Outlook - VietNam News

During the global economic crisis, developed countries have increasingly targeted Africa as a potential market with which to trade in order to boost their sluggish economies and global leaders are travelling to Africa to try and gain a foothold in one of the world's fastest-growing economies.

Water co-operation needed to keep peace

Leaders from Asia-Pacific nations warned at the second Asia-Pacific Water Summit in Chiang Mai on Monday that fierce competition for water could trigger conflict in the region unless nations co-operate to share water resources.

Europe suffers from vicious austerity cycle

Workers hit by lower living standards and record high unemployment have been staging protests across Europe for the past week, hoping to persuade their governments to ease austerity measures and boost growth.

Do you like train travel in Viet Nam?

The Ministry of Transport is considering upgrading the current railway system, built in the 1930s. By 2020, it would take only 15-17 hours to travel between Ha Noi and HCM City, as opposed to the current 30.

Korean parties urged to show restraint

The eyes of the world are on the developing tension on the Korean Peninsula. Tension is high after North Korea delivered a series of threats against South Korea and the United States, especially after the two countries renewed military exercises off South Korea.

TPP talks present golden opportunity for Japan

Better late than never: Japan's decision to join negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) would be a wise step for both Japan and the TPP in opening up regional competition and would be integral to the country's strategy.

Obama risks fallout from budget cut effects

Only three months after winning re-election, US President Barack Obama found himself faced with a raft of unresolved problems from his first term: persistently high unemployment, crushing government debt and a deep partisan divide. Budget limitations are now challenging Obama's ability to implement his economic vision.

UK hopes to be India's partner of choice

During the global economic recession, emerging markets have become more popular destinations for leaders from developed countries to visit in the hope of tapping their potential and boosting their own sluggish economies.

Palestine makes reconciliation progress

Palestine's national reconciliation is now closer than ever before, as recent signs of warmer ties between the Hamas and Fatah opposition movements signal that Palestinians can be completely optimistic about a united government.

Japan looks to smooth ties with S Korea

With the leadership transfer in Japan and the imminent power transition in South Korea next month, people expect that relations between the two countries will improve, helping to enhance security in Northeast Asia.

Can Japan make light of latest new dawn?

Three years after a crushing defeat, the landslide victory of the Liberal Democrat Party in the recent election has pushed Japan – the third-largest economy in the world - into a new era that will decide the future of both national development and regional security.

Hightlight

Income not the only measure of poverty

Viet Nam's poverty rate is estimated at around 10 per cent but the number of people who do not achieve social well-being is believed to be much higher. It's necessary to go beyond income when defining people's experiences.

Clouds cover VN weather forecasting

Viet Nam has so far only accomplished 30 per cent of the workload to modernise weather forecasting technology and upgrade monitoring systems.

Viet Nam private equity outlook bounces back

Investors viewing Viet Nam's investment environment favourably has increased over the last six months, according to a bi-annual survey on the nation's private equity outlook done by Grant Thornton Vietnam.

City taxi inspectors urged to crackdown on violations

Taxis operating in HCM City will be subject to greater scrutiny and punishment in the coming months, says Duong Hong Thanh, deputy director of the city's Transport Department.

Shares slide but outlook remains bright