members look for quick efta accord

Members look for quick EFTA accord

Vietnam is hoping that a free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Area – which comprises of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein – will improve both sides’ market access in trade. However, negotiations are dragging on into their ninth year.
various state budget options offered up to quicken recovery

Various state budget options offered up to quicken recovery

Extending tax schedules, pushing ahead with vaccinations, and dipping further into the budget are just some of the drastic measures the business community in Vietnam is looking for to climb its way out of the current stagnation.
outdated framework impedes rail recovery

Outdated framework impedes rail recovery

State-owned Vietnam Railways suffered severe losses during the last 18 months and now plans to cope by expanding international shipments of fruits and other agricultural products. However, various infrastructure issues need to be remedied beforehand to materialise feasibility.
pandemic measures placing strain on inflation goals

Pandemic measures placing strain on inflation goals

Although Vietnam plans to keep inflation below 4 per cent in 2021, it remains a significant challenge as the government juggles the fight against the pandemic and socioeconomic development.
more drastic actions urged to aid economy

More drastic actions urged to aid economy

While Vietnam’s strategy to cope with the global health crisis has protected the lives of most, bringing the economy back on track remains a challenging task.
shb focuses on handling debts at vinashin and vamc

SHB focuses on handling debts at Vinashin and VAMC

SHB will soon handle all debts of Vinashin and purchase all bonds held by Vietnam Asset Management Company this year thanks to increasing loan-loss provisioning.
exporters yearning for switch to global payment terms to protect business

Exporters yearning for switch to global payment terms to protect business

Many local exporters, who want to switch their export methods to shun risks caused in the international freight market, aim to take control over shipping lines and freight insurance previously under the responsibility of overseas buyers – but the route ahead is not without hurdles.
textile and garment makers seek multitude of options

Textile and garment makers seek multitude of options

As the current outbreak of the pandemic remains complicated, textile and garment makers fear lasting impacts on their operations, with many of them hoping for either direct support from the government or the permission to take the initiative themselves.
coal conundrum ahead forces vietnam to rethink priorities

Coal conundrum ahead forces Vietnam to rethink priorities

While the pressure on the environment and issues like climate change are increasing, it remains difficult for Vietnamese companies and the government to turn away from fossil fuels completely. However, experts warn that while a strong reliance on them will only increase related problems, using state-of-the art technology would count most.
modernisation a necessity for boom in home petrol market

Modernisation a necessity for boom in home petrol market

To foster a competitive market mechanism while remaining in control of the petroleum market, Vietnam could impose a foreign ownership cap of 35 per cent in the sector. However, some argue that this approach might still be too careful and possibly deter overseas interest.
growers juggle with fertiliser tensions

Growers juggle with fertiliser tensions

The imbalance between imports and domestic fertiliser production is exacerbating agricultural production difficulties, while unsuitable policies against some imported fertilisers are further pressuring the underdogs.
power plan revised to render market more competitive

Power plan revised to render market more competitive

The government this month requested the Ministry of Industry and Trade to review and re-submit the Power Development Plan VIII as the scheme is geared towards speeding up establishment of a competitive electricity market. The aim, to ensure fair participation of all stakeholders, has the potential to attract investors and mobilise all resources for energy development.
samsung seeks direct energy route

Samsung seeks direct energy route

The investment legal framework for Vietnam’s renewable energy market could change if Samsung gets government approval to buy renewable energy directly from power generators.
pm leads mindset change for infrastructure breakthrough

PM leads mindset change for infrastructure breakthrough

Public investment can be a growth engine for the Vietnamese economy, in a new context and with a different development perspective. However, previous experience has shown that public investment and its divestment need appropriate strategies and regulations to be carried out efficiently.
debt burden risks budget stability

Debt burden risks budget stability

Vietnam has had outstanding economic development in recent decades, even through the pandemic so far. However, public debt remains a concern among government officials who soon must cope with the maturity of the previous five years of debts, which may affect the state budget for the 2021-2025 period.