Economy

Exports of tra fish are expected to reach around US$800 million in the first half of this year, down 7.3 per cent year-on-year, according to the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

Viet Nam to host German businesses

The 14th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business will be held in HCM City in November 2014, the German Industry and Commerce Viet Nam has announced.

Sai Gon Co.op opens supermarket

Sai Gon Co.op opened its 62nd supermarket in central Nha Trang City with investment capital of more than VND120 billion ($5.7 million).

Port project all at sea: Vinalines to pull out

The unfinished Van Phong International Port has suffered a major blow after the Van Phong Economic Zone Management Board decided to block investment in the project from Viet Nam National Shipping Lines (Vinalines).

Firms get right to defer tax payments

Enterprises would be allowed to pay their tax debts by installments from the beginning of next month, under a new proviso intended to assist firms in weathering the economic storm.

Mobile phone exports to hit $20b

The Ministry of Industry and Trade forecasts that the export of mobile phones and their spare parts may exceed US$20 billion this year, according to the Communist Party of Viet Nam online newspaper.

2.8m tonnes of rice shipped abroad

Viet Nam shipped nearly 3 million tonnes of rice between January 1 and June 13, raking in over US$1.3 billion, the Viet Nam Food Association reported.

Long An GDP growth reaches 9.7%

Mekong Delta Long An Province posted a 9.7 per cent increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the first half of 2013.

Viettel to open US company

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has approved a proposal by the telecommunications group Viettel to establish a Viettel America Company in the United States.

Local products get thumbs up

Vietnamese goods such as Vinamilk dairy products, 333 Beer and Hao Hao instant noodles have been highlighted for their brisk sales in the domestic market.

Strong growth forecast for high-tech export sector

High-tech products, a key export item for HCM City, are expected to see strong growth in the near future, according to speakers at a seminar held yesterday in HCM City.

Business Insight

Industry insider assesses insurance market

"I believe that life insurance products with a focus on investments have a great future in Viet Nam," Ly Nhon , chief financial officer, AIA Vietnam and an International financial expert, told the Viet Nam News on the outlook of financial offerings.

Banking - Finance

Central bank to closely monitor forex market

The State Bank of Viet Nam has said that it would closely monitor exchange rate movements and balance of payment figures to manage the rate in a manner that would encourage dong holdings and limit shifting to US dollar holdings.

Markets

Recovery of blue chips buoys VN index

Shares continued to sway between gains and losses in the afternoon before closing slightly higher on both stock exchanges yesterday.

Hightlight

First Korean-language newspaper hits shelves

The Vietnam-Korea Times – Viet Nam's first Korean language newspaper made its debut in Ha Noi yesterday.

New industrial zone to lure Japanese firms

Construction of the Phu My 3 Industrial Zone starts today in the south-eastern province of Ba Ria Vung Tau to predominantly house Japanese companies. Viet Nam News spoke to Nguyen Thi Thao Nhi, CEO of the Thanh Binh Phu My Joint Stock Company, the major investor in the zone, about its strengths and commitment to the province's development.

Classical guitarist to entertain