Garment companies torn by too many orders

Sun, September 5th, 2010

But raw material prices have climbed sharply, regular electric power outages are also an obstacle, causing higher production costs. And the labor shortage is what worries garment companies most .

University of Hawaii Executive MBA Program Succeeds in Vietnam

Sat, September 4th, 2010

A Financial Times story estimated 25 percent of Vietnam's gross domestic product is controlled by graduates of the UH-Manoa executive MBA program.

Japan firms to build joint-venture container port in North Vietnam

Sat, September 4th, 2010

Located in the northern city of Hai Phong, the terminal will be set for completion in 2015. It will be able to handle 855,000 TEUs (20-foot-equivalent units) of cargo a year, almost half of northern Vietnam's total volume. The terminal will also be able to cater to large 8,000 TEU container ships that are unable to dock at neighboring ports, enabling direct exports to North America.

Weekly Update Sep 6: Pre-employment Screening, AmCham Scholarship, ADB Projects, Credit Guarantees

Sat, September 4th, 2010

Events, special offers for members, trade/investment business issues and news for nearly 500 American, international, and Vietnamese companies, and over 1,000 key executives and staff. In addition, 4,000 subscribers in Vietnam, Asia-Pacific countries, and the U.S., over 300,000 page views/month of the AmCham web site.

Nov 10 International Product Safety & Restricted Substances Conference

Sat, September 4th, 2010

Apparel and footwear brands must ensure that the dynamic U.S. government regulations and other restricted substances standards are in compliance throughout the supply chain. Organized by the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA).

Sat, Sep 25th International Coastal Cleanup in Vietnam

Sat, September 4th, 2010

A great opportunity to promote healthy and diverse ecosystems, and educate people about the impact of their throw-away behavior.

The Sorum Brothers, a duo of International Mixologists visit Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers

Fri, September 3rd, 2010

Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers is proud to welcome back mixologist Dannie Sorum to their restaurants and bars this September. Especially this time, he will be accompanied by his twin brother Ben Sorum. The duo of acclaimed celebrity mixologists will showcase the art of mixing cocktails from 7-11 September 2010 at the hotel's restaurants and bars.

Vietnam Airlines and Boeing Team to Enhance 777 Passenger Experience

Tue, August 31st, 2010

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration-certified service bulletin and kit of parts accommodate the relocation of business class seats; installation of new deluxe economy and economy class passenger seats; and revisions to the in-flight entertainment system, in-seat power and cabin cooling systems. Also, the enhancement relocated and updated lavatories, galleys, ceilings, sidewalls, lighting, plumbing and the lower lobe attendant crew rest modules to enable the expanded service planned for these 777s.

New report provides detailed analysis of Vietnam's construction market

Tue, August 31st, 2010

Vietnam's construction sector retains significant promise moving into 2010 but continues to be held back by the regulatory environment in the country. Key drivers include ...

Leaders warn on S.E. Asia's rich-poor gap

Tue, August 31st, 2010

ASEAN wants to establish by 2015 a single market and manufacturing base of about 600 million people, a goal that has been spurred by intensifying competition from China and India. The discrepancy between ASEAN's rich and poor members "is quite wide" and could undermine efforts to create the single market, ASEAN secretary general Surin Pitsuwan said.

Growing up fast: Vietnam discovers the consumer society (McKinsey Quarterly)

Tue, August 31st, 2010

Although 100% foreign-owned retailers can register for an operating license, they are generally allowed to open only one outlet. To expand further, they must pass an "economic needs test,"

Vietnam's stock market has come far in its first 10 years

Tue, August 31st, 2010

The stock market has grown significantly, only two stocks were traded in the beginning, compared with 586 today on both the Ho Chi Minh Exchange and the Hanoi Exchange, and is attracting a growing number of domestic investors. It's also become a "crucial channel for companies that want to raise medium- and long-term capital."

Vietnam must rething growth strategy: World Bank, VN Academy of Social Sciences

Tue, August 31st, 2010

Vietnam risks losing out both to poorer, lower-wage nations and richer ones that are more innovative and have a higher-quality labour force,.The Vietnamese economy depends too much on exploitation of natural resources and its industry, often dominated by large state-owned groups, lacks dynamism. Another obstacle is education, which experts have said is far from an international standard, and unsuited for providing the skilled workforce the country needs.

Japanese Food Promotions in Park Hyatt Saigon

Sat, August 28th, 2010

From Sep 10 to 16, Square One restaurant proudly introduces a Japanese Food promotion hosted by Chef de Cuisine Hirokozu Nakazato and Sous Chef "hyakumi-an" Hideyuki Kano, two celebrated chefs from Japan to bring you the best of Japanese cuisine in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.

Industry promises 60% increase in power prices will end outages

Sat, August 28th, 2010

Vietnam's power sector has asked the Government to approve an increase in average electricity prices from 5.5 US cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) to 8 cents. " If we don't raise the price consumers pay for electricity, we'll still have serious power shortages decades in the future."

Weekly Update Aug 30: Pre-Employment Screening, AmCham Scholarship, ADB Projects, Credit Guarantees

Sat, August 28th, 2010

Events, special offers for members, trade/investment business issues and news for nearly 500 American, international, and Vietnamese companies, and over 1,000 key executives and staff. In addition, 4,000 subscribers in Vietnam, Asia-Pacific countries, and the U.S., over 300,000 page views/month of the AmCham web site.

ASEAN Tries to Link Up to Compete (Wall Street Journal)

Mon, August 23rd, 2010

Labor costs in Southeast Asia are lower than in China, but basic infrastructure lags behind. As China becomes more expensive, investment will inevitably flow to other areas, accelerating work to improve supply chains and manufacturing infrastructure. (Subscription)

Vietnam's Dong Has Worst Week Since February on Devaluation

Mon, August 23rd, 2010

Vietnam's dong dropped to a record low after the central bank devalued the currency for a third time since Nov 2009 to help reduce the trade deficit. Government data show the trade deficit in the seven months through July almost doubled to $ 7.4 billion from a year earlier, while the IMF said on June 9 the nation's foreign-currency reserves have fallen to the equivalent of seven weeks of imports from coverage of less than two-and-a-half months in December.

U.S. Secretary of Defense to attend ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting (Plus)

Mon, August 23rd, 2010

which will be held in Hanoi in October. The Plus refers to the eight ASEAN dialogue partners that will also attend the conference, including the U.S. and China.

China, ASEAN to Construct Mekong Railway System

Mon, August 23rd, 2010

A total of $ 1.9 billion dollars is estimated to cover the overall costs of the construction scheme with additional $ 7 billion dollars for upgrading existing railways. The railway system is said to start its maiden voyage in 2025 with a capacity of roughly 3.2 million passengers and 23 million tons of goods.