access targeted clients and partners, the experts said, adding that they also need strategies to develop their brand names and and promote their products more effectively.

Breakthrough measures needed to improve businesses’ health

 Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue has asked for a breakthrough in improving the health of businesses, especially State-owned enterprises (SOEs) in 2018.

Chairing a meeting of the Steering Committee for Business Reform and Development in Hanoi on January 31, Deputy PM Hue, who is head of the committee, noted that the health of businesses is better as 47.3 percent of firms enjoyed profit in 2017, while the figure in 2012 was only 30 percent.

Of the profitable firms, 83.5 percent are State-owned. However, the profit percentage on capital and turnover remains low, while business management of the firms is still weak, he noted, stressing the need to continue reducing cost for enterprises, including financial and operational cost, he said.

He pointed out that the current number of enterprises is far behind the target of 1 million in 2020, as in 2018, the country aims for only 135,000 new firms.

A report of the Steering Committee for Business Reform and Development showed that the number of SOEs has reduced sharply to over 500, including seven economic groups, 57 corporations, and 441 independent businesses run by ministries, sectors and localities. 

Wholly state-owned firms are now present in 11 sectors instead of 60 in 2001.

Nguyen Hong Long, deputy head of the committee, said that in 2017, 69 State-owned enterprises were approved for equitisation, including large businesses worth over 1 trillion VND (44 million USD). State capital in equitised firms last year was 160.08 trillion VND, 6.34 times higher than that of 2016.

Long said that the State has so far withdrew 8.91 trillion VND in book value and gained 139.38 trillion VND from SOE divestment.

Last year, the country saw a record number of newly-established enterprises with 126,859 firms, up 15.2 percent compared to 2016, raising the total operating firms to over 561,000, he added.

Mentioning 2018 tasks, Deputy PM Hue urged ministries and sectors continue completing legal institution and framework in managing and operating SOEs as well as accelerate equitisation, re-organisation and capital divestment of the firms.

This year, four large enterprises with highest capital in the 69 equitised groups and corporations in 2017 will launch their initial public offering (IPO) on the stock market: the Vietnam Rubber Group, PetroVietnam Oil Corporation (PVOIL), the PetroVietnam Power Corporation, and Binh Don Oil Refinery.

The Deputy PM said equitisation targets the improvement of governance capacity and effectiveness of the firms.

Along with reviewing and handling State-owned enterprises with losses and ineffective operation, Hue asked for reshuffling of key leaders in equitised businesses.

Gas price down 1,667 VND per kg in the south from February 1

The retail price of gas in southern localities, including Ho Chi Minh City, will reduce by 1,667 VND (0.07 USD) per kg or 20,000 VND (0.88 USD) per 12kg cylinder from February 1, in comparison with that of January.

Consumers can buy a 12kg cylinder of PetroVietnam Gas, Vtgas, SP or Petrolimex at a price between 330,000 VND and 335,000 VND.

The decrease is attributed to a fall in the world’s gas price in February, which stands at 515 USD per tonne, down 65 USD per tonne compared with that of January.

The new price level has been announced to gas business agents and consumers in the southern region.

HCM City: 200 enterprises honoured for contributions to customs sector

The Customs Department of Ho Chi Minh City held a conference on January 31 to honour 200 outstanding enterprises which had contributed much to the sector’s budget in 2017.

The businesses, including the Imex Pan-Pacific Group (IPP Group), Truong Hai Automobile JSC, Phu Nhuan Jewelry JSC and Unilever Vietnam International Company Limited, account for only 0.43 percent of the city’s total, but contributed 45 percent of the customs sector’s budget collection, or 48.5 trillion VND (2.13 billion USD).

Deputy head of the department Dinh Ngoc Thang appreciated the businesses’ cooperation with the customs sector, affirming that they have made effective recommendations to help the sector gradually improve its policies and mechanisms.

Thang pledged that the department will continue facilitating the implementation of customs procedures at border gates, disseminate new legal documents and regulations to enterprises.

It will exert efforts to fight goods smuggling and trade fraud, and to create a favourable business and healthily competitive environment for businesses.

IPP Group President Johnathan Hanh Nguyen stated that the customs sector of Ho Chi Minh City carried out numerous modern management programmes to create favourable conditions for import-export enterprises and people.

He stressed the need for the sector to take more measures to prevent fake and smuggled products in order to protect true businesses which contribute much to the city’s budget.

Dong Nai lures over 62 million USD of FDI in January

The southern province of Dong Nai has licenced seven foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in January with total capital of 62.1 million USD, up 50 percent from the same period last year.

According to the Department of Planning and Investment, among the projects, four are new, with combined investment of 22.7 million USD. Meanwhile, 39.5 million USD is injected into three underway projects.

The projects are in the support industry and friendly to the environment, and apply high technology.

Major projects are August Sport Company, a branch of the All Wells International – British Virgin Islands in Tam Phuoc industrial park of Long Thanh district with investment of 5 million USD, and the 2-million-USD Vietnam Global Production Company under the Jacon Investment Holdings Pte Limited of Singapore in Nhon Trach 2 industrial park, Nhon Phu district.

The department said that Dong Nai has so far hosted 1,754 FDI projects worth 31.9 billion USD, including 1,294 valid projects totaling 26.9 billion USD, and 460 revoked projects with investment of 5 billion USD. The projects are invested by investors from 45 countries and territories. The Republic of Korea, Taiwan (China) and Japan are leading the investors. 

Hanoi takes action to better protect consumers’ rights

Hanoi will intensify educational campaigns to raise public awareness about the rights of consumers as part of efforts to better protect consumers’ interests. 

The city’s Department of Industry and Trade held a conference on January 31 to plan activities to respond to the Day of Consumers’ Right 2018 launched by the Ministry of Industry and Trade under the theme of “Healthy business – Sustainable consumption”.

From April to July this year, communication activities will be conducted across the city’s wards and districts, enterprises and schools to popularise laws and regulations on consumers’ rights, with the municipal radio and TV station to broadcast regular programmes on the issue.  

The city will send officials to southern localities to learn from their experience in the field, while upgrading the operation of the hotline on consumers’ right at 024.1081. 

In addition, the city will run two promotional campaigns in March, offering commodities at good prices to consumers, with the participation of many supermarkets, trade centres, shops and service chains.  

Deputy director of the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade Nguyen Thanh Hai said businesses participating in the promotional campaigns this year have shown more attention to consumers’ rights through improving after-sale and customer care services. Many of them commit to selling products of authentic origins and meeting declared standards. 

Participants at the conference said the launch of the Day of Consumers’ Right 2018 is useful in building a healthy market, enhancing the sense of responsibilities of state management agencies and related mass organisations as well as their coordination in protecting consumers’ rights.

Vietnam Airlines in Hong Kong seeks international partnership

The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines’ branch in China’s Hong Kong held a meeting with its partners on January 30.

Director Cao Chinh Mien said Vietnam Airlines continued to affirm its prestige as a modern and dynamic airline in 2017.

The airline carried more than 26.5 million passengers and its revenue increased by 6.7 percent compared to 2016. Post-tax profits doubled the set target while its stock grew steadily, he said.

Last year, Vietnam Airlines was certified as a 4-star airline by Skytrax for the second consecutive year. It is also of the most punctual airlines in the world with on-time performance index of above 90 percent.

The airline was also recognised as the “World’s Leading Airline – Premium Economy Class” and the “World’s Leading Cultural Airline” at the World Travel Awards.

Given fierce competition, Vietnam Airlines’ branch in Hong Kong has improved the quality of services, stepped up coordination with travel agencies and carried worked to promote its image.

It also served as a transit centre of Asia and aimed to draw tourists from other markets.

In 2018, Vietnam Airlines will conduct one to two flights per day on routes between Hong Kong and Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, while considering the use of B787-9 Dreamliners for Hong Kong – HCM City flights.

The airline will put forth measures to boost cooperation with other airlines such as Jetstar Pacific and Cambodia Angkor Air in 2018 and aim for 8-10 percent growth in revenue, according to Mien.

TH Group opens first high-producing dairy farm in Russia

Vietnamese dairy maker TH Group inaugurated a high-producing dairy farm in Volokolamsk district, Russia’s Moscow Oblast, on January 31.

The farm is the first of its kind for TH Group and part of a high-tech dairy farming and processing complex and food projects, worth 2.7 billion USD in total, in Russia.

It received the first 1,100 high-producing Holstein Friesian cows, imported from the US, on January 3. Milk productivity is expected at 11 – 12 tonnes per cow every 305 days, helping the farm produce 30 tonnes of milk a day.

Thai Huong, founder of TH Group, said her business will continue building farms and importing cattle to finish phase I of the project this May.

With total investment of 500 million USD, the project is set to cover more than 50,000ha and farm 45,000 cows. When fully operational, it will produce more than 234,000 tonnes of milk per year.

Aside from the dairy farm project in Moscow, TH Group is also building a dairy farm in Kaluga Oblast and plans to unveil the facility late in the first quarter of 2018.

The firm also signed agreements on investing in Tyumen Oblast and the Republic of Bashkortostan and is preparing to carry out another dairy project in the Russian Far East.

According to Russia’s National Dairy Producers Union, there were 8.25 million dairy cows in Russia in 2016, producing 30.7 million tonnes of fresh milk. However, the country had to import about 7.2 million tonnes of milk and is still facing a shortage of milk supply.

European food, beverage firms eye Vietnam

Nineteen European food and beverage companies are visiting Vietnam to explore partnerships with local importers and distributors.

The EU-Vietnam Business Network on January 31organised the 4th edition of the Food & Beverage Trade Mission to Vietnam, which will be held in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi until February 2.

This year’s trade mission includes companies from Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Portugal and the United Kingdom.

Topics to be discussed at the information seminar will be the growth potential of Vietnam’s food and beverage industry, financial benefits that will derive from the soon-to-be-implemented EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UVFTA) and imports of European products to Vietnam.

More than 230 B2B meetings with Vietnamese distributors and importers based in Hanoi and HCM City, as well as business visits to supermarkets and shopping malls, will follow the four-day event.

The business network is co-funded by the European Union, which aims to strengthen European business activities in Vietnam, with a special focus on small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) seeking cooperation opportunities in Vietnam.

Since 2015, the last three editions of the network’s Food & Beverage Trade Mission have welcomed 62 European companies.

The network aims to improve the investment and trade environment, support exports and expand investment markets from Europe to Vietnam and ASEAN.

Target groups are European companies, especially SMEs, interested in Vietnam and ASEAN.

While the project is based in Vietnam, the business network also works with an ASEAN network of business associations, to provide even more business opportunities to European companies.

Retail sales up 9.5 percent in January

Total revenue from retail trade and services reached 361 trillion VND (15.84 billion USD) in January, surging 3 percent over December and 9.5 percent over the same month last year.

If inflation were excluded, the amount marked a year-on-year increase of 8.4 percent, a report of the General Statistics Office (GSO) revealed.

Retail sales of goods topped more than 272 trillion VND (11.93 billion USD), up 3.5 percent month-on-month and 8.3 percent year-on-year as domestic firms focused on stockpiling goods to meet rising demand of local consumers for the forthcoming Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday, GSO said.

The sectors recording a positive revenue increase include home appliances (up 8 percent), food and foodstuff (up 7.5 percent) and transport services (up 5.6 percent).

Meanwhile, retail sales in accommodation, restaurant and catering services experienced a yearly increase of 15 percent to 45.1 trillion VND (198 million USD), thanks to a strong increase in the number of international and domestic tourists and a rising demand for restaurant and catering services.

Some localities that posted positive accommodation, restaurant and catering sale in January were the northern province of Quang Ninh (30 percent), central Thanh Hoa province (15.2 percent), HCM City (9 percent) and the capital city of Hanoi (8.5 percent).

In the first month of this year, revenue from tourism services also saw significant year-on-year growth of 39.3 percent to 3.9 trillion (171 million USD), with some provinces and cities recording strong growth, such as Ninh Binh (76 percent), Quang Ninh (46 percent), HCM City (44 percent), Bac Ninh (34 percent) and Hanoi (33 percent).

The reviewed strong increase was attributed to the positive influence of the country’s policies and measures on attracting visitors and effectiveness of its tourism promotion campaigns, GSO said.

The sales of other services during January reached more than 40.1 trillion VND (1.76 million USD), a hike of 10 percent compared to a year ago. 

The annual growth rate (excluding the price factor) of the country’s total revenue from retail sales of goods and services for the period from now to 2020 will average at 13 percent per year, and rise to 14 percent in 2021-25. The value will reach some 5.8 quadrillion VND by 2020, 11 quadrillion VND by 2025 and 44 quadrillion VND by 2035.

These fingures were revealled in the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s draft strategy on domestic trade development, which is being publicised for recommendations.

Domestic economic sector will account for some 80 percent of the country’s total retail sales revenue by 2020, while the foreign direct investment (FDI) sector will make up about 20 percent before rising to 70 percent by 2025 as per off the draft strategy.

Vietnam Airlines uses new aircraft for Hanoi – Moscow route

Vietnam’s national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines will use the Dreamliner Boeing 787-9 – one of the most modern aircraft in its fleet – on the Hanoi – Moscow route.

The first Dreamliner Boeing 787-9 to fly on the route is scheduled to land at Moscow Domodedovo Airport at 5pm on March 27.

Capable of accommodating 311 passengers, the airplane offers inflight services meeting 4-star international standards. It can save up to 20 percent of fuel compared to previous versions of Boeing aircraft.

Speaking at a ceremony to announce the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Ngo Duc Manh stated Vietnam Airlines’ operation of Dreamliner Boeing 787-9 on the route showed Vietnam’s appreciation of its partnership with Russia.

Le Thanh Dung, head of Vietnam Airlines representative office in Russia, said the move reflects the airline’s intention to consolidate its foothold in Russia and expand its network.

In 22 years of operation, Vietnam Airlines has so far carried 200 million passengers from across the world.

RoK firms seek investment opportunities in Binh Phuoc

A delegation from the Republic of Korea (RoK) led by Cho Moon Soo, President of Hank Cuk Carbon Group, met with leaders of the southern province of Binh Phuoc to seek investment opportunities in the locality.

Cho said that his company, a manufacturer of carbon material, crystal fibre, aircraft material and heat-insulating panels, has planned a project in Binh Phuoc and hopes for swift approval from the province.

The group is also investing in a project in Becamex Binh Phuoc industrial-urban area in Chon Thanh district, which is scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2018.

Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Nguyen Van Loi lauded RoK investors for investing in the province. He pledged the province will create optimal conditions for RoK enterprises and Hank Cuk Carbon to implement their project effectively.

Loi also committed to remove obstacles facing investors.

In recent years, Binh Phuoc has worked to improve its investment environment to lure more investment to its industrial parks, especially the Becamex industrial-urban area.

Phu Quoc island greets 260,000 tourists in first month of 2018

Nearly 260,000 tourists came to Phu Quoc island in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang in January 2018, a year-on-year rise of 51 percent.

International tourists increased by 40 percent against the same period last year.

On average the district welcomed about 7,000 holidaymakers each day.

According to Vice Chairman of the district’s People’s Committee Huynh Quang Hung, Sun Group will put into operation An Thoi – Hon Thom cable car in early February to serve tourists on the traditional New Year (Tet).

The district is carrying out measures to ensure safety for tourists during Tet holiday.

Located on the Vienam-Cambodia-Thailand marine economic corridor, Phu Quoc is dubbed the “pearl” island.

Phu Quoc features a monsoon tropical climate. It has two seasons, the dry season from November to April and the rainy season from May to October. The average temperature is 28 degrees Celsius, allowing visitors to enjoy the island’s beauty at any time of the year. 

Phu Quoc National Park is one of the most attractive places in the district. It is home to 929 plant species, of which 42 are listed in the Vietnamese and world red books of endangered species. The park is part of the Kien Giang biosphere reserve, which was recognised as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2006.

The island was named as one of the 10 most beautiful Asian islands to visit in summer by tourism site www.topinspired.com.

“This peaceful tropical paradise is Vietnam’s largest island, which has rapidly morphed from a sleepy island to a must-visit destination. It’s still largely undeveloped as there is plenty of room for exploration. Dive the reefs, kayak in the bays or relax by lounging on the beach, indulging in a massage and dining on fresh seafood. It really is a perfect escape from reality and everyday life,” the site said.

Market for Tết gift hampers booms in HCM City

Tran Ngoc Mai of HCM City’s Binh Thanh District bought two Tet hampers at a supermarket in District 2 to gift her relatives for Lunar New Year, which falls on February 16 this year.

She said: “It used to take me much time to choose products, then pack them as gifts to give relatives for Tet. Nowadays, with various kinds of packed Tet gift baskets available at supermarkets and shops, I just need to pick gifts appropriate for my budget and the recipient.”

Understanding consumers’ tastes and market trends, which now favour quality products, retailers and businesses in the city have launched unique gift baskets with eye-catching designs.

According to retailers, shopping for Tet gift hampers has entered the peak season.

Some 10,000 gift hampers are sold every day at Co.opmart, Co.opXtra and Co.op Food, with those priced at VND800,000 (US$35.2) -1.2 million ($52.8) being the most popular.

This year Co.opmart and Co.opXtra are offering 46 different hampers in addition to customised ones.

They usually have beverages, bird’s nest drinks, sugar-coated fruits, confectionary, dried fish and meat, cheese, sausages and others.

Some also contain speciality agricultural products like dien grapefruits, canh orange, and cashew.

Those with milk products, oats and Co.op organic rice meeting US and EU organic standards are very popular, according to a Saigon Co.op spokesperson.

Saigon Co.op marketing director Do Quoc Huy said Co.opmart, Co.opXtra and Co.op Food have gift hampers with organic products at VND369,000-699,000 to offer customers more choice as well as to promote the products.

South Korean supermarket chain Lotte Mart is selling 22 kinds of gift hampers based on various themes at prices ranging from VND68,600-1.25 million, with sales going up significantly day by day.

Big C supermarket has 33 kinds of hampers at prices ranging from VND79,000 – 2 million, with those costing VND300,000- VND600,000 being the top sellers.

Retailers are also offering free packaging to customers who want to choose products to put in gift hampers.

Many shops at traditional markets like Tan Dinh, Thi Nghe and Ba Chieu are also displaying various kinds of hampers.

Nguyen Thi Be Tu, a trader at Thi Nghe Market, said hamper sales have surged recently.

“Apart from hampers, customers also want to buy individual items they want to gift and my shop packs the gifts for them.”

Offers of hampers are also flooding shopping websites these days, but experts warned, as always when buying online, caveat emptor.

Farm co-operatives and organic agricultural producers have introduced many gift hampers this year.

Anh Dao Co-operative in Lam Dong Province, for instance, which grows fruits and vegetables to VietGap and Global standards, is selling 20 kinds of fresh and dried fruit and vegetable hampers.

Nguyen Huynh Trang, deputy director of the HCM City Department of Industry and Trade, said his department has kept a close eye on prices in the market.

Companies can easily meet the demand for goods during the country’s biggest festival this year since supply is abundant and prices are under the closest supervision ever, she said.

There will be no shortage of goods or sudden price surges during Tet, while quality would be strictly controlled, she promised. 

Tet fair begins in HCM City     

The 2018 Happy Tet Fair showcasing high-quality Vietnamese and international products opened on Wednesday at the Sai Gon Exhibition and Convention Centre in HCM City’s District 7.

The five-day event has 300 booths with products such as confectionary, food and beverages, decorative items, cosmetics, perfumes, household appliances, handicrafts, textiles and garments with discounts of 30-50 per cent.

Several amusement activities are also scheduled, including fashion shows, photo booths, food corners, and traditional games.

The fair is meant to offer entertainment and shopping for locals and expats before Tet (Lunar New Year), Thuong My An, general director of Sai Gon Exhibition and Convention Joint Venture Company, the fair’s organiser, said.

Participating enterprises get incentives to ensure they keep their prices reasonable, she said.

The fair is expected to attract more than 40,000 visitors.

Tien Giang asks for enhanced protection for star apples brand exported to US     

The southern province of Tien Giang has proposed that the management overseeing the quality of star apples exported to the United States (US) be enhanced. This will help protect the fruit’s brand, as well as the prestige of Vietnamese agricultural products.

After getting a green light from the US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for the export of star apples to the US in October, Tien Giang shipped dozens of tonnes of this fruit to this country, and received good responses from the US consumers initially. The first shipment arrived at the US in late December.

Still, the management overseeing the plantation and quality of star apples must be improved to protect the fruit brand, according to the province.

Thus, Tien Giang Province proposed to the ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Industry and Trade to enhance the market study and quality control of star apples exported to the US to provide market updates and orientation to exporting firms.

The province said, as of mid-January, four companies registered a code for exporting star apples to the US.

Tien Giang has the largest area of some 3,100ha to grow star apples in Viet Nam.

Viet Nam has some 5,000ha of star apples with an annual output of more than 60,000 tonnes.

This type of fruit was mainly sold in the domestic market and exported to China and the ASEAN markets.

Exporting to the US marked a breakthrough, as this is a strict market with high quality requirements.

Besides star apples, Viet Nam has exported dragon fruit, rambutan, lychee and longhan to the US.

Techcombank posted US$352 million pre-tax profit     

Viet Nam Technological and Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Techcombank) reported a pre-tax profit of more than VND8 trillion (US$352 million) in 2017.

Techcombank took the fifth position in terms of highest profit in the banking sector.

This has been the third consecutive year in which Techcombank’s pre-tax profit doubled that of the previous year in the 2015-17 period. Each employee at the bank created VND1 billion of profit last year.

The bank on Tuesday announced that it totally resolved its bad debts sold to Viet Nam Asset Management Company (VAMC) in 2013. Its return on equity (ROE) in 2017 surged by 30.7 per cent from the previous year, while return on asset (ROA) also continued to increase by 2.69 per cent.

The capital adequacy ratio (CAR) last year was at 12.68 per cent, which was much higher than the stipulated 9 per cent level of the central bank.

The bank’s total outstanding loans by the end of last year were VND181 trillion, posting a 15.9 per cent year-on-year increase.

Ngo Hoang Ha, deputy director of the Techcombank’s financial department, said with the results, the market has recognised the bank with the highest profitability index.

“The indices have not only been high in comparison with the avarage level of Vietnamese banking system, but also with other regional countries’ level,” Ha said.

Le Thi Bich Phuong, director of the bank’s retail department, said 2017 was a successful year for Techcombank. The bank disbursed some VND26 trillion in the primary real estate market, accounting for 20 per cent of the total market.

She said Techcombank is focused on a customer-centred strategy. The bank officials also said they would collect opinions from shareholders for listing on the stock exchange in 2018.

Last year, it was voted by The Asian Banker as the top two banks in Viet Nam with long-term profitability. It was also ranked by Standard & Poor as one of the leading private banks in Viet Nam.

Techcombank has striven to become one of the leading banks in Viet Nam in 2020. 

Interest rates fall in G-bond and inter-bank markets     

Interest rates in inter-bank and G-bond markets have declined significantly despite rising capital demands ahead of Tet (Lunar New Year), the country’s biggest holiday season.

Reports of the Maritime Bank’s economic research division showed that interest rates of loans in dong reduced 0.25-0.50 percentage points in all terms last week to 1.58 per cent for overnight loans, 1.73 per cent for one-week loans, 2.13 per cent for two-week loans and 3.70 per cent for one-month loans.

This is different from the previous years when the interest rates often rose significantly few weeks ahead of Tet, which saw rising demand for capital for shopping and other payments. For example, ahead of Tet last year, inter-bank rates surpassed 2 per cent for overnight and one-week loans.

The past week also saw a growing investment in G-bonds as investors bought all VND3.5 trillion (US$154.18 million), of which VND2 trillion were 10-year G-bonds and VND1.5 trillion were 15-year G-bonds.

Yields of the bonds dropped sharply by 0.52-0.70 percentage points to 4.38 per cent for 10-year G-bonds and 4.5 per cent for 15-year G-bonds.

Minh Phu Seafood earns $35m pre-tax profit     

Minh Phu Seafood Corporation (MPC) recorded a pre-tax profit of VND800 billion (US$35 million) last year, 24 per cent higher than the year’s plan, online newspaper nguoiduatin.vn reported.

During the reviewed period, MPC reached over VND21.42 trillion of net revenue and VND15.85 trillion of export turnover, a year-on-year increase of 30 per cent.

Specifically, Minh Phu Ca Mau Factory, the leading unit in the system of nearly 20 companies of the corporation, recorded revenue of nearly VND11.67 trillion, pre-tax profit of VND566 billion and export turnover of over VND7.57 trillion.

Minh Phu Hau Giang Factory posted VND9.76 trillion of revenue, VND226 billion of pre-tax profit and over VND8.25 billion of export turnover.

This year, MPC targets to export 63,000 tonnes of shrimp and to hit an export turnover of $800 million.

Speaking at a recent conference to summarise the group’s business results, Le Van Quang, chairman of MPC, said if the group maintains the same growth rate as 2017 with an export turnover of around $700 million, the target of hitting $1 billion export turnover is reachable.

Founded in 1992, MPC is not only known as “the King of Shrimp” in Viet Nam, but is also among the leading shrimp exporters in the world.

On October 2017, MPC officially listed its stock on the Unlisted Public Company Market (UPCoM) after two years, voluntarily delisting from the HCM City Stock Exchange (HoSE).

The group plans to organise the annual shareholders’ meeting on March 10.

Hoa Phat eyes 100 trillion VND revenue by 2020

Hoa Phat Group (HPG) said it hopes to earn more than 100 trillion VND (4.4 billion USD) in revenue by 2020, the year the Hoa Phat Dung Quat iron and steel production complex is expected to become fully operational.

Earning this amount of revenue will mean HPG contributes some 10 trillion VND (440 million USD) to the State budget.

The Hoa Phat Dung Quat iron and steel production complex, based in the central province of Quang Ngai, is expected to cost 52 trillion VND (2.2 billion USD) and have annual capacity of 4.5 million tonnes.

The project will use state-of-the-art technologies provided by the Netherlands, Italy and Germany.

HPG plans to allocate 30 percent of the project’s investment capital to environmental components. Once completed, the project is hoped to lift the group to among the world’s top 50 steel producers.

In 2017, the group earned 46.8 trillion VND (2.05 billion USD), up 38 percent from 2016, and hit a record post-tax profit of 8 trillion VND (351 million USD), surpassing its target by 33 percent, up 21 percent year on year.

Over the past ten years, subsidiaries of HPG have contributed more than 20 trillion VND (878 million USD) to the State budget, equivalent to the amount of the central province of Quang Nam, one of the nation’s top 10 contributing provinces.

HCM City’s industrial production index rises 15.04% in January

Ho Chi Minh City’s industrial production index (IIP) in January 2018 rose 15.04% compared to the same period last year.

The outcome was attributed to the city’s implementation of policies and programmes to support businesses to invest in the field of industry and supporting industry, according to the municipal People’s Committee.

As this year’s traditional Lunar New Year falls in February, enterprises have proactively mapped out plans for goods production and storage since December 2017 to ensure sufficient supply during the holiday. 

Four key industries, namely mechanical manufacturing, electronics, chemicals-rubber-plastic, and food processing, continued to expand markets and increase investments in new equipment to produce high-quality and competitive products. The move helped the industries to record an annual growth of 19.6%, higher than the average level of the whole industrial sector.

Particularly, the food processing industry recorded year-on-year growth of 29% while the electronics-information technology sector rose by 22.85%.

Director of the municipal Department of Planning and Investment Su Ngoc Anh said the rapid technological development helped the electronics industry create more products at competitive prices.

Some enterprises in the city are providing spare parts for the RoK’s Samsung Company, he said.

In February, the municipal Department of Industry and Trade will continue coordinating with relevant agencies to prevent counterfeit and low-quality products.

Decree allows zero-rate loans for under-special control credit institutions     

The State Bank of Viet Nam (SBV) issued a decree allowing special loans at zero per cent interest rates for credit institutions which were placed under the SBV’s special control.

According to the decree which came into force early this week, SBV, Deposit Insurance of Viet Nam, Co-operative Bank of Viet Nam and other credit institutions could provide zero-rate loans to institutions under special control.

The special loans are aimed at providing liquidity support for credit institutions when they are in danger of losing solvency or of going into insolvency and posing a threat to the system stability during the time they were placed under the SBV’s special control.

The central bank could provide special lending to support banks which were transferred compulsorily (including three banks that SBV bought at zero dong a few years ago).

The provision of special lending by SBV at a zero interest rate would be decided by the Prime Minister.

The special loans would only be used to pay deposits of individual depositors at credit institutions. Other purposes must be agreed upon by the governor of the central bank.

The maximum term for special loans is two years.

The decree also allows SBV to transfer refinancing loans to special loans in certain cases.

First wind power plant in Soc Trang launched     

The Super Wind Energy Cong Ly Soc Trang Joint Stock Company began building the first wind farm in the Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang on Tuesday.

The project is located in Lai Hoa Ward, Vinh Chau Town, and its land use requirement is 2,489ha.

The project has a total capacity of 98 megawatts (MW) and is invested in three phases, including the first phase with a capacity of 30MW, the second phase with a capacity of 30MW and the third one with a capacity of 38MW.

The total investment capital for three phases is more than VND5.39 trillion (US$237 million).

Of this, the first phase has a size of 15 wind turbine masts, covering 370ha. The total investment of the phase, which will be implemented within 36 months, is over VND1.68 trillion.

To Hoai Dan, chairman cum general director of Super Wind Energy Cong Ly Soc Trang, said this is a pioneer and large-scale project in the field of using clean energy to produce electricity.

The project has great, long-lasting and sustainable benefits, not only contributing to the self-balancing of power sources in the Mekong Delta, but more importantly, contributing to the economic restructuring of the region and boosting tourism development. In addition, the wind plant will help stimulate investment in other industrial projects in the region, protect the living environment, reduce the impact of climate change, create jobs and increase revenue for local budgets, Dan added. 

SeABank offers preferential loans to firms

The Southeast Asia Joint Stock Commercial Bank (SeABank) will provide preferential loans to enterprises worth VNĐ1.5 trillion (US$65.9 million) until March 31.

Accordingly, SeABank will apply lending rates from 7.5 per cent a year in three months and from 8 per cent a year in six months for short-term loans in Vietnamese đồng.

The bank will also give out short-term loans in US dollar with an annual interest rate of 3 per cent in six months.

The programme aims to provide enterprises with short-term loans to supplement working capital for production and business activities.

Based on the financial needs of customers, SeABank will appraise loans, apply preferential interest rates and advise businesses to improve their capital use efficiency.

In addition to this programme, SeABank has implemented many other incentives for corporate customers, such as Smart and VIP Account.

SeABank also supports the tuition fee of 20 poor children in 14 provinces and cities across the country by awarding a monthly scholarship of VNĐ1 million to every child until they finish 12th grade.

The students belong to the cities of Hải Phòng, HCM City, Nha Trang and Cần Thơ, and provinces of Bình Dương, Thái Nguyên, An Giang, Hải Dương, Kiên Giang, Vĩnh Phúc, Quảng Ninh, Tiền Giang, Đắk Lắk and Quảng Ngãi.

Through this programme, SeA aims to help the children to continue schooling without worrying about the tuition fee, reducing the burden on their families.

From this year, SeABank has been celebrating its EduDay on January 29 to award scholarships to poor children.

SeABank will continue to seek and support more cases of poor children so that they are able to continue their education and later build a better life for themselves and their families.

Vinamilk’s profit rises 9 per cent

The Việt Nam Dairy Products Joint Stock Company (Vinamilk) posted an after-tax profit of nearly VNĐ10.3 trillion (US$452.5 million) last year, an increase of 9 per cent year-on-year.

The company’s total revenue in 2017 reached over VNĐ51 trillion, also up 9 per cent against 2016.

Vinamilk reported a revenue of VNĐ12.35 trillion in the fourth quarter of 2017, an increase of 4.6 per cent year-on-year. The company earned VNĐ1.73 trillion in after-tax profit, down 5.4 per cent compared with the same period last year.

Also compared with the same period last year, the company’s interest expense in the last quarter of 2017 fell sharply from VNĐ19.5 billion to just over VNĐ5 billion.

However, the cost of sales during this period increased slightly to VNĐ3.2 trillion, bringing the total selling expense of the whole year to VNĐ11.5 trillion. Thus, it is estimated that in 2017, Vinamilk had to spend some VNĐ31 billion per day on selling expenses.

Vinamilk’s corporate management expense in the fourth quarter jumped to VNĐ528 billion, while the figure for the same period last year was VNĐ296 billion.

Interest rates fall in G-bond and inter-bank markets

Interest rates in inter-bank and G-bond markets have declined significantly despite rising capital demands ahead of Tết (Lunar New Year), the country’s biggest holiday season.

Reports of the Maritime Bank’s economic research division showed that interest rates of loans in đồng reduced 0.25-0.50 percentage points in all terms last week to 1.58 per cent for overnight loans, 1.73 per cent for one-week loans, 2.13 per cent for two-week loans and 3.70 per cent for one-month loans.

This is different from the previous years when the interest rates often rose significantly few weeks ahead of Tết, which saw rising demand for capital for shopping and other payments. For example, ahead of Tết last year, inter-bank rates surpassed 2 per cent for overnight and one-week loans.

The past week also saw a growing investment in G-bonds as investors bought all VNĐ3.5 trillion (US$154.18 million), of which VNĐ2 trillion were 10-year G-bonds and VNĐ1.5 trillion were 15-year G-bonds.

Yields of the bonds dropped sharply by 0.52-0.70 percentage points to 4.38 per cent for 10-year G-bonds and 4.5 per cent for 15-year G-bonds.

HCMC continues leading FDI attraction in first month of 2018

Twenty four provinces and cities in Vietnam received new foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in January. Of them, HCMC had the largest registered capital with US$86.2 million, accounting for 19.5 percent of the country’s total.

According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, HCMC is followed by Nam Dinh province with $80.2 million accounting for 18.1 percent, Ninh Thuan with $60 million, Binh Duong $36.2 million, Long An $35.2 million, Bac Giang $27.3 million and Hanoi $25.7 million.

As of January 20, FDI capital to Vietnam including newly registered and additional capital reached $899.4 million, down 36.8 percent over the same period last year.

Of these, there are 166 newly licensed projects with registered capital reaching US$442.6 million, down 5.1 percent in the number of projects and 64.4 percent in capital.

Asides from that, 61 projects supplemented $442.6 million in registered capital, raising 155 percent compared to the same period last year; 415 capital contributions and share purchases by foreign investors with the total value of $356 million, increasing 54.7 percent.

New FDI projects concentrated in processing and manufacturing sector with the registered capital of $330.6 million, accounting for 74.7 percent of total. Electricity production and distribution, gas, hot water, steam and air conditioners reached $60 million making up 13.5 percent. The remaining industries touched $52 million accounting for 11.8 percent.

In 23 nations and territories worldwide having newly licensed projects in Vietnam in January, Singapore is the largest investor with $147.7 million making up 33.4 percent. the second and third largest ones are South Korea with $70.4 million and Norway with 70.1 million.

At the next positions are the British Virgin Islands, China, Indonesia and Hong Kong (China) with the total funds of $51.4 million, $20.1 million, $20 million and $16.5 million respectively.

Rice, rubber export strongly increases

Since early this year rice export volume and value increased 56.5 percent and 74.2 percent over the same period last year while rubber hiked 94.5 percent and 14 percent, reported the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development yesterday.

Agricultural, forestry and seafood export turnover was estimated to reach US$3.09 billion in the first month of 2018, a year on year increase of 25.9 percent over the same period last year.

Of the total, the export value of major farm produce reached $1.68 billion, up 34.1 percent. Seafood hit $560 million increasing 15.6 percent and forestry items touched $745 million surging 18.5 percent.

Vietnam assumes 100 percent of domestic container marine transport

With the fleet of over 1,400 cargo vessels, Vietnam’s shipping industry has assumed 100 percent of domestic container transport by sea and increased its export import transport market share.

According to information at a seminar on improving Vietnam’s shipping capacity organized in Hanoi on January 30, Vietnam’s shipping output reached 130.9 million tons with the growth rate of 6 percent in 2017.

However, the industry now faces challenges in technology, labor productivity, capital access and the ability of meeting transport demand from new markets.

At the seminar, experts said that Vietnam’s maritime industry needs to continue renewing vessel fleet to reduce costs and improve competitiveness.

They forecast that if Vietnam can repair existing problems to promote its position advantages, the country will have the potential of becoming one of maritime powers in Asia by 2020.

640 businesses get high quality Vietnamese goods certificates

High Quality Vietnamese Goods Business Association yesterday announced 640 businesses eligible for high quality Vietnamese goods certification in 2018. Of these, 22 enterprises have won the award for 22 consecutive years.

The results have been drawn from 17,300 survey questionnaires and direct interviews of 13,000 households and consumers at 3,000 selling spots in 12 provinces and cities nationwide.

In addition, the survey this year also got consumers’ opinions online to compare with direct survey results to ensure objectivity and reliability. The list of firms selected for the award has been publicized and transferred to authorized agencies to assess.

Mr. Nguyen Van Phuong, in charge of the annual program’s survey, said that 71-87 percent of respondents made their purchase decisions basing on food safety.

Traditional retail channel still has the advantage over others but consumers have been on the trend of moving to modern shopping channel such as supermarkets and convenient stores. Online trading has developed more clearly among young consumers.

Vietnam is one of countries leading in farm produce and seafood export but processed products have not been well exploited in the domestic market. That is partly because of Vietnamese psychology of favoring import goods, technology and equipment and human resource problems.

Deputy PM sets price management targets for 2018

Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue, head of the Steering Committee for Price Management, has urged relevant bodies to take measures to control prices in 2018 to meet targets set out by the National Assembly, especially fuel prices and toll fees, Tien Phong newspaper reports.

Speaking at a recent meeting of the committee to review price management in 2017 and set tasks for 2018, Hue noted the average CPI in 2017 increased 3.53% year-on-year, or 0.47 percentage point lower than approved by the National Assembly. This year, the law-making body has also set the CPI target at below 4%.

According to the Deputy PM, strong price management last year resulted in low inflation and stable macro economy. The consumer price index (CPI) in December 2017 increased by 2.6% compared to end-2016 and the average CPI in 2017 increased 3.53% year-on-year, while core inflation picked up a slight 1.41% compared to 2016.

As the National Assembly set a CPI growth rate at below 4% this year, ministries and localities should be more active in implementing their assigned tasks and support the operation of the Steering Committee for Price Management in accordance with the Prime Minister’s Decision No.690/QD-TTg.

The Deputy PM asked the Ministry of Finance to improve the efficiency of public expenditures and investment while the State Bank of Vietnam shall maintain flexible monetary policy alongside fiscal policy to keep core inflation at 1.6-1.8% and ensure sustainable credit growth.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development was asked to work with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to ensure sufficient supply and stable prices of essential products like rice and food, especially during the Lunar New Year (Tet).

Notably, Deputy PM Hue asked the Ministry of Transport to continue negotiating with investors and banks to slash fees at toll stations of build-operate-transfer (BOT) transport projects nationwide, and cooperate with other ministries to reduce logistic costs. Such bodies are also told to control prices of transport services and increase transport capacity to meet high travel and freight transport demand during holidays.

In addition, the Ministries of Industry-Trade and Finance will accelerate a plan to amend the Government’s Decree No.83/2014/ND-CP dated September 3, 2014 on fuel trade to better harness fuel prices to minimize impacts on the economy.

Banks slow in getting listed

Many joint stock banks should have listed on the stock market last year as required by the Ministry of Finance, but the plan faced numerous hiccups, Lao Dong newspaper reported.

In particular, 730 equitized enterprises, including 10 banks, should have traded their shares on the bourse last year.

Under the ministry’s Circular 180/2015/TT-BTC guiding registration for securities trading on the market for unlisted companies (UPCoM), within one year after the effective date of the circular (January 1, 2016), public companies and those delisted before the circular came into force have to complete registration for trading on UPCoM.

However, many banks such as Nam A Bank, SCB, Techcombank, Viet Capital Bank, VietBank and SaigonBank have not made a move.

Though some among these have presented to their shareholders plans for trading shares on UPCoM in recent years, most banks are going slow.

According to the news report, of 35 domestic banks, 16 banks have completed their listings, while 15 banks are still having their shares traded on the over-the-counter (OTC) market (excluding the insolvent CBBank, GPBank, OceanBank purchased by the central bank at VND0 and DongA Bank being under special surveillance), and need to get listed this year or next.

Techcombank and TPBank are likely to go on the Hochiminh stock exchange in the year’s first half, OCB possibly in the year’s second half, and Nam A bank, Maritime Bank, VietABank and SeABank within the year.

With only four banks registering for listing last year, VPBank on HOSE and Kienlongbank, LienVietPostBank and VIB on UPCoM, the target to have ten banks listed at the end of 2016 has failed.

According to experts, going public gives investors more options, facilitates banks’ capital mobilization, improves transparency, and promotes a healthy banking system and integration into international financial markets.

The State Securities Commission has recently slapped a fine on VietBank for its tardiness in submitting the listing application in accordance with Decree 108/2013/ND-CP dated September 23, 2013.

Under Decree 145/2016/ND-CP amending Decree 108/2013/ND-CP, public companies are subject to VND30-50 million fines if their listing applications are over 12 months behind schedule.

In case of 24-36 months late, the fines range from VND50 million to VND70 million. And if listing plans are delayed for more than 36 months, companies may be subject to VND70-100 million fines.

A heavy fine of up to VND400 million may be slapped on those not registering for listing and bourse trading, or getting listed 12 months or more after the deadline.

Easy startup rules abused for fraud

The country’s rules conductive to the establishment of new enterprises have brought positive results but such liberal policy has been abused by some individuals to set up companies for trade fraud.

Nguyen Van Can, head of the General Department of Vietnam Customs, told a teleconference on fighting smuggling and trade fraud in Hanoi on January 29 that the department had detected several cases of abusing policies on startup promotion for smuggling.

He cited a case of three individuals setting up a total of 56 enterprises. They engaged in temporary import for re-export, and committed smuggling and trade fraud therein.

The department has teamed up with police to arrest some individuals involved in the case, he added.

Tran Vinh Tuyen, vice chairman of the HCMC government, told the Daily on the sidelines of the teleconference that the city as a strong hub for foreign trade has also identified some individuals taking advantage of Government policy to form companies for illegal purposes.

Some people have made use of customs transit and legal loopholes to transport smuggled and counterfeit goods, Tuyen said.

He noted the HCMC Customs Department worked with police to deal with a slew of smuggling violations last year. Besides, HCMC is a thriving market, so individuals smuggled in fake goods by air, road or sea.

The 2015 Penal Code which took effect early this year prescribes numerous provisions on smuggling and tax evasion crimes. In addition to heavy fines, competent agencies will impose tough sanctions against these individuals to prevent and reduce smuggling, according to a leader of the National Steering Committee for Combating Smuggling, Trade Fraud and Fake Goods.

A report of the committee shows competent agencies found out more than 225,800 trade violations last year, a year-on-year rise of 1.15%. Fines, sales of confiscated goods, and tax arrears rose by 7.17% year-on-year to around VND23.1 trillion (US$1.01 billion). Notably, over 1,600 cases and 2,100 individuals were prosecuted, up 4.87% and 13.69% respectively.

VNPT the best ICT service provider in Vietnam

The State-owned telecom giant Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) has been honoured with two prestigious awards by the British finance magazine IFM.

Accordingly, the IFM has recognised VNPT as the “Best broadband provider of the year” and “Best ICT service provider of the year” in Vietnam in 2017, with the awards ceremony having recently taken place in Singapore.

IFM’s awards are based on the assessment of business performance and business strategy by VNPT, utilising indicators related to market expansion, service quality, growth, innovation and contribution to society.

2017 marked a successful year for VNPT, as it was the company’s the 4th consecutive year with profit growth of over 20%. The VNPT brand was ranked No. 3 in the top 10 most valuable brands in Vietnam in 2017 according to the business valuation consultancy Brand Finance. It was also the third consecutive year that VNPT led the FTTH internet cable market with a market share of nearly 50%.

In addition, last year VNPT also achieved positive results in implementing the e-government. The group has become a strategic partner in ICT with 52 out of all of the 63 provinces and cities across the nation. It has also introduced and deployed smart city models in 17 localities.

Furthermore, VNPT has also invested in infrastructure in order to improve its network quality and increase BTS station coverage. In 2017, it deployed 20,000 additional mobile stations for 2G, 3G and 4G, bringing the total number of stations across the network to 75,000 nationwide. In addition, its international Internet bandwidth increased by 83% compared to 2016.

Resolution on improving efficiency of public non-productive units issued

The Government has issued Resolution No. 08/NQ-CP on the Action Program on the implementation of Resolution No. 19-NQ/TW of the 11th Party Central Committee on continuing the renovation of the organizational and management system, and the improvement of quality and efficiency of public non-productive units.

By 2021, the nation strives to reduce at least 10% of the number of public non-productive units (equal to 5,792 ones) and 10% of the civil servants’ payroll from the State budget (equal to 205,369 ones) compared to 2015. 

Around 5,792 mechanisms of financial autonomy in non-business units with revenues will be set up, an increase of 10% of direct spending from the State budget for public non-productive units in the 2011-2015 phase. 

By 2021, the country will basically complete to convert economic units into joint-stock companies (except hospitals and schools), the roadmap for calculating public non-productive services (salary, direct costs, management costs and depreciation) for some fundamental areas such as health care, education-training and vocational training. 

By 2025, the nation heads to reduce 10% of the number of public non-productive units (equal to 5,213 ones) and 10% of the civil servants’ payroll from the State budget (equal to 184,832 ones) in comparison with 2021. 

Thang Long Investment Group sells entire stake in 30-storey Royal Plaza

Thang Long Investment Group (TIG), the owner of King’s Garden Resort and Villas, has divested its entire stake in Thang Long Royal Plaza after many years of suspension.

TIG has found the partner to purchase its stake after the Board of Directors approved the capital divestment last month.

Thang Long Royal Plaza is invested by Hanoi ICT Plaza JSC, the charter capital of which is 61.8 per cent owned by TIG. In the beginning of last month, TIG bought an additional 400,000 shares, raising its ownership to 71.2 per cent.

However, TIG’s Board of Directors has just approved the divestment of 8.9 million shares from the project at the minimum selling price of VND12,000 (approximately $0.52) per share. The total value of the shares is about VND89 billion ($3.9 million). The selling price and the buyer of the project have not been revealed yet.

Thang Long Royal Plaza, which is also known as TIG Tower, is located in Cau Giay new urban area opposite to the National Conference Centre. The project is constructed on an area of 3,871 square metres with different functions, including a trading center, offices, a hotel, and serviced apartments.

Despite announcing owning a number of real estate projects and having a charter capital of VND772 billion ($34 million), TIG’s shares currently trade below VND4,000.The group is also developing King’s Garden Resort & Villas in Thanh Thuy district of Phu Tho province.

Apart from Thang Long Royal Plaza, TIG has also announced investing in a number of projects, including TIG Dai Mo Green Garden House, a 21-storey residential block in My Dinh 2 ward, and Vantri Ecoland project.

Recently, the Hanoi Tax Department has announced TIG’s tax arrears of VND1.67 billion ($73,600) through an inspection in 2015 and 2016. It also issued penalties of nearly VND335.5 million ($14,800) due to incorrect tax reporting and VND137.7 million ($6,100) due to late payment.

Vietnam’s exports up 33.1 percent in January

Vietnam’s export turnover in January 2018 reached 19 billion USD, a decrease of 3.3 percent against December 2017 but up 33.1 percent compared with the same period last year. 

Export revenue of the domestic economic sector rose 31.6 percent while that of the foreign direct investment (FDI) sector expanded by 33.7 percent. 

Items posting year-on-year increases in export value included phones and spare parts; garments-textile; electronic products, computers and spare parts; footwear; machines; equipment and tools; wood and timber products; vehicles and spare parts; coffee; and fruit and vegetables. 

However, export revenue of rubber and pepper dropped by 5.7 percent and 17.9 percent, respectively during the month. 

China was Vietnam’s largest export market with a turnover of 4.5 billion USD, a 2.5-fold rise from the corresponding time last year, followed by the US, the EU, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Japan and the Republic of Korea. 

Meanwhile, the country imported 19.3 billion USD worth of goods in January, down 3 percent against December 2017 but up 47.4 percent year-on-year. The import value of the domestic economic sector increased by 43.2 percent and the FDI sector jumped 50.4 percent. 

Among the import items, phones and spare parts; electronic products, computers and spare parts; machines, equipment and tools; and oil and gas saw higher import values. 

On the contrary, import revenue of autos, milk and dairy products fell 17.9 percent and 6.2 percent, respectively. 

China remained the largest import market of Vietnam with turnover of 5.7 billion USD, up 45.6 percent year-on-year. It was followed by the Republic of Korea, ASEAN, Japan, the EU and the US. 

The numbers reflect a trade deficit of 300 million USD in January. The General Statistics Office explained that businesses are importing more goods to serve production and consumption during the upcoming Tet holiday. 

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the country’s exports are set to face a range of difficulties in 2018 such as global economic uncertainties, impacts of sudden changes in economic and trade policies of major economies like the US and the EU, impacts of geo-political tensions on the global financial sector and increasing supply resources.

Tightened controls on antibiotic residues for shrimp industry

The shrimp industry earned US$3.8 billion in export revenue in 2017 and is striving to reach a revenue target of US$8-10 billion by 2025 as laid out by the Government.

The realization of this objective will require a concerted effort by government agencies, businesses, and farmers to confront the issue of antibiotic residues and impurities, stresses Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong.

An increase is projected in the volume of shrimp exports in 2018 amid a drop in prices over 2017 and the emergence of tougher competition from export markets such as India, Thailand, Indonesia, and Ecuador. Turnover in seafood exports is expected to climb by 4% to US$8.5 – 8.6 billion this year.

In 2017, aquaculture exports reached a value of US$8.3 billion, an increase of 18% on the previous year. Accounting for 46%, shrimp exports represent a substantial proportion of the total, rising by 21%to bring turnover to US$3.8 billion. Shrimp is considered a key product in the development of Vietnam’s seafood exports over the next decade, occupying up to 46%-75% of the country’s total aquatic export turnover.

To fulfill the US$8.5 billion export target for this year toward higher value in the following years, the fisheries sector, especially the shrimp industry will require the support and cooperation ofthe Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), the Directorate of Fisheries, and parties concerned to deal with important and urgent issues, especially those relating to antibiotic residues and impurities in shrimp.

“Regulation on antibiotic levels and impurities in shrimp is a thorny issue which needs to be resolved fully and immediately”, Mr Cuong emphasizes. According to Truong Dinh Hoe, General Secretary of Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), apart from having the advantage of modern processing technologies, high value-added products, large-scale eco-shrimp farming areas, and huge investments from private businesses, the shrimp industry has faced setbacks concerning residual antibiotics and impurities in shrimp thus negatively impacting shrimp production and exports.

In efforts to curtail antibiotic residues and impurities, the business community has intensified their oversight, leading to higher prices and production costs, and eroding customer confidence.

The shrimp sector’s business community has prioritized tackling the issue of residual antibiotics and impurities in shrimp with a view to expanding shrimp exports to foreign markets in the future.

Last year, the EU outstripped the US to become the world’s leading importer of Vietnamese shrimp with a turnover of US$867 million, up 45% thanks to growing demand and their higher competitive capacity than India, Vietnam’s main rival in the EU market.

The EU market has reduced its shrimp imports from India as 50% of its shrimp shipments are carefully inspected at border areas and it is highly probable that the EU will issue a ban on the import of India’s shrimp products as a result of concerns over residual antibiotics

Meanwhile, Vietnam’s shrimp exports to the Australian market fell by nearly 5% to US$182 million due to the restrictions on imports of raw shrimp products rolled out in January 2017, and on uncooked prawns in June 2017.

Although the ban has been lifted as of July 6, 2017, Australian imports of uncooked shrimp remain modest. While the Australian Government has recently loosened restrictions to allow the import of shrimp products, it has also has imposed stricter regulations and conditions on imported shrimp.

According to VASEP, issues surrounding antibiotics and impurities found in shrimp have dealt a strong blow to income from shrimp exports. In an effort to improve the profile of Vietnam’s shrimp industry in the eyes of international consumers and ensure sustainable development for the industry, VASEP advised the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to consider establishing a program to control residual antibiotics and impurities in shrimp production and farming.