Author: the-shiv
US announces September Vietnam trade mission to boost agricultural exports
Of note, the US was slated to benefit from a range of tariff reductions on agricultural goods in Vietnam as part of the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement. It was, however, withdrawn by the Trump administration. This has put US agricultural producers on the back foot compared to other major agricultural producers like Australia and Canada in the Vietnam market…
Vietnam rare-earths war heats up with Chinese SOE throwing hat in mix
Of note, the US Geological Survey’s Mineral Commodity Summaries 2024 estimated Vietnam’s rare earth reserves to be in the vicinity of 22 million tons. China, which has the largest reserves, for comparison, is estimated to have double that at 44 million tons, and Brazil which comes in third place has roughly 21 million tons…
Thai retail conglomerate sees uptick in Vietnam revenue in first half 2024
Of note, opening a retail store in Vietnam for foreign firms is not always easy. Not only are there a number of technical requirements that need to be met, but Vietnam has also developed its own retail store culture, putting its own twist on retail store shopping experiences…
Gambling ad sports broadcast embeds headache for Vietnam pay-TV providers
This comes after Pay-TV providers were warned earlier this year that showing gambling ads on television was prohibited. The association has instead recommended that the Ministry of Information and Communication focus on cracking down on, and blocking, illegal gambling website sites.
Vietnam Court releases impact assessment of 2014 Bankruptcy Law
For context, it is not unusual for Vietnamese firms in financial distress to try and hold out for as long as possible offloading assets and leaving bills unpaid for months at a time–note that a firm in Vietnam is not considered insolvent until its debts are more than 90 days past due. This can be off-putting for foreign firms doing business in Vietnam with respect to working with local firms–it increases risks and subsequently costs.
Vietnam takes last place on Environmental Performance Index 2024
The results of this report come as a blow to Vietnam’s green credentials which have become increasingly important for foreign firms establishing themselves in the country. These results, however, should not come as a surprise with the International Energy Association noting earlier this year that Vietnam was on track to become the world’s fifth-biggest coal importer…
Vietnam’s VinPearl issues new US dollar bonds in Singapore at 9.25 percent
Vinpearl is a prominent tourism and entertainment conglomerate in Vietnam. Its well-known for its resorts, amusement parks, and cable cars. The company is also a part of Vietnam’s biggest conglomerate, VinGroup. Over the last few years, Vingroup has been struggling to develop its electric car arm, VinFast. The subsidiary reportedly lost US$2.4 billion last year with heavy losses continuing into 2024.
South Korean Choco-pie maker expecting Vietnam dividend over US$78 million
Vietnam’s food and beverage industry has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, driven by a combination of factors including rapid urbanisation, rising disposable incomes, and a burgeoning middle class. This has seen a big uptick in snack food consumption. On average, Vietnamese consume 5.2 kilograms of snack foods per person, slightly higher than the global average of five kilograms…
World Bank ups GDP growth forecast for Vietnam in 2024
The World Bank has released its August 2024 Taking Stock Report in which it forecasts GDP growth in Vietnam of 6.1 percent. This was a significant bump from a forecast of just 5.5 percent in bank’s April Taking Stock Report…
Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi flight route among busiest in the world
The local airline industry has faced a number of challenges, particularly recovering from pandemic border closures which grounded most of their aircraft. Foreign investment and expertise could be one possible solution, however, investment in airlines in Vietnam is capped at 34 percent which can make influencing key decisions challenging…
Extension proposed for casino pilot program allowing Vietnamese bettors
In general, gambling is illegal for Vietnamese in Vietnam with casinos only open to foreigners. That said, during the COVID-19 pandemic these rules were relaxed at the Corona Casino in Phu Quoc. Local residents were permitted to gamble at the establishment as part of a pilot program that was to run for three years, however, is now likely to be extended to the end of 2024.
Vietnam MPS on hunt for burned APAX investors re: fraud case against group’s leader
Trading in APAX Holdings, which was listed on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange, was suspended late last year and the stock was subsequently delisted for disclosure violations. Specifically, it had failed to provide sufficient financial reports. This comes after years of reports that the firm had failed to pay local and foreign staff for months at a time, with reports there may be some amounts that have now been outstanding for years. That said, the linked article does not make mention of wage theft or amounts owed to other creditors.
New Dong Nai seaport in Southern Vietnam set to be operational next month
The first phase of Phuoc An seaport, the largest seaport in Dong Nai Province, is scheduled to start operating in September 2024, according to Dantri. The project has cost an estimated US$833.33 million and has taken almost 15 years to complete. Approved for construction in 2009, the project was almost
Airlines in Vietnam down to just 160 aircraft operational
With flight demand outstripping supply and the reputations of Vietnam’s airlines among lessors low, there are a myriad of ways Vietnamese airlines could benefit from an injection of foreign capital and expertise. Foreign firms, however, should make sure they have a full grasp on how the industry is tracking before embarking on any major decisions.
Increase in Vietnam Value-Added Tax-exemption threshold under debate
The outcome of this debate is unlikely to have any direct impact on foreign invested enterprises in Vietnam, it is, however, worth bearing in mind when considering in small business investments in Vietnam.
Vietnam EV maker VinFast delays Thailand dealership launch
Of note, VinFast’s expansion outside of Vietnam has been rife with big announcements that have failed to materialise. Most recently, a factory in North Carolina announced back in 2022 was put on ice this year after the company failed to meet sales targets in the North American market. This fits with a largely rocky market entry in the US, at least partly due to the vastly different auto-market dynamics in Vietnam versus in the United States.
Norway off-shore wind developer to exit Vietnam on regulatory delays
The potential for offshore wind in Vietnam has been well documented and plans to introduce six gigawatts by 2030 were detailed in the Power Development Plan 8. There are, however, a number of key challenges facing any sort or practical application, in particular the conflicting interests among several of Vietnam’s key ministries with respect to Vietnam’s Marine Spatial Plan.
Vietnam Mercedes-Benz factory could close altogether on licence extension delays
This challenge looks to stem from regulations that require the Ho Chi Minh City government to reclaim the land at the end of the lease and reassess its use case. Reportedly there is no way around this with the Ho Chi Minh City government asking the national government for assistance. What is perhaps most concerning, however, is that it has been suggested that if the factory were to close it is unlikely to reopen with Mercedes-Benz to be imported instead.
Emu eggs selling in Vietnam for up to US$40 a piece
Alongside rising middle class incomes, the demand for luxury goods and exotic foods in Vietnam is also growing. Of note, New Viet Dairy, an importer and distributor of speciality dairy and deli products, was sold to Japan’s Sojitz Corporation last year. The value of the deal was not announced, however, New Viet Dairy recorded revenue in 2022 of US$320 million…
Doing Business in Thai Nguyen, Vietnam 2024
Thai Nguyen, a province strategically located in northeastern Vietnam, offers a favourable environment for foreign investors. With its well-developed infrastructure, competitive labour costs, and supportive government policies, the province presents a compelling investment opportunity.
In today’s Vietnam news: Ethical / cultural business standards framework, Floating solar project, Embattled construction firm investment spinoff, Raising public debt ceiling, Selling excess
In today’s Vietnam news: GS TL on AI, Saigon Economic Times last issue, Fuel prices cut, Vinhomes issuing more bonds, Counterfeit Korean cosmetics store,
In today’s Vietnam news: Power supply imports, Hanoi boulevard project protests, Antidumping duties coming for boxes, Maersk container terminal project Hanoi, Vinpearl foreign investment,
This is an interview with Chris Walker, a Vietnam Sourcing Expert with Vietnam Factory Tours how rising oil prices and the Middle East crisis are
This is an interview with John Gardner, CEO and Founding Partner, at Optimum Hospitality in Ho Chi Minh City. It covers fuel price impacts on:
This is an interview with Dr Nuno F. Ribeiro, Associate Professor, International Tourism & Hospitality Management at Copenhagen Business College, formerly of RMIT Vietnam. It