Chance for market upgrade
Is the fact that foreign investors, especially those ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) specializing in emerging and frontier markets, have been net buyers since last year a sign that Vietnam’s stock market is approaching an upgrade? Net buying despite market correction Though the local stock market has
What causes interest rates to slide?
Banks’ unexpected deposit rate cuts before and immediately after the Lunar New Year are explainable Unexpected, yet understandable The deposit rate bracket at Techcombank, effective from January 30, has undergone a drastic change, with a drop of 0.5 percentage point to 8.5% per annum for terms of
Limited monetary policy options
As monetary policy tools are nearly exhausted, fiscal policy needs expanding to spur growth as more challenges are on the horizon. Boosting public investment in infrastructure development and funding the economic recovery and development program are seen as key priorities in 2023. Narrower
Vietnam, France to develop ties in all sectors
Vietnam and France have long-standing ties and deep connections in areas such as history, culture, education, politics and economy. In an interview with The Saigon Times, Emmanuelle Pavillon-Grosser, consul general of France in HCMC, talked about potentials and expectations for enhancing bilateral
Trap of cheap tourism
Restaurant owners fear the tourist city of Hoi An might stumble into the trap of low-cost tourism, reducing the value of the old town A businessperson operating an age-old restaurant on the bank of the Hoai River in Hoi An City recently said that Hoi An has been seeing many tourists from Hanoi,
Love knows no borders
People talk about love all year round, but Valentine’s Day made its presence more vivid than ever in February. For this special occasion, The Saigon Times spoke with Aaron Solomon Lorenz (Aaron) from Michigan of the U.S. and Ai Chi My Nguyen (Chi) from HCMC, Vietnam about their journey together.
Challenges surround garment enterprises
Textile and garment firms have been through a roller coaster ride, with profits going up in the first half of 2022 and nosediving during the second half. Financial problems plague apparel firms The textile and garment industry has steadily recovered from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. It
Focusing on quality or market demand?
There is an essential need to improve the quality of Vietnamese rice products. However, the rice industry should strive to satisfy market demand instead of just focusing on what it wants to do. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has sought feedback from the Mekong Delta authorities
Dealing with industrial fragmentation
An industrial strategy that is divergent and lacks concentration has resulted in industrial fragmentation, eroding the competitiveness of local industries. Industrial development breakthroughs can only be achieved when such a situation is addressed. Industrialization, from a local perspective, has
Creating more value for Vietnamese coffee brand
Having lived in Vietnam for 15 years and set up companies in the country, Timen Swijtink decided to launch a premium and high-quality coffee brand – Lacaph—which is all about Vietnam. In an interview with The Saigon Times, the Dutchman said he established Lacaph to create more value for the
Coping with global uncertainties
Dynamics for global growth are seen weakening in 2023, posing challenges for Vietnamese enterprises in the coming time. Managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva has recently warned of more setbacks for the global economy in 2023, as three economic powerhouses
Multi-channel sales turn trendy
Local businesses have increasingly promoted multi-channel selling to boost revenues, particularly by combining digital and conventional operations. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), prioritizing digital transformation appears to be at the pinnacle of the efforts to maximize profits