A leader in business news since 1991

September 27, 2017 | 08:00

(0) user say

On the threshold of its 26th anniversary this week, VIR talks to foreign business leaders in Vietnam about the newspaper’s performance and how it helps them to navigate and succeed in the country’s fast-changing corporate landscape.

VIR pledges not to rest on its laurels, and to continually produce up-to-date news for the community here in Vietnam

Shenbagam Manthiram - Chief Representative, Tata Power Vietnam

VIR is very useful for our business in Vietnam. In fact, I begin my Monday morning reading VIR before I even start my work, as it provides good insights into the power sector and explains what is happening with regards to policy matters, the status of various projects, investor views, provincial issues, the challenges of the sector, and technology inputs. Armed with the latest knowledge about local happenings, I can confidently begin the week and go about our strategies and tasks in an informed manner.

The newspaper captures the latest happenings, issues, and challenges of all sectors very well. It even discusses solutions in a proactive manner.

VIR has an opportunity to improve in the area of content by having a deeper knowledge of the subject under discussion and providing relevant in-depth analyses of every sector.

Alain Cany - Country Chairman, Jardine Matheson Vietnam Ltd.

For the last 15 years, VIR has always been my first reading priority every Monday morning in my office. This is the best information for foreign businessmen about investments, trade, and regulation changes in Vietnam. I also appreciate the company and property news and the economic indicators on the last page.

During my core leave, I ask my secretary to forward it to me by express courier, as I want to stay up-to-date on Vietnam’s economic news.

I suggest VIR be a bit more independent in covering some stories which can sometimes look a bit promotional. The paper could also include more sector review and cover more capital markets and corporate finance subjects in the future.

I wish a happy birthday and a long life to VIR!

Kent Wong - Director, Advisory GMS Partners

In an age where instant social media gratification predominates, VIR stands out as a quality read and one of the best ways to stay up-to-date on current affairs in Vietnam. VIR provides foreign and local investors with insightful, balanced articles that reflect Vietnam’s socio-economic development and useful commentary on the nation’s policies and regulations.

As a foreigner who constantly needs to be kept abreast of economic and regulatory developments, VIR gives me an excellent starting point for cutting-edge information. VIR’s well-written and researched articles on property, M&A, energy, foreign investment, and international relations, by knowledgeable reporters, mean that VIR can often be referred to as a credible source.

My warmest congratulations to VIR on its 26th anniversary and best wishes for a happy celebration!

Nicolas Josi - General Manager, Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi

For me, what makes VIR one of the most reputable business newspapers is its capacity to provide in-depth news and feature coverage on government agencies, business communities, and international organisations.

This reliable publication serves its general readers as well as investors with its essential sources of insightful information on business and economic issues.

Nirukt Sapru - General Director, Standard Chartered Bank (Vietnam) Ltd.

On behalf of Standard Chartered Bank Vietnam, I would like to convey our warmest congratulations to VIR on the 26th anniversary of the establishment of the newspaper.

VIR is a high-profile English-language publication in Vietnam which we find immensely valuable, as it provides timely information and comprehensive analysis of Vietnam’s business and investment climate and its economic development, which is very helpful for our business in Vietnam.

It has been a great pleasure for me to be featured in VIR several times, to share thoughts and expertise with the hope of contributing to the sustainable growth and prosperity of Vietnam’s economy.

Once again, may I extend our heartfelt congratulations to VIR on its impressive achievements over the past 26 years. We wish it continued success and further development on its journey to deepen the connection between Vietnam and the foreign business community and investors. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with VIR and are delighted to assist it as and when needed.

Anthony Tay - General Director, APL Logistics Vietnam Company Ltd.

Congratulations on VIR’s 26th anniversary! As an expatriate working for a foreign company, VIR is one of the few English publications in Vietnam that stands out, providing up-to-date information on the country’s economic development, especially with regards to investment in the varied sectors of the economy. APL Logistics has been in Vietnam for the past 21 years, we have subscribed to VIR from day one. This speaks volumes about its relevance, especially during our formative years.

The various events it organises during the year also provide businesses with an opportunity to network with other corporate leaders and important relevant authorities that provide further insight.

As for the publication, it is well-written and concise, which keeps it relevant. We use some of the information to direct our research effort and refine our business plan here in Vietnam and with the rest of our own global network.

We wish VIR continued success, especially with their valuable contribution to the development of Vietnam.

Natasha Ansell - Country Officer, Citi Vietnam

On behalf of Citi Vietnam, I express my sincere congratulations to VIR on your 26th anniversary.

VIR is a valuable source of information and comprehensive insights on the government’s policies, regulatory frameworks, and economic developments in Vietnam. By providing a compact range of topics, including investing, companies, society, property, and a specific section on money, VIR is a valuable source to keep on top of developments and movements of the industries and markets in Vietnam. With in-depth analysis, it helps to foster awareness and understanding by the public, critical to driving solutions, which could help the country to accelerate reforms and achieve sustainable and inclusive growth.

It has been a great pleasure for Citi Vietnam to work closely with VIR in a joint effort to raise awareness about the banking industry, as well as the most up-to-date banking initiatives and technology underpinning new trends and services in the sector. We look forward to continue co-operating with VIR.

Stoney Su - Managing Director, Cargill Feed & Nutrition Vietnam

The Ministry of Planning and Investment in general and its publication VIR in particular has been our preferred and trusted source of information, especially when it comes to investment decisions, over the past 22 years, since our establishment of operations in Vietnam.

Thanks to the stories and research that VIR has provided over the years, foreign investors like Cargill can be timely informed with adequate insights on the local market so that we can be more confident to make informed and actionable decision to advance ourselves in the increasingly competitive local market.

Congratulations to VIR on its 26th anniversary, Cargill wishes you great success in the coming years. Thank you for being such a good companion of foreign investors in Vietnam.

As the media industry changes its approach to include more audience interaction and tries ever harder to push more unique, engaging, content via digital channels, I would love to see VIR take steps to diversify its offerings and harness the advantages of social, infographic, or values-driven networks to be able to expand its reach and influence in the local media sphere and support the expat community even further.

Jonathan L. Moreno - Chairman, AmCham

When I first came to Vietnam almost seven years ago, I asked a country manager friend of mine representing a different US company how he kept up with the changing legal, regulatory, and business environment in Vietnam. He recommended reading key business news sources in the car to and from the office each day. I have fully embraced this recommendation and VIR is one of my key sources to stay up-to-date. I appreciate VIR’s focus on topics and issues necessary to succeed as a growing business in Vietnam. VIR does many things very well. However, I recommend increasing the number of stories and case studies of companies that are overcoming challenges and succeeding, or companies providing specific examples of challenges faced while doing business in Vietnam. Case studies will take key issues from being theoretical to becoming real and practical.