BUSINESS IN BRIEF 19/6

Lychee sellers target southern region

Representatives of the country's two largest Thieu lychee-growing provinces, Bac Giang and Hai Duong, together with people from ministries and localities, have discussed ways to further boost the consumption of the fruit in the southern region.

Thieu lychee are considered the best in Viet Nam.

In 2014, the combined Thieu lychee yield of the two northern provinces is likely to reach 190,000 tonnes, of which 40,400 will be grown under the standards of the Vietnam Good Agricultural Practice (VietGap) standards.

A Ministry of Industry and Trade representative said 80,000 tonnes of the fruit were sold domestically last year, mainly in Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh and some southern localities, equivalent to 60 per cent of the year's yield. Of the volume, 40,000 tonnes were consumed in the southern region.

The abundance of Thieu lychees from northern provinces has encouraged the Hoc Mon wholesale market and Saigon Co-op in HCM City to encourage traders to lift sales of the crop.

Delegates also discussed long-term measures to promote investment in Thieu lychee production, the effectiveness of post-harvest preservation and processing and expansion of export markets.

Hoan Xuan Hoa, deputy director of the Department of Processing and Trade for Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Products and Salt Production, said it was vital to apply advanced preservation methods to prolong the freshness of the fruit and renew packaging to attract consumers.

Other delegates suggested that investment should be encouraged in processing them into dried and canned products, which are popular overseas.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade should connect the production and trading of Thieu lychees between localities and regions, said vice-chairwoman of the HCM City People's Committee, Nguyen Thi Hong.

Ministry unveils plans to modernise tuna fishing

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development plans to create a production chain involving fishing, processing, and consumption of tuna.

The trial project aims to improve tuna output, quality, and value addition as part of efforts to industrialise and modernise the industry.

It will be carried out from 2014 to 2017 in the country's three leading tuna fishing provinces - Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, and Khanh Hoa.

To cost an estimated VND760 billion (US$36.1 million), it will provide soft loans to fishermen to upgrade their fishing boats or buy steel ones.

Authorities will manage the fishing by issuing quotas and licences, and encourage fishermen to set up co-operatives and other models of co-operation.

They will provide fishermen modern fishing and preservation technologies, with the project hoping to cut post-catch losses to less than 10 per cent.

Besides improving tuna logistics services, the project will also build a specialised tuna port in Qui Nhon city that will have a refrigerated warehouse and auction market.

Last year the country's tuna exports to 112 markets were worth more than $526 million, ranking third out of the country's major fisheries exports after tra fish and shrimp.

But the industry faces challenges like the stricter quality and origin requirements, international organisations and consumers' demand for sustainable exploitation, and fierce global competition, according to the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers.

Tuna fishing in the country remains small-scale, Vu Dinh Dap, chairman of the Viet Nam Tuna Association, says. Fishermen focus mainly on output and not on post-catch preservation.

According to the Phu Yen Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, most tuna fishing boats in the province are small and have inadequate equipment for fishing and preservation.

Netherlands backs Mekong region

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his visiting Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte yesterday co-chaired a high-level conference in Ha Noi to discuss their co-ordination in the comprehensive development of Viet Nam's Mekong Delta region.

The conference aimed to define major challenges and development prospects of the region, while reaffirming Viet Nam's priorities in developing the region in a comprehensive and sustainable manner with support from international donors.

The Mekong Delta contributes over half of the country's rice output, making the country one of the world's top exporters of the grain. It also plays an important role in conserving global biological diversity by providing habitat for many species of migrant birds and fish.

However, the area is burdened by pressure sparked by climate change and unsustainable socio-economic development.

Addressing the event, Dung said climate change had hit Viet Nam hard and would continue its devastating course in the future, posing a massive challenge to the country's socio-economic development.

Viet Nam highly valued the Netherlands' support in the joint study of the "Mekong Delta Plan", which was part of their bilateral co-operation work to adapt to climate change, he stated.

The findings of the study as well as other recommendations served as a basis for Viet Nam to review and adjust its development orientations and plans for the strategic region, said Dung.

He noted that Viet Nam had drawn up five major policies in response to climate change and the impacts of socio-economic development in the region in order to take advantage of its potential and advantages.

Viet Nam had also sought ways to upgrade regional infrastructure, speed up poverty reduction and narrow the social development gap among regional localities, he added.

Dung also thanked the Dutch Government as well as development partners for their assistance over the years, saying the Vietnamese Government was committed to using ODA in an effective manner while creating favourable conditions for donors to implement projects in the Mekong Delta region.

For his part, the Dutch PM held that similarities in low terrain and high-density populations meant that, his country and the Mekong Delta region were facing the same challenges posed by rising sea levels, changing currents and salinisation.

He said that it was necessary to design a clear strategy coupled with well-established institutions and organisations in order to succeed in a long-term for the Mekong Delta.

Learning from each other was a way to become stronger and working together could enable both sides to help the Mekong Delta region grow sustainably, Rutte said.

He added that the Netherlands was willing to share its experience with Viet Nam and learn from the country as well as residents in other delta regions.

The conference also drew the participation of World Bank Country Director in Viet Nam Victoria Kwakwa, Asian Development Bank Country Director Tomoyiki Kimura, United Nations Co-ordinator Pratibha Mehta and representatives from foreign embassies and international organisations.

Development partners pledged to continue their long-term co-ordination with Viet Nam for the sustainable development of the region.

A Vietnamese-Dutch energy forum was held yesterday as part of the Dutch Prime Minister's visit to Viet Nam.

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Le Duong Quang, said Dutch energy businesses had high technology and long experience in oil and gas, liquefied natural gas and renewable energy.

He said this provided a good opportunity for them to operate in Viet Nam, a market with large oil and gas reserves and increasing demand for energy consumption.

Quang added that Viet Nam might also become a provider of fuels for biomass production for Dutch renewable energy companies.

He said the Vietnamese Government pledged to create good conditions for businesses to expand co-operation in this area.

At the forum, the two sides also agreed that their ministries, agencies and groups should strengthen co-operation in other fields.

The Netherlands now tops the world in designing and building oil and gas infrastructure. It also ranks second in the world in the export of oil and gas products.

Two-way trade between Viet Nam and the Netherlands increased from US$1.2 billion in 2006 to $3.6 billion in 2013.

The Netherlands has become Viet Nam's second export market in the EU after Germany. It is also one of the leading European investors in Viet Nam with 192 projects worth nearly $6.3 billion.

Listed firms rewarded for smart growth by magazine

Fifty companies listed on Viet Nam's two stock exchanges with the most effective operations were honoured by Nhip Cau Dau Tu (Investment Bridge) magazine yesterday.

Besides a market capitalisation of at least VND500 billion (US$23.7 million) and turnover of VND200 billion and profit of VND20 billion for three straight years, the criteria for selection were turnover growth and three years' average return on equity and return on capital.

Vinamilk topped the list with a turnover growth rate of 25 per cent and ROE and ROC of 41 and 40 per cent.

Hau Giang Pharmarceutical followed with 20, 32, and 31 per cent, and Phu My Fertilizer and Chemical Company with 16, 34, and 34 per cent.

They each received a citation.

Of the 50 companies, almost half have won the honour for three successive year since its inception in 2012.

They include Hau Giang, Military Bank, Binh Minh Plastics Company and FPT.

Le Nhi Nang, head of the State Securities Commission in HCM City, said the rating focuses on the specific business performance and helps investors make their decision.

The winners have made constant efforts in areas such as corporate governance, transparency, and business development, he said.

Thien Viet Securities Companies helped the magazine compile the list.

Masan Group subsidiary bonds sold out in latest issuance

VND6.8 trillion ($323.8 million) bonds of Thai Nguyen Trading and Investment Company, a member of the Masan Group (MSN) were sold out last week, according to a source quoted by Dau Tu Chung Khoan (Securities Investment) newspaper.

The bond issuance aimed to increase the company's capital and investment for its Nui Phao mining project.

The bond is five years to maturity.

ACBS closes several branches in HCM City

The State Securities Commission last Thursday gave its nod to ACB Securities to close its three branches and one trading floor in HCM City.

The branches which were shut down only operated in securities brokerage.

In the first quarter of this year, ACBS reported profits of VND117 billion ($5.57 million), increasing 67 per cent over the same period last year.

The company also ranked third by market share on the HCM City Stock Exchange, with 6.25 per cent of the market share, coming after Saigon Securities and HSC Securities in the first quarter. With 4.72 per cent market share on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange, ACBS ranked sixth on the northern bourse.

Ocean Group seeks to offload stake in PVR

Ocean Group, known as OCG on the HCM City Stock Exchange, was looking to sell its stake in PetroVietnam Premier Recreation Jsc. (PVR) from Thursday to July 17.

OCG was now holding 5.142 million shares of PVR, listed on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange, accounting for 9.68 per cent of PVR's charter capital.

Previously, OCG had registered to sell its entire stake in PVR from May 7 to June 4. However, the deal failed due to price disagreements.

Ha Noi attracts $5.8m foreign capital

The capital city has granted licences to 44 foreign-invested projects in the IT sector since the beginning of this year, according to the municipal Department of Information and Communications.

Of the total, 19 were new projects, capitalised at US$5.8 million, the department director Phan Lan Tu said, adding that during the period, Japan ranked first in new foreign investment in Ha Noi with 11 projects. It was followed by South of Korea with five projects.

Meanwhile, twenty-five operating projects also allowed to increase their investment, Tu said.

The department has approved in principle the drafting of a proposed zoning plan mapping out a 70–80 hectare high-tech software park in Nguyen Khe and Tien Duong communes in Ha Noi's Dong Anh District, she announced.

Vietnamese firms showcase products

Eighty Vietnamese enterprises will advertise their goods at the Viet Nam–Myanmar Trade–Service–Tourism Fair 2014, HCM City's Investment and Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC) said.

ITPC described that the event, which will be held in Yangon City from June 26 to 30, will provide an excellent opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to introduce their products to Myanmar consumers and seek business partners to establish a commodity distribution channel to the market.

Processed foods, plastics, household utensils and garment and textiles, as well as cosmetics, footwear, wood products and interior decorations, will be on display.

ITPC Director Pho Nam Phuong said that Vietnamese businesses have always exploited opportunities to provide Myanmar consumers with high-quality products at competitive prices.

Ha Nam facilitates business operations

Local authorities from the northern province of Ha Nam will create every possible condition to help business players stabilise and develop their performance.

Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Mai Tien Dung made the promise at a meeting with entrepreneurs on Monday to discuss ways of removing business difficulties.

Dung was informed that the major obstacles include poor information technology infrastructure, which has slowed down cargo shipments; unclear payment procedures; imperfect traffic system; and poor waste treatment facilities in some industrial parks.

Additionally, it is difficult for businesses, especially small and medium, to obtain access to bank loans, which minimise opportunities to expand their market.

According to the provincial Department of Planning and Investment, as of May this year, the province had 3,172 businesses registered for operation. They have contributed over VND700 billion (US$43.7 million) for the State budget, up 25 per cent year-on-year.

Banking agency to be upgraded

The Banking Supervision Agency under the central bank has been upgraded to a general department, with more duties and rights as of August 1, according to a newly issued decision.

Currently, the agency is operating as a central bank's department.

Under Decision 35/2014/QD-TTg on the organisational structure and operations of the banking supervision agency issued last week, the new general department will include 11 affiliated departments and offices.

The new body will advise and assist the SBV governor in carrying out the State management of the credit institutions and foreign bank branches, inspecting activities, resolution of complaints and denunciations, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering and deposit insurance; conducting administrative, specialised and banking supervision  

in the areas under the SBV management; and implementing anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing in line with law and as assigned by the SBV governor.

The general department will also carry out the duty of submitting to the governor drafted laws, strategies, programmes and projects on renovating and developing credit institutions before receiving approval from the prime minister.

In addition, the government has recently issued a decree in a move to ensure banking supervision is carried out consecutively and more effectively.

The decree, which has taken effect since June 1, stipulates that the banking supervisors have the authority to ask the supervised banks to hire independent auditing companies to audit one, several or all the areas related to operational organisation and finance, if required.

Vietnam, the Netherlands strengthen energy cooperation

Vietnam and the Netherlands signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on energy, in the Hague in 2011, creating a firm legal framework for bilateral cooperation in this field.

Effective implementation of the MoU shows the two governments’ determination in promoting energy cooperation, said Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Le Duong Quang at the Netherlands-Vietnam energy forum in Hanoi on June 17.

Quang said Dutch energy businesses which specialize in high tech, oil & gas, petrochemical supply, and renewable energy will find plenty of opportunity for cooperation in  

Vietnam – a market with huge oil & gas reserves and an increasing demand for energy.

Vietnam can supply fuel for biomass production to Dutch renewable energy businesses, he said, adding that the country has a high demand for human resource training in the energy sector, particularly oil & gas.

The Vietnamese Government is committed to creating optimum conditions for expanding cooperation in this field, Quang stressed.

Participants at the forum agreed that ministries and businesses from both countries need to boost cooperation in other areas. Currently, the major Dutch groups, such as Shell, Philip and Heineken are operating in Vietnam.

According to the Dutch Advanced Energy Technology International (AETIN), the Netherlands ranks first in the world in designing and building oil & gas and maritime infrastructure. It is the world’s second largest oil & gas centre exporting petrochemical products.

Last year, the two countries marked the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Two-way trade turnover tripled from US$1.2 billion in 2006 to more than US$3.6 billion in 2013.

The Netherlands is the second largest consumer of Vietnamese goods in Europe, after Germany. It is also the leading European investor in Vietnam with 192 projects worth nearly US$6.3 billion (by December 2013).

Mong Duong power plant links to national electric grid

The AES-VCM Mong Duong Power Company Limited on June 17 completed a significant milestone – synchronization of the gross 620 MW First Unit of the Mong Duong II BOT Power Project to the 500 kV electric grid.

The project, with 2 units and total gross capacity of 1,240 MW, is currently under construction in Mong Duong Ward, Cam Pha City, Quang Ninh Province.

The US$2.2 billion project is owned by AES-VCM Mong Duong Power Company Limited with three shareholders from the subsidiaries of The AES Corporation (51%), POSCO Energy (30%) and CIC (19%).

After completion of construction and commissioning activities in the second half of 2015, Mong Duong will be the first and largest BOT (Build - Operate - Transfer) coal-fired power plant in Vietnam. It is forecasted to produce over 7.6 billion kWh of electricity annually.  

Eurocham upbeat about Vietnam’s business climate

A EuroCham Business Climate Index (BCI) survey shows that business confidence and outlook among European businesses in Vietnam have continued to increase quarter on quarter.

The survey, conducted in May 2014 by the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (Eurocham), reveals that the BCI is back to its 2011 levels-having gone from last quarter’s 59 to 66, which demonstrates the European business community’s commitment to the Vietnamese market.  

It is expected that the continued positive development of the BCI is linked not only to the ongoing trade negotiations, such as the EU-Vietnam free trade agreement (FTA) but also the creation of ASEAN Economic Community in 2015.

“Our members have a strong belief in the Vietnamese market and are very hopeful of a strong implementable FTA,” said EuroCham Chairwoman Nicola Connolly. “As  

EuroCham, we will continue to work with the Government of Vietnam and the European Union to ensure that the final agreement will provide practical benefits for our members in the years to come.”

EuroCham Executive Director Csaba Bundik noted “EuroCham will remain our effort and collaboration with Vietnamese Government to address issues to our business both within and outside the remit of the EU-Vietnam FTA to ensure the best possible business climate for our members.”

European companies have high hopes of cashing in on the EU-Vietnam free trade agreement when the trade pact is due to be signed in the coming months.

In line with the creation of an ASEAN Economic Community, the BCI survey asked respondents to evaluate Vietnam’s competitive advantages against other ASEAN countries across a number of different criteria. According to the findings, competitive labour cost was perceived as one of the main reasons for EuroCham members to settle their businesses in Vietnam.

On the other hand, one should note that a comparatively high percentage of respondents assessed Vietnam as being less competitive in terms of infrastructure (75%) and legal/administrative system (80%).

In terms of internal market developments supporting the increased BCI, the survey finds that increased investment plans, positive perception of business situation and business outlook could also be counted.

Compared to the results of last quarter’s BCI, the amount of respondents assessing their current business situation as positive has remained relatively stable at 44% -compared to 45% last quarter and last year’s 43%.

In addition, the number of respondents remain negative perception has comparably declined from 29% to 21%

However, in order to maintain that positive trend, Eurocham proposed that the Vietnamese government take into consideration a number of concerns, including the hiring of foreign staff and experts at European companies.

According to the survey, only 16% of respondents found that lack of skilled labour in Vietnam would not have an impact on their business. At the same time, 50% found that this particular issue would have a serious impact on their companies.

The business outlook has seen a continued qualification with responses having positive assessment rising above the midpoint to an impressive 57% compared to last quarter 49% and last year 44%.

This quarter has shown a high expectation from the European business community in terms of the resource of strong implementation of FTA. In addition, the new online  

Customs VNACCS/VCIS system is deemed to be positive by almost relevant respondents (75%).

The positive trend of increasing investment plans has come back with 81% of respondents intending to maintain or increase their investment level, compared to last quarter’s 78%.

The trend also transfers into the recruitment plans, with the number of respondents expecting to increase their headcounts continuing to increase – from 48% last quarter to 55% this quarter. The number of respondents expecting to reduce their workforce has further diminished - 11% compared to last quarter 15%.

After a dip in the expected level of inflation last quarter (3.68%) the inflation level is now back to earlier expectations, with members having guesstimated it at around 4.26% this quarter. Respondents remain somewhat confident in the macroeconomic outlook, with 46% expecting ‘stabilisation and improvement’ of the situation (slightly lower than last quarter) and 26% fearing a further deterioration. The part of respondents expecting a deteriorating has slightly increased from the 23% last time.

Vietnamese high-quality goods fair opens in Can Tho

As many as 150 businesses are showcasing their wares at the Vietnamese High-Quality Goods Fair 2014, which kicked off in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on June 17.

On display are household appliances, sporting tools, stationery, construction materials, textiles and garments, footwear, handicrafts, cosmetics, foods and pharmaceutical products.

According to Vu Thi Kim Hanh, President of the Business Association of Vietnamese High-Quality Goods, the fair aims to attract more interest from consumers to made-in-Vietnam goods, while helping domestic enterprises enhance promotion activities and share experience.

Organisers said similar events were also held in the Mekong Delta provinces of An Giang and Tien Giang, the southern central coastal province of Phu Yen and Ho Chi Minh City.

After Can Tho, the fair will tour central Binh Dinh province, central Da Nang city, southern Dong Nai and Dong Thap provinces and the Central Highland province of Dak Lak.

Top 50 businesses in Vietnam named

A ceremony was held in Ho Chi Minh City on June 17 to announce the top fifty most effective businesses in Vietnam.

Among them, were 23 companies who made the list for three consecutive years, including Vietnam Dairy Products JSC, Binh Minh Plastics JSC, Hau Giang Pharmaceutical JSC and Vinacafe Bien Hoa JSC.

Le Nhi Nang, chief representative of the State Securities Commission in Ho Chi Minh City, said that the announcement of the list is a practical leverage for enterprises to develop their operation, and an incentive for investors on the bourse.

Evaluating the effectiveness of enterprises listed on the stock market, is based on business growth indicators, including turnover, profit, Return On Equity (ROE) and Return On Capital (ROC) on average over 3 years (2011, 2012 and 2013).

Businesses must meet three criteria: a market capitalisation of VND500 billion plus, annual turnover of VND200 billion or more, and profit after tax achieving a minimum of VND20 billion.

The top 50 is within the intensive survey and annual business ranking programme conducted by Nhip Cau Dau Tu (Investment Bridge) magazine, in co-ordination with many other agencies, to seek the most successful companies on the Vietnam stock market.

The survey aims to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the business model, business administration methods, and business leadership visions.

It also encourages companies to maintain their business and management advantages, and examine risks in the strategy for the next development stages.

Netherlands shares experience in agricultural development

Farmers cannot maintain sustainable production without good liquid assets, so credit finance is an important tool for promoting sustainable agricultural development, said the Dutch State Secretary for Economic Affairs Sharon Dijkisma.

At a financial forum for Vietnam’s agriculture, held in Hanoi on June 17, Sharon pointed out that banks are unwilling to finance rural families because of the risks. Financial organisations do not prioritise agriculture, and agricultural businesses lack efficient management skills, preventing them from accessing financial information and loans.

She expressed the hope that the Vietnam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR) and the Netherlands Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality will work close together to address the issue.

MARD Minister Cao Duc Phat affirmed that the forum provided a good chance for Vietnamese and Dutch partners to discuss challenges, potential and cooperative opportunities and find ways to help credit organisations play a more active role in agricultural production chains.

He noted that Vietnamese banks always give priority to offering credit and capital for farmers and agricultural businesses, however, there is a big gap between farmers’ demand and supply.

With annual growth of 3-4%, agriculture plays an important role in ensuring food security, and generating jobs and income for 70% of people in rural areas. Vietnam is restructuring its economy, including agriculture, towards sustainable socio-economic development and poverty reduction.

He stressed that the Prime Minister has approved an agricultural restructuring project aiming to improve the quality, added value and sustainable development, of which farmers play a key role and businesses are a driving force behind development.

Phat called on Dutch businesses to cooperate with Vietnam to develop agriculture sustainably, improve the productivity and quality, and ensure food security and environmentally friendly farming techniques, bringing practical benefits for both sides.

France pledges support for Vietnam’s growth model

The French Development Agency (AFD) has provided more than EUR1.5 billion for Vietnam to implement development projects over the last 20 years, making the country the second largest partner of AFD globally.

The announcement was made by AFD Country Director Resmi Genevey at a meeting on June 17, marking the French agency’s 20th anniversary in Vietnam.Resmi said over the years, AFD has financed 75 projects in Vietnam, mainly in rural development, energy, transport, clean water supply, irrigation and environmental sanitation.

He revealed that last year his agency spent EUR7.8 billion on projects in developing countries, including EUR146 million for micro-finance, urban development, rural infrastructure, environment and climate change projects in Vietnam.

Despite becoming a middle-income country, Vietnam is still one of the main countries seriously affected by climate change, the AFD expert said.

Recent rapid development has posed new challenges to Vietnam, including an increasing demand for energy, overpopulation pressure due to residential migration from rural to urban areas, generation of about 1 million jobs annually, and enhanced protection capacity.

In its 2013-2015 cooperation strategy, AFD assistance will focus on shifting Vietnam’s growth model in a fair and sustainable manner, he said.

Financial sources will concentrate on encouraging sustainable and comprehensive urban development, modernising production and coping with climate change, Resmi said.

Major construction expo to highlight mining industry

The mining industry will come to the fore at the International Exhibition of Construction Technologies, Vietconstech 2014, which is slated for December 10-13 in Hanoi.

The event is an opportunity for both domestic and foreign businesses to introduce new technologies and equipment as well as seek partners and promote trade.

The estimated 200-booth exposition will also help increase the capacity of entrepreneurs in global competitiveness.

A number of seminars on construction technologies and environmentally-friendly building materials will shape part of the event.

A similar exhibition was first held in Vietnam in 2012 with the participation of 80 businesses.

The event will be organised by the ministries of Construction, Science and Technology; Agriculture and Rural Development; Natural Resources and Environment; and Industry and Trade.

Vietnam joins Asia’s largest ICT expos in Singapore

Vietnam has been represented by senior officials from the Information and Communications Ministry and over 10 companies at the CommunicAsia2014, EnterpriseIT2014 and BroadcastAsia2014 being held in Singapore from June 17-20.

In the framework of Asia’s largest exhibitions, Nguyen Thanh Phuc, Director General of the ministry’s Information Technology Department, attended the 10th Ministerial Forum, a closed-door platform for government senior officials to discuss key policies and developments in the field.

At the conference on broadband, Nguyen Phong Nha, Deputy Director General of the ministry’s Telecommunications Authority, spoke on broadband market and forecast in Vietnam.

Nha said that all initiatives and ICT programmes in Vietnam aimed to provide everyone everywhere with access to high speed broadband, adding that Vietnam’s policy and regulations support creation of competitive environment, investment in ICT including application of new advanced technologies and development of new applications.

Among the dozen Vietnamese companies attending this year’s exhibitions is Wise-Concetti Communication Technology Co. Ltd., which provides all kinds of service in localization, including website and software localisation. The company joins the region’s largest event for the first time to seek for more customers, besides Apple and Samsung.

Anewtech Systems Pte Ltd, a Singapore company, and its Vietnam subsidiary also join the Vietnamese team at the regional event. The company’s Managing Director,  

Terence Teo, told Vietnam News Agency’s Singapore-based reporter that after nearly six years’ operation in Vietnam, the company has seen returns on investment in Vietnam.

“We really feel that we can do more in infrastructure projects (in Vietnam) to help Vietnam grow in terms of telecommunication. We definitely invested and may in the near future invest more in manufacturing facilities (in Vietnam).”

CommunicAsia2014 together with EnterpriseIT2014 attract the participation of nearly 1,300 exhibitors from about 60 countries and territories, which demonstrate how various technologies connect people, enterprises and cities with three new thematic clusters – NXT Cities, NXT Enterprises and NXT Connected Services. Also new this year is the introduction of 4K, state-of-the-art technologies created for digital media by a number of 700 exhibitors from nearly 50 countries and territories taking part in BroadcastAsia2014.

Can Tho works with RoK partner on water supply system

The Mekong Delta city of Can Tho has reached a deal with the Environmental Industry and Technology Institute of the Republic of Korea (KEITI) on a 1.5 million USD project to build a clean water supply system for three communes in Vinh Thanh district.

Of the total project investment, 1 million USD has come from the locality, while the rest is sourced from the RoK assistance, said Pham Van Quynh, director of the provincial Agriculture and Rural Development Department.

Can Tho will finish the planning and initial building work, as well as opening bids for the project, before July this year. Work will then be handed over to the RoK side, so that they can install machines and equipment for the system, he said.

Covering an area of 10,000 square meters, the project has a capacity of supplying 2,600 cubic meters of water to locals in Thanh An, Thanh Thang and Thanh Loi communes, said Quynh.

The project is scheduled to become operational in March 2015, he added.

During a working session with KEITI representatives on June 17, the official pledged to provide support in legal and administrative procedures for the RoK side during the implementation of the project.

Vietnam’s FDI attraction eyes prospective increase

Foreign Direct Investment in Vietnam in the first months of 2014 was year on year decline, however the year’s total is unlikely lower than 2013 with several large projects about to be granted investment licenses.

Registered capital topped US$5.5 billion as of May, accounting for 66 percent of the number in the same period last year, said the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

FDI strongly increased in the southern region including Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong and Dong Nai Provinces.

Binh Duong attracted US$978.4 million, up 15 percent while HCMC lured US$793 million, an increase of 119 percent year on year.

HCMC has approved a US$1 billion electronic plant project of Samsung Group in the Saigon Hi-Tech Park, according to the city People’s Committee.

A number of large FDI projects are under negotiation and might be licensed this year, Minister of Planning and Investment Bui Quang Vinh revealed at the weekly VTV program ‘People ask, Minister answers.’ Therefore, the year’s total will not reduce over last year, he said.

Authorized agencies will comprehensively improve business environment for long-term and stable foreign investment in Vietnam, said Dang Xuan Quang, deputy head of the Foreign Investment Agency at a recent Vietnam Singapore Business Forum 2014.

Le Thanh Cung, chairman of Binh Duong Province People’s Committee said Binh Duong has welcoming foreign investors since the beginning of the year.

The province will continue to assist damaged companies to stabilize production.

Measures to improve the investment environment will also be intensified. The provincial authorities will propose the Government to have preferential policies to attract potential investors in hi-tech field.

Nikkiso Vietnam Company produces medical instrument in Tan Thuan Export Processing Zone, HCMC (Photo: SGGP)

Le Manh Ha, deputy chairman of HCMC People’s Committee said City will continue administrative reform to cut short FDI licensing time.

Representatives from some business associations and foreign companies have expressed their belief on Vietnam’s investment environment.

Johnny Liao, director general of Daily Full International Printing Company located in Vietnam Singapore Industrial Park 1, said that Vietnam and other Southeast Asian nations are still the best choice for foreign companies to invest in.

Anphabe JSC launches Vietnam Best Company To Work portal

Anphabe JSC today announced the launches of Vietnam Best Company To Work portal at www.anphabe.com/best-company.

This is the first and only specialising page providing comprehensive information about companies nominated as best places to work in Vietnam like Unilever, Prudential, Piaggio, Suntory PepsiCo, ICP, VinaCapital and Cargill.

Consequently, each company nominated as Vietnam’s best place to work will have their own Career Fan Page in Vietnam Best Company Portal at www.anphabe.com/best-company.

Including comprehensive career information with interactive functions like a social network Fan page, these Career Fan pages therefore provide effective connection between recruiters and job seekers.

More specifically, each company will continually update the latest job opportunities, culture photos and internal news on its Career Fan Page, so that candidates can learn more about real working environment at company.

When accessing these websites, in addition to company’s sharing information, viewers can also read many reviews on company’s both strengths and drawbacks shared by current and ex-employees, so that they can attain multidimensional perspective towards the places they intend to work for.

Candidates can maximise their career opportunities by “following” one or many desired companies to get updated latest information about these companies, apply for the right job, or simply submit profile to join companies’ Talent Pool for future chances.

If candidates wish to receive career advices, “Q&A” function allows them to receive consultations directly from HR departments, companies’ current staff as well as management professionals in Anphabe community.

Founder and CEO of Anphabe JSC, Nguyen Thi Viet Thanh said: “Nowadays, besides the wish for job opportunities matching individual expertise and experience, job seekers also want to look for suitable workplace for long term commitment. Therefore, Vietnam Best Company To Work portal is a very useful channel connecting job seekers with most selectively prestigious employer brands.”

“Its highly interactive functions will also help job seekers to actively catch worthy opportunities actively, directly connect to HR department and “hunt” insider information that’s hardly reached via other channels,” she added.

From employers’ perspective, Vietnam Best Company To Work portal will also open up valuable opportunities for businesses to enhance their employer brand’s attractiveness in the eyes of target talents, especially over 500,000 professional members of Anphabe communities.

Bui Thi Thanh Thuy, chief human resource officer, Prudential Vietnam expressed: “In the long-term HR strategy, most companies nowadays are not targeting the best talents, but most appropriate ones. Joining Vietnam Best Company To Work Portal, we would like to have an effective channel to connect effectively with talents who are interested in developing long-term career at Prudential Vietnam. Thus we will invest time and effort to share regular information, career opportunities and interact with candidates to attract the best suited “future partners.”

Anphabe.com is Vietnam biggest Online Network of Management Professionals in Vietnam with more than 110,000+ members and 400,000 subcribers.

It is owned and operated by Anphabe JSC – a pioneering company in Vietnam providing integrated Employer Branding (EB) solutions from EB Strategy, EB Creative Development, EB Activation and EB Health Check.

Anphabe JSC is currently the strategic Employer Brand partner of many top companies in Vietnam.

Ford Vietnam reports best-ever performance in May

Ford Vietnam just announced its best-ever performance for the month of May with overall retail sales rising 51 per cent versus a year ago to 932 units.

Ford’s record May was driven by the best-ever sales month for the Transit and continued strength in demand for both the Ranger and Fiesta nameplates.

"We’re continuing to make significant progress on our One Ford plan as strong sales across our lineup reflect the widening consumer appeal of the Ford brand in Vietnam for our segment-leading vehicles,” said Jesus Metelo Arias, Ford Vietnam’s managing director.

The Ford Transit, Vietnam’s best-selling commercial van again, delivered May retail sales that soared 127 per cent to 316 units. Year-to-date sales of segment-leading Transit have jumped 134 per cent to 1,405 units.

“The versatility and dependability of the Transit continues to drive its popularity across a wide range of commercial customers and the many applications and requirements of their respective industries,” said Arias.

Ford also maintained its leadership in the pickup truck segment in May as the Ranger delivered retail sales that increased 130 per cent to 308 units. Year to date sales have jumped 164 per cent to 1,348 units, as strong demand continues to drive sales across the full Ranger lineup.

Ford announced pricing in May for the Ranger Wildtrak 3.2L, which will be available next month, giving customers even more choice for this class-defining pickup truck.

“Demand for the class-leading Ranger has been extraordinary. With the addition of the 3.2L Wildtrak variant next month, the Ranger we’ll be able to cater to the needs of a wider spectrum of truck customers across the market,” said Arias.

Available with Ford’s award-winning 1.0L three-cylinder EcoBoost engine, the stylish new Ford Fiesta delivered May retail sales that rose 16 per cent year-over-year to 123 units – its highest monthly total since September 2012.

Year-to-date sales of Fiesta sales have risen 37 per cent from the same period a year ago to 531 units.

The revolutionary 1.0L EcoBoost engine – which is small enough to fit into an airplane’s overhead bin - rivals the power and performance of a traditional 1.6L engine with  

125 PS (92 kW) of power and 170 Nm of peak torque, while achieving fuel economy of 18.9 km/L and carbon dioxide emissions of just 121 g/km.

The Fiesta also features SYNC, Ford’s in-car connectivity system that gives drivers hands-free control of their entertainment system with voice commands, allowing them to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Additionally, the 1.0L Fiesta Sport+ and 1.5L Fiesta Sport and Titanium variants feature a segment-leading seven airbag configuration as part of the Fiesta’s unmatched safety package.

The popular Ford Everest family SUV continued to enjoy strong demand in May and achieved retail sales that increased 263 per cent year-over-year to 127 units. Year-to-date sales of Everest have now risen 42 per cent from a year earlier to 671 units.

Strong sales helped Ford to claim 7.7 per cent market share in May, up from 6.4 per cent in May last year. Its market share reached 8 per cent in the period from January through May, up from 7.1 per cent in the similar period last year.

Vietnam to pass feasibility study on nuclear plant in Q1 2015: official

The feasibility study on the nuclear power plant to be built in southern Ninh Thuan Province is scheduled for approval by the end of the first quarter of next year, a chief nuclear official said on Monday.

The Russian consulting firm E4-KIEP-EPT will announce its amended feasibility study on the project in August, Doan The Vinh, deputy head of the Department of Nuclear and Thermal Power, told Tuoi Tre(Youth) newspaper in a recent interview.

“The Ministry of Science and Technology will need around six months to assess the study, while the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will also have to assess its environment impact report,” Vinh said.

This means the main committee set up to evaluate the project will only receive the full feasibility study at the end of this year.

Then, it will take the committee another three months to finish evaluation, as per current regulations, he added.

“The feasibility study will thus only be approved by the end of the first quarter of 2015,” Vinh concluded, adding that this year-long process is done “step by step and on a schedule.”

Vinh rejected allegations that the project is making slow progress.

“We are not behind schedule as the plan has been adjusted in this case,” he said.

The 2014 groundbreaking deadline, which proved unreasonable, was set in 2008, when Vietnam had yet to develop the law on nuclear power and still lacked experience, Vinh said.

The schedule was adjusted following the creation of the nuclear law and guidance and consultancy, he added.

The Ninh Thuan nuclear power project consists of two plants, Ninh Thuan 1 and 2. Once put into operation, they will become the country’s first nuclear power plants.

The two plants are among the five nuclear power facilities to be set up in the central region between 2020 and 2030 under a plan approved by the Vietnamese government, given forecasts that the country will face a serious shortage of power by 2020.

Vietnam has decided to use Russian technology for the first facility and Japanese expertise for the second.

Source: VEF/VNA/VNS/VOV/SGT/SGGP/Dantri/VIR