Other Briefings
Vietnam trade deficit reaches US$7.36 billion on growing equipment imports
Mar. 26 – Vietnam’s trade deficit in the first quarter of this year reached US$7.36 billion, nearly four times higher than during the same period last year, the General Statistics Office (GSO) reported yesterday.
The GSO attributed the deficit to the depreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Vietnamese dong, resulting in lower earnings for export contracts.
Five signs of Vietnam’s increasing global relevance
Mar. 21 – Although the VN-Index has just plunged 15 points, and soaring inflation continues to plague consumers and suppliers alike, several recent developments point to Vietnam’s growing global clout.
New amendment will broaden foreign distribution of goods
Mar. 19 – Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Le Danh Vinh has revealed a move to expand foreign business trade and distribution rights.
The expansion would be granted through an amendment to a circular regulating foreign business and investment in Vietnam. Currently, the circular permits foreign companies and importers only one national distributor for any merchandise in a given category of products. The restriction has drawn criticism from the European Commission.
Vietnam allows private enterprises to provide public services
Domestic and international organizations in Vietnam are now allowed to provide public services under government contract.
Twenty-three services, including vocational training, state-mandated publishing, as well as sports and culture festivals, were included under the new provision. All such services fall under the aegis of the state’s responsibility to its people, using state-budgeted funds.
Contractors for public service projects must meet three conditions. The monetary value of the public service must meet or exceed VND500 million (US$31,000), the contractor must have relevant business certificates and proof of legal status, and also must provide a monetary guarantee of healthy finances.
Vietnam passes China to become most attractive destination for FDI
Vietnam has exceeded China to become the most attractive destination for investment in production while the United Arab Emirates surpasses India to become an ideal place for investment in services, according new survey of emerging markets by Price Waterhouse Coopers.
According to The Sunday Times, the index assesses 20 prominent emerging-market locations on the basis of “reward” factors, including production costs, size of market, taxes, transport costs and tariffs, and “risk” factors, largely defined by bond-market risk premiums.
