The report highlights that Vietnam, along with Thailand and India, is considered the Asian country that has made the most progress in terms of business environment development. Thailand leaped 10 places and India, six. Meanwhile, Singapore topped the rankings. In the first four months of this year, FDI channeled into Vietnam neared 8.9 billion USD, with new capital surging after a slight decrease in the first three months. Also in the four months, foreign investors conducted 1,044 transactions of capital contribution and share purchases. They invested in 18 economic sectors, mostly in processing and manufacturing. The number of countries and territories investing in Vietnam in the period amounted to 77. Singapore took the lead by pouring close to 2.2 billion USD into the market, followed by Japan with nearly 2 billion USD and China with 752 million USD./. VNA … [Read more...] about Vietnam shows significant improvement in business environment: EIU
Medicalization shows significant signs of
Stock market sees signs of rallies in the second half
A woman performs a transaction on mobile phone at Bao Viet Securities' office. — VNA/VNS Photo The stock market is expected to see more investment opportunities for the medium and long term in the second quarter of 2023, according to analysts. In its latest report, BSC Securities Company said that the market witnessed strong divergence among industry groups in the first quarter of the year. Particularly, the financial, material, and energy sectors all posted better performances than the benchmark VN-Index. The securities firm also lowers its GDP growth forecast to 5.8 per cent in the positive scenario, compared to 6.7 per cent in early 2023, and to 5.3 per cent in the negative scenario, the report said. Many signs show that production activity is weakening while the real estate industry is still facing many challenges. In the first four months of the year, import and export value growth also declined. However, the macro situation has shown some positive signs, as inflation … [Read more...] about Stock market sees signs of rallies in the second half
Stock market sees signs of rallies in second half
A woman performs a transaction on mobile phone at Bao Viet Securities' office. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - The stock market is expected to see more investment opportunities for the medium and long term in the second quarter of 2023, according to analysts. In its latest report, BSC Securities Company said that the market witnessed strong divergence among industry groups in the first quarter of the year. Particularly, the financial, material, and energy sectors all posted better performances than the benchmark VN-Index. The securities firm also lowers its GDP growth forecast to 5.8% in the positive scenario, compared to 6.7% in early 2023, and to 5.3% in the negative scenario, the report said. Many signs show that production activity is weakening while the real estate industry is still facing many challenges. In the first four months of the year, import and export value growth also declined. However, the macro situation has shown some positive signs, as … [Read more...] about Stock market sees signs of rallies in second half
Photo exhibition, musical show marks Vung Tau – Gunsan anniversary
A musical show marks the establishment of friendly cooperative between Vung Tau and Gunsan cities. (Photo: VNA) Ba Ria-Vung Tau (VNA) – A photo exhibition and a musical show were organised on May 27 in Vung Tau city, the southern province of Ba Ria- Vung Tau, to mark the first anniversary of the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of friendly cooperative relations between Vung Tau and Gunsan, Republic of Korea (RoK). On show are 90 works by photographers from the two cities, helping visitors understand more about the culture, daily life, nature, tourism, festivals, and local people, introducing the unique cultural features of Vietnam and RoK. The exhibition will run until June 4. The same day, artists from Vung Tau city and Gunsan city staged a special art performance. Kim Bong Gon, Director of Gunsan City's Department of Culture and Tourism, said the friendship and cooperation between the two cities have deepened through friendship visits and … [Read more...] about Photo exhibition, musical show marks Vung Tau – Gunsan anniversary
1,389 nominations for Vinfuture Prize’s third season
The VinFuture Prize consists of four prestigious awards presented each year (Source: Vingroup) Hanoi (VNA) – A total of 1,389 nominations for the 2023 VinFuture Prize were submitted via the nomination portal for the third award season that officially concluded on May 15. The number of nominating partners has more than quadrupled compared to the first-year Prize; and 20% of this year's nominating partners are among the world's top 2% most-cited researchers. The 2023 VinFuture Prize's nominations come from respected scientists and organisations from 90 countries and territories across six continents. Leading in the number of nominators are scientists from the Americas with 30.3%, followed by Asia (28.6%), Africa (9.5%), and Oceania (6.8%). Europe has shown impressive growth, with 24.8% of the nominating partners - 1.5 times higher than last year. This year's nominating partners are from renowned universities and research institutes such as Harvard (the US), Stanford (the US), … [Read more...] about 1,389 nominations for Vinfuture Prize’s third season
Vietnam’s 10 most reputable and efficient public companies in 2023
Amidst a year of pronounced turbulence in the Vietnamese stock market, the coveted positions within the top 10 public companies for 2023, voted for by Vietnam Report, have undergone noteworthy transformations compared to the previous year. Surpassing Vinhomes – the reigning champion in 2022 – to secure the top rank in Vietnam's prestigious list of public companies for 2023 is Vietcombank. This commendable feat sees a remarkable ascent from its sixth-place position in the previous year. In a stark contrast, Vinhomes finds itself relegated towards the lower end of the rankings. Notable business entities helmed by influential billionaires, including steel maker Hoa Phat, Masan, and Mobile World Group, have regrettably fallen out of the esteemed top 10 list. Emerging as formidable replacements, the likes of PetroVietnam Fertilizer and Chemicals Corporation (PVFCCo) and FPT have firmly secured positions within the top three. Continuing to hold their ground within the … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s 10 most reputable and efficient public companies in 2023
Investors bet on positive market outlook, indices rise
Customers at Saigon Securities Inc's branch. SSI shares rose 3.8 per cent on Monday. — Photo courtesy of SSI Both national stock indices ended the first trading day of the week on a positive note, as a wave of gainers permeated nearly all sectors, reflecting the optimism of investors in the market's outlook. On the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange, the VN-Index increased 1.05 per cent to close Monday at 1,074.98 points. Similarly, the HNX-Index on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange rose by 1.22 per cent to end at 220.31 points. Market breadth favoured the buyers at the end of the session, with 661 gainers and 205 losers. The VN30 basket which tracks the top 30 shares by market value and liquidity on the HCM City’s bourse also exhibited positive performance, with 23 gainers, three losers and four closing flat. The liquidity remained high and showed significant improvement compared to previous sessions. Nearly 977 million shares worth VND15.7 trillion (US$665 million) were traded in the … [Read more...] about Investors bet on positive market outlook, indices rise
Uganda enacts harsh anti-LGBTQ law including death penalty
KAMPALA - Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni signed one of the world's toughest anti-LGBTQ laws, including the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality", drawing Western condemnation and risking sanctions from aid donors. Same-sex relations were already illegal in Uganda, as in more than 30 African countries, but the new law goes further. It stipulates capital punishment for "serial offenders" against the law and transmission of a terminal illness like HIV/AIDS through gay sex. It also decrees a 20-year sentence for "promoting" homosexuality. "The Ugandan president has today legalised state-sponsored homophobia and transphobia," said Clare Byarugaba, a Ugandan rights activist. United States President Joe Biden called the move "a tragic violation" of human rights and said Washington would evaluate the implications of the law "on all aspects of U.S. engagement with Uganda." "We are considering additional steps, including the application of sanctions and restriction of entry … [Read more...] about Uganda enacts harsh anti-LGBTQ law including death penalty
Tough times for garments and textiles firms
Viet Thang Corporation, a subsidiary of state conglomerate Vinatex, has released its first-quarter results showing an increase of $315,650 in the company’s financial expenses, mainly attributable to interest fees which amounted to $275,650. Dony Garment Company, based in Binh Chanh, Ho Chi Minh City, reported that although capital access has become easier as banks have softened their lending rate from 13 per cent to as low as 9.5 per cent, repayments are still having an impact as the company simply doesn’t have enough large-value orders. Dony Garment's export market has shed nearly 70 per cent on-year, and domestic orders have fallen about 20 per cent and continue to drop. Pham Quang Anh, director of Dony Garment, said, "We don't even dare to think about growth at this time. Surviving this tough spell represents enough of a challenge.” In the short-term, Dony Garment is considering selling part of it assets to pay back loans to reduce interest payment pressure, and in … [Read more...] about Tough times for garments and textiles firms
Thai economy resilient, on path to full recovery: finmin
Thailand's economy is on a solid path to recovery and showing resiliency, helped by good revenue collection and a normalisation of its tourism sector, while inflation should come in below 3% this year, its finance minister said on Monday. Southeast Asia's second-largest economy expanded faster than expected in the first quarter of this year due to a revival in its vital tourism sector. The economic recovery has been supported by a comprehensive and timely policy mix of fiscal and monetary policies, which respectively should continue to be implemented proactively and prudently, Arkhom Termpittayapaisith told a World Bank forum. While predicting inflation would come in below 3% this year, inside the central bank target range of 1% to 3%, Arkhom said he could not tell whether there would be a reduced need for raising interest rates. "There is still uncertainty over energy prices and U.S. issues," he told reporters on the sidelines. The central bank is expected to raise its key … [Read more...] about Thai economy resilient, on path to full recovery: finmin