ASF crisis strikes down CJ ambitions In the opinion of a VIR source, Seoul-based CJ Cheiljedang Corporation, part of CJ Group, is suffering the most from the onset of the disease (ASF) among feed and farm companies, at a time when it was attempting to exit the industry altogether. In May, Dutch group Nutreco was reportedly in advanced talks to buy CJ’s animal feed business. Such a deal was reported to be worth about $1.7 billion, covering over 30 feed mills in South Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines, China, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam. The group was also negotiating to sell its entire catalogue of farms to Chinese conglomerate New Hope Group, which already has 600 subsidiaries in 30 countries active in agriculture, consumer goods, industrial resources, and real estate. It is especially prominent in livestock and animal feed, and is the second-largest feed producer globally. The group currently boasts eight feed mills in Vietnam. However, negotiations have fallen apart due … [Read more...] about ASF crisis strikes down CJ ambitions
Long term goals
Jardine C&C launches regional university scholarship programmes
Alex Newbigging, managing director of Jardine C&C Group On July 30, Jardine Cycle & Carriage (Jardine C&C), a leading group with long-term diversified interests in market-leading businesses across Southeast Asia, announced the Jardine Cycle & Carriage Scholarship, which partner six established universities to support about 70 students. Reaffirming its commitment to grow alongside Southeast Asia, Jardine C&C established university scholarship programmes to sponsor the tuition of students in six countries in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. Through a series of endowments and donations that are long-term in nature, Jardine C&C’s support for the partner education institutions will run in perpetuity or for a sustained period of 8-12 years. In the next 10 years, about 70 Southeast Asian undergraduates will receive the scholarships. Alex Newbigging, Jardine C&C Group managing director, said, “The launch of the scholarship reinforces Jardine … [Read more...] about Jardine C&C launches regional university scholarship programmes
Workshop highlights community role in heritage conservation
Michael Croft, UNESCO Head of Office in Vietnam, speaks at the workshop in Ninh Binh province on December 5 (Photo: VNA) Ninh Binh (VNA) – The role of the community in heritage conservation was highlighted at a workshop held in the northern province of Ninh Binh on December 5. The workshop was co-held by the National Commission for UNESCO, the Tourism Department of Ninh Binh and Xuan Truong company, focusing on the National Commission for UNESCO’s role in preserving natural and cultural heritage for sustainable development. Besides the commission, the roles of the community and private companies also attracted attention at the event. Many participants shared the view that all the people, especially those live in the areas with the heritages, should join hands in protecting the heritages. Meanwhile, National Commission for UNESCO plays an indispensable role in coordinating different stakeholders in preservation work. Papers presented at the workshop also … [Read more...] about Workshop highlights community role in heritage conservation
Vietnam still faces hurdles in tourism promotion
In 2018, the government approved to establish a public tourism development fund with an initial annual budget of US$4.3 million. Vietnam is unlikely to achieve the target of welcoming 20 million foreign arrivals in 2020 if hindrances on promotion budget and workforce qualification are not removed. Vice-Head of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) Ha Van Sieu acknowledged that budget constraint is one of the most significant hurdles for Vietnam's tourism sector to expand promotional activities. So far, only US$2 million has been earmarked for promotional activities, an almost insignificant amount if compared to US$86 million of Thailand, US$130 million of Malaysia and US$100 million of Singapore. Overall, Vietnam has not adopted a long term tourism promotion strategy, and promotional activities of central and local levels, of the tourism industry itself with other industries have not been harmonious. As of 2019, Vietnam has established only one overseas tourism promotion … [Read more...] about Vietnam still faces hurdles in tourism promotion
Abbott launches a:care healthcare ecosystem in Vietnam
a:care supports people with a broad range of healthcare needs, from prevention to awareness, treatment and motivation. For instance, using the a:care online platform, patients can access educational health information or participate in motivational points-based program to help them adhere to treatments prescribed by their doctor, and a doctor can get access to the latest science and medical updates. Mr. Ngo Van Huy, General Manager of Abbott’s pharmaceuticals business in Vietnam “a:care is a model for the future. We have deep understanding about the challenges and needs of doctors and patients in Vietnam. And offering value is at the heart of what we do. Therefore, Abbott has built this healthcare ecosystem to help millions of Vietnamese people across the country who are seeking better health.” said Mr. Ngo Van Huy, General Manager of Abbott’s pharmaceuticals business in Vietnam. “With a:care, Abbott addresses several of the biggest needs … [Read more...] about Abbott launches a:care healthcare ecosystem in Vietnam