51 bankers, businessmen on trial in Vietnam for fraud

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A former banking magnate and 50 others went on trial in Vietnam Monday over a multi-million dollar fraud at a major private bank, as the communist nation cracks down on corruption in the sector.

 
Former Ocean Bank chairman Ha Van Tham stands trial AFP/VIETNAM NEWS AGENCY

HANOI: A former banking magnate and 50 others went on trial in Vietnam Monday (Aug 28) over a multi-million dollar fraud at a major private bank, as the communist nation cracks down on corruption in the sector.

Authorities have vowed to clean up an industry plagued by favouritism and dodgy loans – part of a broader drive against corruption in the country. Tiếp tục đọc “51 bankers, businessmen on trial in Vietnam for fraud”

FDI flow into real estate: a cause for concern?

Last update 08:00 | 26/08/2017
VietNamNet Bridge – Real estate ranked fourth among the most attractive business fields for foreign investors, with registered FDI capital of $1.15 billion in the first half of the year.vietnam economy, business news, vn news, vietnamnet bridge, english news, Vietnam news, news Vietnam, vietnamnet news, vn news, Vietnam net news, Vietnam latest news, Vietnam breaking news, FDI, real estate market, HOREA
According to Savills Vietnam, the increase in FDI in the manufacturing sector has prompted investors to pour money into projects to develop industrial infrastructure.

Thai company Hemaraj Land & Development and Vietnamese firm Cienco 4 last May confirmed cooperation to set up a joint venture to develop an IZ on an area of 3,200 hectares in Nghe An province, capitalized at $1 billion.

Many deals were made in the first half of the year. Japanese firm Nishi Nippon and Hankyu joined forces with Vietnamese firm Nam Long to develop Mizuki Park residential quarter on an area of 26 hectares in Binh Chanh district, HCMC, capitalized at $351 million.

Meanwhile, Aeon Mall has teamed up with BIM Group to develop Aeon’s second shopping mall in Hanoi, covering an area of 16.7 hectares in a $200 million project. Son Kim Lan has successfully called for $100 million worth of investment capital from a Japanese investor.

The increase in FDI in the manufacturing sector has prompted investors to pour money into projects to develop industrial infrastructure.

Housing projects continue attracting attention from investors. Chinese firm Fortune Land Development has bought Lotus Dai Phuoc shares from VinaCapital, worth $65.3 million. This is a residential quarter project covering an area of 198.5 hectares in an area of Dong Nai province adjacent to HCMC.

A 65 percent stake in Times Square complex worth $41 million has been transferred by VinaCapital to Elite Capital Resources Limited.

Analysts have predicted that FDI flow into the real estate sector will continue in the time to come thanks to open policies and the great potential in tourism development. However, they warned that the amount of capital into the market needs to be measured by disbursed capital, not registered capital.

Many registered projects have not been implemented. Booyuong Mo Lao project in Ha Dong district, for example, has been left unimplemented for years.

Nguyen Tri Hieu, a respected banking expert, commented on Dau Tu Bat Dong San that  more FDI capital is good news, but that is necessary to reconsider the situation if too much capital flows into the real estate sector. If the capital only goes to high-end real estate and resort projects, it will only heat up the market and lead to oversupply in the market segment, and not propel socio-economic development.

Phan Huu Thang, former head of the Foreign Investment Agency, now chair of the Vietnam Real Estate Association, affirmed that FDI real estate projects would still be welcomed. The problem is that Vietnam needs to supervise project implementation to ensure sustainability in investment and development.

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Vietnam trying to wean itself off preferential ODA loans

Last update 12:00 | 27/08/2017

VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam now has to think of attracting private capital for development projects as preferential ODA loans will now have higher interest rates. 

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From 2018, Vietnam will no longer receive preferential ODA loans from WB, ADB and other financial institutions in developed countries at preferential loans of 2-3 percent. The interest rates will be 5-6 percent, not including the service fee. Tiếp tục đọc “Vietnam trying to wean itself off preferential ODA loans”

Is Bitcoin legal in the US? Countries Where Bitcoin Is Legal & Illegal

The digital currency known as bitcoin was created in 2009 by a person called Satoshi Nakamoto, but whose true identity has never been established. It is legal to use bitcoin in the United States, and payments are subject to the same taxes and reporting requirements as any other currency. Tiếp tục đọc “Is Bitcoin legal in the US? Countries Where Bitcoin Is Legal & Illegal”

Bitcoin: Current And Future Legal Framework

Bitcoin was created in the wake of the 2008 global financial crisis to operate outside of central governments, banks, and financial institutions. Other digital and virtual currencies, also called cryptocurrencies, appeared soon afterwards. Because Bitcoin is so new, government regulations are still minimal. However, users can expect greater government oversight in the coming years. Tiếp tục đọc “Bitcoin: Current And Future Legal Framework”

VN’s hopes three SEZs to attract billions of USD in investment

Last update 12:00 | 25/08/2017
VietNamNet Bridge – PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc said a special legal framework with outstanding preferences is needed to develop three special economic zones (SEZs) — Van Don in Quang NInh, Bac Van Phong in Khanh Hoa and Phu Quoc in Kien Giang.vietnam economy, business news, vn news, vietnamnet bridge, english news, Vietnam news, news Vietnam, vietnamnet news, vn news, Vietnam net news, Vietnam latest news, Vietnam breaking news, SEZ, van don, Nguyen Chi Dung

MPI Minister Nguyen Chi Dung, said that over the last 25 years of development of IZ, EPZ, hi-tech zone and EZ models, problems have surfaced — incentives are not sufficiently competitive; administrative procedures are not simple enough; and infrastructure and labor force cannot satisfy requirements.

Meanwhile, Vietnam economy has shown signs of a slowdown. Competitiveness is low and exploitation of natural advantages and resources is reaching a critical level. Vietnam’s investment climate is losing some of its attractiveness due to strong international competition. Tiếp tục đọc “VN’s hopes three SEZs to attract billions of USD in investment”

Vietnam economic future uncertain as it still relies on FDI: experts

Last update 08:00 | 25/08/2017
VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam’s economic growth is still heavily dependent on foreign invested enterprises (FIEs), especially conglomerates. vietnam economy, business news, vn news, vietnamnet bridge, english news, Vietnam news, news Vietnam, vietnamnet news, vn news, Vietnam net news, Vietnam latest news, Vietnam breaking news, FDI, FIA, MPI

According to a report from the General Statistics Office (GSO), in July, Vietnam exported $17.5 billion, a decrease of 1.7 percent compared with the month before. Of this amount, Vietnamese enterprises exported $4.9 billion, and FIEs $12.6 billion.

Compared with exports of the same period last year, Vietnam’s export turnover increased by 17.9 percent, including 13.1 percent from Vietnamese enterprises and 19.9 percent from FIEs. Tiếp tục đọc “Vietnam economic future uncertain as it still relies on FDI: experts”

Vietnam urged to create second export wave

Last update 12:00 | 24/08/2017
VietNamNet Bridge – A ‘second export wave’ has been mentioned by Vietnamese experts as a response to technical barriers from importing countries. 

vietnam economy, business news, vn news, vietnamnet bridge, english news, Vietnam news, news Vietnam, vietnamnet news, vn news, Vietnam net news, Vietnam latest news, Vietnam breaking news, export turnover, MOIT, Do thang Hai

Director of the Import/Export Department Nguyen Phu Hoa said at a export forum held in early August that Vietnam is likely to obtain export turnover of $200 billion this year, an increase of 13 percent over last year.

He emphasized that exports to countries with which Vietnam has FTAs have been increasing, which shows that Vietnam can exploit opportunities from the agreements. However, he said big difficulties are ahead for Vietnam’s exports as the global economy has been witnessing big changes. Tiếp tục đọc “Vietnam urged to create second export wave”

Vehicles avoid tolls, damage southern bypass

vietnamnews

Update: August, 24/2017 – 18:00

The 18km road connecting the Trảng Bom and Cây Gáo communes in southern Đồng Nai Province is damaged by heavy vehicles that use it to avoid weighing and toll stations. — Photo news.zing.vn
ĐỒNG NAI — A 18km bypass in southern Đồng Nai Province is in serious disrepair with thousands of trucks and containers using it every day to avoid weighing and toll stations.The Trảng Bom-Cây Gáo bypass runs through the province’s Trảng Bom District and connects National Route 1 with Provincial Route 762. Tiếp tục đọc “Vehicles avoid tolls, damage southern bypass”

10 năm Việt Nam tăng 200% người bệnh tiểu đường

Hơn 10 năm số người mắc bệnh đái tháo đường Việt Nam tăng 200%, trong khi thế giới tăng 54% trong 20 năm.

vnexpress.net_Giáo sư Thái Hồng Quang, Chủ tịch Hội Nội tiết và Đái tháo đường Việt Nam cho biết bệnh đái tháo đường tăng nhanh trên toàn thế giới, đặc biệt đối với các nước đang phát triển. Dự báo của Tổ chức Y tế Thế giới (WHO), tỷ lệ đái tháo đường toàn cầu có thể tăng 54% trong vòng 20 năm từ 2010 đến 2030.

Việt Nam là một trong những nước có tỷ lệ người mắc đái tháo đường hàng đầu thế giới, chiếm khoảng 5,4% dân số với 5 triệu bệnh nhân. Tỷ lệ này tăng gấp đôi so với đầu những năm 2000. Số người mắc năm 2015 của Bình Dương là 13%, TP HCM 12%, mức báo động trên toàn thế giới.

Theo giáo sư Quang, điều đáng lo ngại là tỷ lệ người bệnh chưa chẩn đoán còn rất cao, chiếm khoảng 50%. Trong số 50% người được chẩn đoán và điều trị thì hơn một nửa có các biến chứng nặng về tim mạch, thận, tổn thương mắt, nhiễm trùng bàn chân dẫn đến đoạn chi… Bệnh tiến triển âm thầm, nhiều người khi đến khám lần đầu khi đã xuất hiện các biến chứng.

Tiếp tục đọc “10 năm Việt Nam tăng 200% người bệnh tiểu đường”

Tân Sơn Nhất lọt vào top 10 sân bay tệ nhất thế giới

Tân Sơn Nhất được trang web xếp hạng các sân bay trên thế giới The Guide to Sleeping in Airports đánh giá là xuống cấp hạ tầng, nạn mất cắp và có cáo buộc về tham nhũng.

Theo bảng xếp hạng năm 2015 của trang web The Guide to Sleeping in Airports, Tân Sơn Nhất được xếp hạng đứng thứ 4 trong danh sách sân bay tệ nhất châu Á. Năm 2014, sân bay này cũng bị liệt vào danh sách tệ nhất do trang web trên bình chọn.

Theo đánh giá của trang web, hạ tầng sân bay Tân Sơn Nhất đã xuống cấp những năm gần đây và bị hành khách cáo buộc có tình trạng tham nhũng. Trả lời khảo sát, nhiều hành khách cho rằng bị nhân viên hải quan đòi hối lộ để được di chuyển nhanh hơn.

Ngoài ra, hành khách còn phàn nàn tín hiệu wifi kém, phòng vệ sinh bẩn và hạn chế lựa chọn trong các nhà hàng. Lời khuyên được trang web đưa ra là nếu ghé qua Tân Sơn Nhất, hành khách nên cẩn thận giữ tài sản có giá trị và cầm một số tiền nhỏ trên tay

406 SOEs approved for divestment in 2017-2020

Last update 14:00 | 23/08/2017

Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue has approved a list of 406 State-owned enterprises (SOEs) marked for divestment from now until 2020.

vietnam economy, business news, vn news, vietnamnet bridge, english news, Vietnam news, news Vietnam, vietnamnet news, vn news, Vietnam net news, Vietnam latest news, Vietnam breaking news, seafood, MOIT

The divestment list, proposed by the Ministry of Planning and Investment, aims to raise funds for the nation’s public investment plan for the 2016-20 period, and advance the SOE restructuring process.

Under the new schedule, the State will divest from 135 businesses this year, 181 in 2018, 62 in 2019 and 28 in 2020. The total face value divestment from 2017 to 2020 are estimated at VND64.46 trillion (US$2.82 billion). Tiếp tục đọc “406 SOEs approved for divestment in 2017-2020”

US, EU investors still hesitant: experts

Last update 15:00 | 23/08/2017

Unresolved issues in Vietnam’s regulations and the business environment have resulted in relatively low FDI inflows from US and European multinational companies, experts say.

vietnam economy, business news, vn news, vietnamnet bridge, english news, Vietnam news, news Vietnam, vietnamnet news, vn news, Vietnam net news, Vietnam latest news, Vietnam breaking news, FDI, South Korea, FIA

According to the Foreign Investment Agency (FIA) under the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), as of July 2017, US companies had invested US$9.3 billion in Vietnam and the major EU nations of France and Germany registering US$2.8 billion and US$1.6 billion, respectively.

The US stands at number nine on the list of countries and territories investing in Vietnam, way behind the number 1 investor, the Republic of Korea, at US$55.3 billion, or Japan at number 2 with US$46.5 billion and Singapore at number 3 with US$41.6 billion. Tiếp tục đọc “US, EU investors still hesitant: experts”

Build, operate and transfer transport projects criticised for lack of tendering

Last update 17:00 | 23/08/2017

Most build, operate and transfer projects in the transport sector have appointed contractors and not gone through tendering.

vietnam economy, business news, vn news, vietnamnet bridge, english news, Vietnam news, news Vietnam, vietnamnet news, vn news, Vietnam net news, Vietnam latest news, Vietnam breaking news, Cai Lay, BOT, MOT

Build, operate and transfer (BOT) projects have made headlines due to continual problems. Cai Lay BOT project has faced strong opposition from drivers due to its high fees. To oppose the fees, drivers used small notes, costing more time for the station officers for the fee collection.

The public has raised concerns about problems of BOT toll station projects in Vietnam. However, the Ministry of Transport ignored criticism and tried to defend the tolls. Tiếp tục đọc “Build, operate and transfer transport projects criticised for lack of tendering”

Shipping firms engulfed in difficulties, report losses

Last update 16:00 | 22/08/2017
VietNamNet Bridge – More shipping firms have reported losses for 2016 and the first months of 2017 as the freight rate and the demand for goods transport have dropped to a 10-year low.vietnam economy, business news, vn news, vietnamnet bridge, english news, Vietnam news, news Vietnam, vietnamnet news, vn news, Vietnam net news, Vietnam latest news, Vietnam breaking news, shipping firms, Vietfracht, Vinalines

Vinafco’s Q2 financial report showed that the company’s business performance continued to decline in the first six months of the year.

The revenue from sales and service in the second quarter was VND257 billion, a decrease of 2.4 percent compared with the same period last year.

The gross profit decrease was blamed on a higher freight rate and financial costs. The storehouse which has just been put into operation does not run at full capacity. Tiếp tục đọc “Shipping firms engulfed in difficulties, report losses”