Northern Vietnam’s power supply next dry season may fall short by up to 10 percent in a worst case scenario according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and reported by The Saigon Times. The publication goes on to dub the power supply a ‘significant challenge’ though this may be

What the ECB’s interest rate rise might mean for Vietnam

the-shiv September 15, 2023

VN Express is reporting on the European Central Bank’s interest rate rise and what it means for the EU. There are, however, a couple of key points missing with respect to what it might mean for Vietnam. Firstly rising interest rates in the EU is likely to impact demand for

Savings interest rates are headed toward record lows

the-shiv September 14, 2023

Savings rates at Vietcombank and Agribank have been reduced to 5.5 percent, which is the same as the record-low they hit during COVID-19, according to VN Express. Why it matters: The banking sector has been on a wild ride over the last year as the pulleys and levers designed to

Some renewable energy firms are struggling to make money in Vietnam

the-shiv September 14, 2023

High-interest payments on corporate bonds issued to fund a number of renewable energy projects in Vietnam are making it difficult for a number of renewable energy generators to turn a profit, Vietnam News is reporting. Up until the last year or so bonds were a popular way to raise capital

Japanese expert leaves BOD of Bamboo Airways

the-shiv September 14, 2023

Japan’s Oshima Hideki, formerly the Deputy General Director of Japan Airlines took on the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors at Vietnam’s Bamboo Airways in June. He has since resigned, and is now likely to be removed from the BOD tomorrow, according to VN Express. Why it matters:

ManPower Group exec on Vietnam’s HR landscape

the-shiv September 14, 2023

The Investor is carrying an interview with Simon Matthews, regional manager of workforce solutions company ManpowerGroup Vietnam (MPGV), Thailand, and the Middle East. He says: Vietnam needs to improve its English language proficiency; That 30 percent (120) of the 400 roles MPGV filed in the first six months of this

Vietnam pushes US to remove non-market economy designation

the-shiv September 13, 2023

During the US President’s visit to Hanoi, the Chairman of the National Assembly, Vuong Dinh Hue, requested the US revisit its designation of Vietnam as a non-market economy, VN Economy is reporting. For context: When assessing anti-dumping disputes with non-market economies, the US Commerce Department, per WTO rules, often uses

Why booming Vietnamese rice exports matter to foreign firms

the-shiv September 13, 2023

Vietnam’s rice exports from January to August of this year were 20 percent higher than they were over the same period in 2022, according to The Investor. Why it matters: Whereas foreign investment in rice production is relatively small, rice prices are a key contributor to Vietnam’s consumer price index

Vietnam 5th cheapest country to charge an EV but…

the-shiv September 13, 2023

Vietnam is the fifth cheapest place to charge an EV according to Compare the Market as reported in Doanh Nhan Saigon. However, this flex should come with one big caveat–Electricity prices are regulated by the government in Vietnam which has led to supply issues per this analysis from the-shiv. Ergo,

Vietnam competitive electricity market a ‘dream’ on retail price controls

the-shiv September 13, 2023

VN Express is carrying this analysis of Vietnam’s electricity sector focused on the development of a competitive electricity market. It has a quote from Bui Xuan Hoi, principal of the Northern Electricity College, who says a competitive electricity market is nothing more than a ‘dream’ in the context of government

Semiconductor supply chain challenges for VN re: decoupling from China

the-shiv September 13, 2023

Vietnam’s overreliance on imports from China in its supply chains may hinder its ambition to become a pivotal part of global semiconductor supply chains, according to Zachary Abuza, a professor at the National War College in Washington who specialises in Southeast Asian politics and security issues, quoted in this article

Vietnamese dong exchange rate quietly creeping up

the-shiv September 12, 2023

The State Bank of Vietnam’s has set the exchange rate of the Vietnamese dong at 24,005 to the US dollar, which is an all-time high according to The Investor. Note that this rate is a peg and local traders are only permitted to trade VND in a band five percent

What Vientamese workers want in 2023: Decision Lab, The Sentry

the-shiv September 12, 2023

Co-working space, The Sentry, and market research firm, Decision Lab, have released a report on what Vietnamese employees are looking for in their employers. For Gen X its learning opportunities for Gen Y is money which fits with broader observations of younger people have greater flexibility and older people have

Context: FDI vs. Domestic in 500 most profitable enterprises report, 2023

the-shiv September 12, 2023

FDI firms are leading domestic firms in VIentam on return on assets by 2.5 percentage points and return on equity by 4.9 percent, according to the PROFIT500 rankings released earlier this week. Whereas these differences are marginal, it’s worth noting that the key local companies making the top of the

US sees Vietnam at bottom end of semiconductor supply chain?

the-shiv September 12, 2023

The US will support Vietnam to attract investment in semiconductor production and developing technical skills necessary to participate in semiconductor production, according to a US Department of State press release. Of note in the state departments release is a reference to ‘building on Vietnam’s existing strengths in assembly, testing, and

Intellectual property, skilled human resources key challenges to US investment in Vietnam

the-shiv September 11, 2023

Despite US FDI into Vietnam topping US$11.4 billion there is still room for more investment with key obstacles yet to be resolved, Tuoi Tre is reporting. The article specifically mentions human resources and intellectual property protections as being inadequate–see comments below. Mai Nguyen, president of the Association of Foreign Investment

Vietnamese English education app gets US$20 million from Singapore investment firm

the-shiv September 11, 2023

UOB Venture Management has invested US$20 million in ELSA, an English education app, made in Vietnam, Deal Street Asia is reporting. The apps primary focus is improving English pronunciation through what it claims is AI. Why it matters: There is a huge appetite for learning foreign languages in Vietnam, particularly

Vietnam Airlines to sign deal for 50 Boeing 737 Max

the-shiv September 11, 2023

Vietnam Airlines is considering a US$10 billion deal with Boeing for 50 737 Max aircraft, VN Express is reporting. The article says that the deal will see the national carrier replace its ageing fleet of A321 aircraft. There is no mention in the article of the two fatal crashes involving

Netherlands furniture firm invests US$31.7 in south-central Vietnam

the-shiv September 10, 2023

Dutch furniture firm VidaXL is building a factory in the Nhon Hoi economic zone in Vietnam’s Binh Dinh province, according to VN Express. The project will cover 213,000 m2 of land and will produce an array of components and parts for VidaXL home furnishings. The project is expected to be

What Vietnamese businesses want from President Biden’s Hanoi stopover

the-shiv September 10, 2023

VN Express is covering what Vietnamese businesses are looking for from US President Joe Biden’s trip to Hanoi. Key takeaways: Eds note: Whereas the geopolitics of Biden’s visit to Hanoi are well documented, in Vietnam there seems to be little interest. The focus domestically is on trade with the United