Asia equity markets

The stock market has witnessed a dearth of foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) going public in the past six years. In fact, the latest to be listed in this country was Siam Brothers Vietnam in 2017, marking the end of a decade-long dry spell for FIE listings. Some renowned companies may be more keen to list elsewhere, photo Le Toan While a wave of FIEs debuted on the market during 2003-2008 following the introduction of rules on transforming a number of FIEs to operate in the form of joint-stock company, their numbers have dwindled over the years, with some even being delisted. At present, only nine FIEs remain listed, with three others trading on the Unlisted Public Company Market (UPCoM). Aside from Siam Brothers Vietnam, the remaining entities include Everpia, Mirae, Tung Kuang Industrial, Taicera (TCR), Taya Vietnam Electric Wire and Cable, The Royal International Corporation (RIC), Interfood (IFS), Chang Yih Ceramic. While this group of companies generally … [Read more...] about FIEs remain reluctant to take on stock listing

Asia’s increased borrowing in recent decades has augmented the region’s exposure to rising interest rates and heightened market volatility, said the International Monetary Fund (IMF). According to the IMF’s latest report on May 25, over 18 per cent of Vietnamese enterprises were found to have an interest coverage ratio (ICR) below one, indicating a high risk of default as of June 2022. Additionally, 18.32 per cent of companies had an ICR between 1-4, making them vulnerable to increased borrowing costs, while 63.36 per cent had an ICR of four, signalling a good debt repayment capacity. The report attributes the heightened risks to the rising cost of borrowing, as central banks tighten monetary policies and increase interest rates to combat inflation. Despite maintaining growth rates, companies face significant pressure due to higher borrowing costs, reducing their ability to repay debts. As of mid-2022, 17 per cent of Asia’s corporate debt was held by firms with interest … [Read more...] about IMF highlights rising debt risks for Asian companies

Difficulties on way out for Vietnam’s Visa policy The short duration of stay, along with complicated factors related to the visa application procedure, have been causing headaches for foreign tourists. However, the Minister of Public Security has submitted to the National Assembly a draft amendment and supplement to a number of articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam at the end of May. The new draft has proposed to increase the duration of e-visas from no more than 30 days to a maximum of three months, valid for one time or multiple times. At the same time, the scope of e-visa issuance would be expanded to more than 80 countries and temporary residence would rise from 15 to 45 days. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism also proposed to consider supplementing the pilot regulation of issuing visas at border gates for international tourists. This proposal also requires a clearer regulation of the extension of visa-free entry for … [Read more...] about Difficulties on way out for Vietnam’s Visa policy

Rhonda Nichols from Far North Queensland said he loved Vietnam and had been to the country six times before. Nichols, who usually stays for about two to six weeks, said the government should improve its e-visa system, and remove the $25 fee to apply for a visa on arrival. "Thailand and Indonesia do not charge visa-on-arrival fees and that clearly creates a good impression for tourists," Nichols added. He said that Vietnam should consider extending the duration of stays for tourists because a 30-day e-visa is too short. Vietnam currently offers 30-day e-visa for tourists from 80 countries and territories, including Australia. Grant Wilson, an Australian tourist who has lived in Vietnam for six years, said Australia was in the grips of the worst cost of living crisis on record and were looking to travel to affordable countries in Southeast Asia. He said affordable could be understood as the price of a hotel room of under $100 per night, meals costing $10 and round-trip … [Read more...] about Australian tourists await loosened Vietnam’s visa policies

PM Pham Minh Chinh (R) and UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi at the meeting in Hanoi on June 5. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Hanoi on June 5, calling on the UAE to work closely with the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade to soon finalise talks on the bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The host leader hailed the two sides’ efforts to promote negotiations on the CEPA, especially when the two countries are celebrating the 30th founding anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations in 2023. He affirmed Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation of external relations, and being a good friend, trustworthy partner, and responsible member of the international community. The country is also working to develop an … [Read more...] about PM calls for early finalisation of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with UAE