Other Briefings
Tan Cang-Hiep Phuoc Seaport Set to Grow Trade in Southern Vietnam
The Tan Cang-Hiep Phuoc seaport, located alongside the Saigon Premier Container Terminal, commenced operations in December with the arrival of its first container ship, Saigon Bridge. Among its many benefits, the Tan Cang-Hiep Phuoc shipping lanes have shortened the waterway by nearly 30 km, saving two hours in transportation time and halving fuel costs. Tan Cang-Hiep Phuoc has been strategically located in order to facilitate the connection of the entire southern area of Vietnam. The port will speed up the circulation of goods, saving time and reducing the transportation costs of enterprises located in the area, particularly for those in nearby industrial parks, such as Long Hau Industrial Park.
Vietnam Seeks to Boost Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
According to Vietnam’s Foreign Investment Agency, FDI approvals for the first 10 months of 2014 are 23.9 percent lower than the same period last year. However, capital disbursements by FDI enterprises have increased 5.9 percent year-on-year (YoY) to a total of US$10.15 billion.
Forbes to Honor the 50 Best Listed Vietnamese Companies
In a sign of Vietnam’s maturing market, Forbes Vietnam is preparing to honor Vietnam’s 50 best listed companies in a ceremony to be held on October 17 in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). The award seeks to recognize companies listed on the Vietnam Stock exchanges that have outstanding business and financial performance. Some of the recognizable names on the top 50 list include Vingroup, Vinasun, Vinamilk, and Vietcombank.
Samsung Increases Investment into Vietnam’s Saigon Hi-Tech Park
Samsung has recently received an investment certificate allowing the company to move forward with the development of a new US$1.4 billion electronics factory in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). The new factory, which will be called the Samsung CE Complex, will be built in the Saigon Hi-Tech Park. This is yet another move by the South Korean company to turn Vietnam into a global manufacturing base for its products.
Longest Expressway in Vietnam Opens Between Hanoi and Lao Cai
Last Sunday, in Lao Cai’s Bao Thang District, Vietnamese government officials announced the opening of a 245 kilometer expressway. The expressway, which is the longest in Vietnam, stretches from Hanoi’s Noi Bai through the provinces of Vinh Phuc, Phu Tho, and Yen Bai finally ending in Lao Cai. Now that the road is open to traffic, the travel time between Hanoi and Lao Cai has been cut in half.
Vietnam to Host 9th Vietnam-EU FTA Talks
On September 22-26th, Vietnam’s coastal city of Da Nang will host the 9th round of Vietnam-EU free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations. It is hoped that the conclusion of the FTA agreement will allow Vietnam to further penetrate the EU market, as well as attracting further foreign direct investment into the Southeast Asian country.
Da Nang’s Dragon Bridge a Sign of New Financial Strength
The city of Da Nang is fast becoming one of the premier destinations in Vietnam for both tourism and foreign direct investment. Seventeen years after the city became an independent municipality, Da Nang has become the third largest economic center and the main commercial and educational center of central Vietnam.
New Investment Opportunities in South Vietnam: An Interview with Long Hau Industrial Park
Vietnam Briefing’s Senior Editor, Edward Barbour-Lacey, recently had the opportunity to interview Mr Sy Tran – Director of the Sales and Marketing Department at the Long Hau Corporation (LHC). Mr. Sy has many years of experience working with well-known multinational corporations and leading Vietnamese companies in the industries of FMCG and B2B industry. These companies include: Coca Cola, NewZealand milk, Foster Vietnam, and Vinamilk.
Hi-Tech Parks and New Urban Areas Slow to Attract Investment in HCMC
Ho Chi Minh City saw an 83.5 percent year-on-year increase in foreign direct investment inflows during the first six months of 2014. However, the city’s Hi-Tech and New Urban Areas have abjectly failed to attract the levels of investment that were previously hoped for.
Netherlands-Vietnam Energy Forum Held in Hanoi
On June 17, 2014, the Netherlands-Vietnam energy forum was held in Hanoi. The forum discussed the effective implementation of a 2011 memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between both countries.
