Make money trying new products

What is the role of banks in green growth? Banks will have a crucial role in driving green growth in Vietnam. One of the main roles will be enabling project financing. Billions of dollars worth of investments will flow into the renewable energy sector over the next few years. Banks will help facilitate that flow. This is critical moving forward. Over the past five years, Vietnam has issued $220–230 million of green bonds. On a cumulative basis, three other countries, namely Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, have issued over $40 billion of green bonds in the same period. The issuance of those bonds is done by banks. What we've observed in these countries is the setup of a clear regulatory framework that provides the ability to issue those bonds on a larger scale. This has not been at the top of the list of priorities for banks in Vietnam, which are focusing on other essential things. What can the Vietnamese banking sector do to accelerate green growth? I think it … [Read more...] about Vietnamese banks urged to embrace green financing

At the annual Vietnam Business Forum (VBF) held in Hanoi in March, foreign businesses discussed the USD deposit interest rate of zero per cent, and called for it to be removed. However, an economic expert told VIR that the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has to implement the government’s anti-dollarisation policy, including the regulation on the ceiling interest rate for USD deposits, so it cannot be abolished at this time. “The regulation of a zero per cent deposit interest rate in USD has contributed to reducing lending rates, helping businesses lower their production costs. At the same time, deposit interest rates in VND helped the SBV maintain exchange rate stability and support businesses with foreign currency revenue,” said the expert. Patience favoured before action on USD deposit interest rates, illustration photo Regarding the proposal of foreign businesses at the VBF, he said that an ordinary citizen with a savings amount of about $5,000 or more, when deposited … [Read more...] about Patience favoured before action on USD deposit interest rates

At last week’s AGM, privately-held Nam A Bank signalled its ambition to expand its footprint in the international market by establishing a wholly-owned commercial bank, or to set up a branch in a foreign country. Banks expanding share over borders, illustration photo/ Source: Nam A Bank This is part of the bank’s long-term strategy to diversify revenues, capitalise on other prospective foreign markets, and build a robust banking ecosystem. “This plan is in line with the upward trajectory of other financial institutions in a bid to support Vietnamese businesses in their international trade and investment activities,” said a bank representative. “We haven’t decided the exact location, but our target would be focused on the Asian market first.” Regarding its domestic network, Nam A Bank targets to open at least 20 new branches and transaction offices in various localities, such as Quang Ninh, Nghe An, Dak Nong, Binh Thuan, and Long An provinces. The bank’s AGM also … [Read more...] about Banks expanding share over borders

The market in new urban areas is set to become more active Photo: Le Toan March has seen a flurry of activity in welcoming quality real estate products in Vietnam. Singaporean group CapitaLand Development, saw all of [email protected] West Lake booked up after being introduced to the market on March 19. The Elysian project developed by Gamuda Land is also reportedly being well observed by buyers due to the prestige of the developer, the good location, and high quality of the project. Domestic groups are also joining the rush. Nam Long Investment JSC said that the business is implementing a series of plans in 2023, in which priority is being given to ventures in large urban areas such as Waterpoint, Mizuki Park, Nam Long Can Tho, Nam Long Dai Phuoc, Akari City, and Izumi City. Meanwhile, Hung Thinh Land introduced the 9X An Suong project in the northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. In the southern province of Binh Duong, Phu Dong Group is about to open for sale an apartment project … [Read more...] about Positive real estate signs march ahead

Science, technology, and innovation play a crucial role in improving labor productivity, competitiveness, and the socioeconomic development of any country. Women's access to and participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) will create more opportunities for them to equally benefit from advances in science and technology while protecting themselves from the challenges of the 4.0 technology era. Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski made the statement at an international forum on "Women, Cybersecurity and STEM" held in Hanoi today [March 29]. At present, the concept of society on a digital platform is very familiar to people, but he said there are also negative discussions and comments. Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski makes a speech at the forum. Photo: The Vietnam Women's Union Therefore, in terms of gender equality, it is necessary to pay attention and come up with practical … [Read more...] about STEM Education: Opportunities for women’s mastery of science and technology

The CEO and Regional Head, Client Coverage, Americas, Standard Chartered, shared his view on Vietnam's significance for US businesses and why Vietnam is potential for foreign investors. Vietnam has gone from being a frontier economy in ASEAN to a flourishing, cost-effective industrial nation. Firms and investors looking for new markets to grow, source, or manufacture their products – especially in Asia – should consider Vietnam’s long-term potential and stay updated on its opportunities. Steven Cranwell, CEO and Regional Head, Client Coverage, Americas, Standard Chartered. Photo: Standard Chartered In recent years, Vietnam has benefited from the trade tensions between the US and China. With US companies adopting a ‘China plus one’ approach to their supply chains, the percentage of exports from Vietnam to the US has risen by approximately nine percent between 2018 and 2021. It is, however, important to note that Vietnam has been an alternative to China … [Read more...] about The significance of Vietnam for US businesses and why they should take notice: Standard Chartered

The expos are expected to attract 230 companies, 50% higher than that of last year’s shows, said Nguyen Ba Vinh, Director of Minh Vi Exhibition and Advertisement Services Co., Ltd., the expos’ organizer. They are from 20 countries and territories, and India continues to be the country of honor at the expos, with many Indian companies taking part, he said. Speaking at a press briefing on March 28 to introduce the four expos, Luu Hoang Ngoc, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Chemicals Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, said paint, paper, rubber and plastic industries played an important role in supporting the development of many other industries. Rapid development of a rich and diverse range of products in recent years also raised concerns about their harmful effects on the environment and human health. This required authorities, organizations and businesses to join hands to find solutions for this issue, he said. "Green economy, circular economy and sustainable … [Read more...] about Ho Chi Minh City to host international paper, coatings, rubber, and plastic expos

The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) is urging a project steering committee to accelerate the transition of traditional industrial parks (IPs) to an ecological model as part of a nationwide eco-IP intervention initiative. Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc said, “The project has contributed to the replication of the eco-IP model in Vietnam, in line with the National Green Growth Strategy for 2021-2030, Vietnam’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and the net-zero emissions commitment to 2050.” Private sector urged to enter eco-IP arena, illustration photo. Developing eco-IPs is inevitable as many countries are applying the carbon tax mechanism on imported goods, the deputy minister added. “Meanwhile, many tenants in IPs are manufacturers for export, and they need a green certificate to export products. Thus, relevant parties continue to spread technical and financial support to many IPs at different … [Read more...] about Private sector urged to enter eco-IP arena

In 2008, the US investment bank Bear Stearns, on the verge of collapse, had to be rescued by J.P. Morgan. This marked the beginning of the global financial crisis of 2008, which sent the global economy into a deep recession and caused significant economic damage, including massive employment losses. Patrick Lenain, senior associate at the Council on Economic Policies Today, several banks are once again in trouble. As of March 22, four large banks were in distress. Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a $212 billion US bank specialising in tech startups, collapsed when it was unable to meet deposit withdrawal requests and had to be taken over by federal regulators. A few days later, Signature Bank, another midsized US bank with assets of $110 billion, also suffered a severe liquidity crisis and was seized by federal regulators. This was followed by First Republic Bank with assets of $205 billion, which was hit by rating downgrades and a tumbling share price and had to be … [Read more...] about Developments for Vietnam to watch in midst of bank crisis

The talk between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his guest focused on measures to tap the potential and strengths of both sides and further promote bilateral cooperation, especially between Vietnamese localities and Yunnan province in the near future. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highlighted the need to continue concretizing the common view of Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping on taking the Vietnam - China relations into a new development phase with higher political trust, more practical and effective cooperation and a stronger friendship foundation. He wished that the two countries’ ministries, agencies and localities would maintain regular exchanges, effectively make use of existing cooperation, and actively promote friendly exchanges between mass organizations in border areas to raise mutual understanding and trust. The Prime Minister also wanted to expand mutually-beneficial cooperation … [Read more...] about Prime Minister hosts leader of Yunnan provincial Party Committee