Vietnam Airlines has announced that from January 1, 2010, airfares will increase by between 14,000 and 81,000 dong on domestic trips using economy tickets.
As a result, travel firms have also immediately announced adjustments for tour fee.The airfare increase has been explained by the fact that as a result of Value Added Tax Law, which took effect on January 1, 2009, the airfare bears the VAT rate of 10 percent instead of five percent as currently applied.In general practice, the Ministry of Finance always releases circulars to guide the implementation of new laws. However, in this case, the ministry did not release any guidance for the VAT law implementation in 2009. Therefore, air carriers, which set up airfare levels for 2009 already, decided to keep them at five percent VAT for 2009. This means that in 2009, air carriers bore the additional five percent VAT for passengers.However, this will not be repeated in 2010.Currently, airfares for domestic routes announced by Vietnam Airlines and Jetstar Pacific both include five percent VAT. However, in 2010, the airlines will follow the international practice and announce airfares without tax, charges and surcharges. As a result of the airfare increase, a number of travel firms have also adjusted their tour fees.Nguyen Minh Man from Vietravel said the tour fee would increase by between 5 and 7 percent from January 1, 2010.Deputy director of Hanoi Redtours Nguyen Cong Hoan also said its customers will have to pay 2.5 percent more, adding that airfare account for some 50 percent of tour costs.Meanwhile a number of travel firms have complained that the five percent VAT increase has been announced too late and does not give enough time to them to react accordingly.Hoan said travel firms would have to negotiate with air carriers regarding the airfare. He explained that in many cases, clients would have booked tours before Vietnam Airlines made their announcement. The sudden airfare may force travel firms to renegotiate with customers.Ha Yen
google7a530f09a650304b.html
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
BBC News - Audio slideshow: Life on the water
BBC News - Audio slideshow: Life on the water
Life on the water | |
| If water levels rise in Vietnam's Mekong Delta as a result of climate change, more and more people may have to adapt to life on water. But some of them have been living that way for years. The Can Tho floating market is one example. People buy from farmers and act as wholesalers to the small boats which sell the fresh produce to locals along the river. They are mostly rowed, with crossed oars, so the environmental cost of the journey from field to bowl is minimal. Photographed and produced by Emma Lynch Audio by Jane Chambers Publication date 30 December 2009 | |
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
HCM City in the top ten expensive Asian cities | Look At Vietnam
According to the Forbes, HCM City ranks the tenth among Asian cities for expensiveness, based on the house leasing prices and the real estate market.
According to Forbes, HCM City people have to pay $1800 to hire an apartment with two luxurious bedrooms for a month. Meanwhile, the per capita income of the local residents is $2800/year.
The real estate market in HCM City, the biggest city and an economic centre in Vietnam, is quite stable in the economic crisis. In the third quarter of 2009, over ten new housing projects were kicked off. The demand for housing is still growing, despite economic slowdown.
In the global financial crisis, the estate prices continue escalating in Asia. The pay for hiring houses and offices in the biggest cities in this continent doesn’t reduce or highly rises compared to per capita income. It is even more expensive to buy house than the pre-crisis period. This October, an apartment in Hong Kong was sold for $56 milion.
Japan’s Tokyo is still the most expensive city. The average price for hiring a luxurious apartment with two bedrooms is $4737. The four cities in the top five are Hong Kong, Beijing, Mumbai and Shanghai.
To make this list, Forbes used data of the Mercer, which has researched of the growth in Asia compared to the rest of the world in the last two decades.
VietNamNet/Forbes/VNE
According to Forbes, HCM City people have to pay $1800 to hire an apartment with two luxurious bedrooms for a month. Meanwhile, the per capita income of the local residents is $2800/year.
The real estate market in HCM City, the biggest city and an economic centre in Vietnam, is quite stable in the economic crisis. In the third quarter of 2009, over ten new housing projects were kicked off. The demand for housing is still growing, despite economic slowdown.
In the global financial crisis, the estate prices continue escalating in Asia. The pay for hiring houses and offices in the biggest cities in this continent doesn’t reduce or highly rises compared to per capita income. It is even more expensive to buy house than the pre-crisis period. This October, an apartment in Hong Kong was sold for $56 milion.
Japan’s Tokyo is still the most expensive city. The average price for hiring a luxurious apartment with two bedrooms is $4737. The four cities in the top five are Hong Kong, Beijing, Mumbai and Shanghai.
To make this list, Forbes used data of the Mercer, which has researched of the growth in Asia compared to the rest of the world in the last two decades.
VietNamNet/Forbes/VNE
HCM City targets 10% growth | Look At Vietnam
HCM City aims to achieve a Gross Domestic Product growth rate of at least 10 per cent next year.
HCM City is still the country’s biggest economic and service hub. The city aims to achieve a Gross Domestic Product growth rate of at least 10 per cent next year.
The target is one of the 22 points of an ambitious socio-economic development blueprint for 2010 announced by the city People’s Committee yesterday, December 28. The points include six for economic development, eight for social affairs and eight for environment-related issues.
Other important economic goals are export value growth of 12.7 per cent and a total of VND172 trillion (US$9.3 billion) in social development investment capital, accounting for 41.8 per cent of the GDP.
The city aims to keep the consumer price index (CPI) under 7 per cent while reducing its unemployment rate to less than 5.1 per cent and poverty rate to 7.2 per cent.
About 96 per cent of the city’s urban population will get access to clean water while this rate would be 85 per cent in rural areas, according to the plan, and all major acts of environmental pollution will be strictly penalised.
The points also include standard wastewater treatment systems for all city industrial parks and export processing zones.
According to Mayor Le Hoang Quan, to achieve the goals set, the city will focus its economy on services, industry and agriculture.
For the service sector, the most competitive and highest value added services will be given priority, while various economic sectors will be encouraged to invest in services to make them more efficient.
Diversifying domestic tourism products and creating new tourist destinations are still on the agenda to help reach the target of 3.5 million foreign tourists to the city (up 11 per cent), and 6 million domestic tourists (up 13 per cent) in 2010.
Increasing trade promotion at overseas markets, which have larger purchasing powers, and improving competitiveness will aid local enterprises to find larger market shares at home and abroad.
The blueprint signals more attention to develop the construction industry and the building material production industries, as they have potential to boost the city’s industrial production value.
Intensive investments into top value-adding high-tech industries and farming technology are also on the list.
The city would continue its investment in a high-tech agriculture park and research into developing it into a large-scale seedlings development centre to supply the whole region, Quan said.
The city’s socio-economic achievements in 2009:
- GDP growth rate: 8 per cent- Total budget revenues: VND128.47 trillion, up 3.8 per cent- Per capita GDP: over VND46.3 million, up 21.1 per cent.- Export value: US$12.1 billion, up by 1.3 per cent- Retail sales and service turnover: VND291.59 trillion, up 19.2 per cent.- Transport service: up 17.9 per cent - Industrial production value: up 6.3 per cent- Agriculture-forestry-fisheries production value: up 2.7 per cent.- 289,600 new jobs created- Crime rate: down 10 per cent- Tourists: 10.52 million
Creating a transparent, open and fair business environment remains to be a target in the next year with more simplified administrative procedures to boost trade and combat corruption.
The city would also place controls on prices and activities of finance, monetary, real estate, securities and gold markets, he said.
The role of state management in environmental affairs will be strengthened to minimise damages caused by global climate change, according to the plan. The city will also increase investment to realise more social security policies and poverty reduction programmes.
In 2010, the city hopes to attain total budget revenues of VND144.3 trillion (US$7.80 billion), up by 17.88 per cent from 2009 with VND14 trillion (nearly $760 million) being planned for investment development activities.
Continuous growth
This year, despite the impact of the global economic recession, HCM City has managed to fulfil 18 out of its 20 set goals for social economic development.
With the whole year economic growth rate of 8 per cent, high capital mobilisation and more investors, HCM City ranks 13th out 63 provinces and cities nationwide in terms of competitiveness.
VietNamNet/Viet Nam News
HCM City is still the country’s biggest economic and service hub. The city aims to achieve a Gross Domestic Product growth rate of at least 10 per cent next year.
The target is one of the 22 points of an ambitious socio-economic development blueprint for 2010 announced by the city People’s Committee yesterday, December 28. The points include six for economic development, eight for social affairs and eight for environment-related issues.
Other important economic goals are export value growth of 12.7 per cent and a total of VND172 trillion (US$9.3 billion) in social development investment capital, accounting for 41.8 per cent of the GDP.
The city aims to keep the consumer price index (CPI) under 7 per cent while reducing its unemployment rate to less than 5.1 per cent and poverty rate to 7.2 per cent.
About 96 per cent of the city’s urban population will get access to clean water while this rate would be 85 per cent in rural areas, according to the plan, and all major acts of environmental pollution will be strictly penalised.
The points also include standard wastewater treatment systems for all city industrial parks and export processing zones.
According to Mayor Le Hoang Quan, to achieve the goals set, the city will focus its economy on services, industry and agriculture.
For the service sector, the most competitive and highest value added services will be given priority, while various economic sectors will be encouraged to invest in services to make them more efficient.
Diversifying domestic tourism products and creating new tourist destinations are still on the agenda to help reach the target of 3.5 million foreign tourists to the city (up 11 per cent), and 6 million domestic tourists (up 13 per cent) in 2010.
Increasing trade promotion at overseas markets, which have larger purchasing powers, and improving competitiveness will aid local enterprises to find larger market shares at home and abroad.
The blueprint signals more attention to develop the construction industry and the building material production industries, as they have potential to boost the city’s industrial production value.
Intensive investments into top value-adding high-tech industries and farming technology are also on the list.
The city would continue its investment in a high-tech agriculture park and research into developing it into a large-scale seedlings development centre to supply the whole region, Quan said.
The city’s socio-economic achievements in 2009:
- GDP growth rate: 8 per cent- Total budget revenues: VND128.47 trillion, up 3.8 per cent- Per capita GDP: over VND46.3 million, up 21.1 per cent.- Export value: US$12.1 billion, up by 1.3 per cent- Retail sales and service turnover: VND291.59 trillion, up 19.2 per cent.- Transport service: up 17.9 per cent - Industrial production value: up 6.3 per cent- Agriculture-forestry-fisheries production value: up 2.7 per cent.- 289,600 new jobs created- Crime rate: down 10 per cent- Tourists: 10.52 million
Creating a transparent, open and fair business environment remains to be a target in the next year with more simplified administrative procedures to boost trade and combat corruption.
The city would also place controls on prices and activities of finance, monetary, real estate, securities and gold markets, he said.
The role of state management in environmental affairs will be strengthened to minimise damages caused by global climate change, according to the plan. The city will also increase investment to realise more social security policies and poverty reduction programmes.
In 2010, the city hopes to attain total budget revenues of VND144.3 trillion (US$7.80 billion), up by 17.88 per cent from 2009 with VND14 trillion (nearly $760 million) being planned for investment development activities.
Continuous growth
This year, despite the impact of the global economic recession, HCM City has managed to fulfil 18 out of its 20 set goals for social economic development.
With the whole year economic growth rate of 8 per cent, high capital mobilisation and more investors, HCM City ranks 13th out 63 provinces and cities nationwide in terms of competitiveness.
VietNamNet/Viet Nam News
Repatriation of Hmomg Refugees from Thailand to Laos Completed
The repatriation of over 4,000 Hmomg ethnic refugees from a camp in Thailand to Laos was completed Tuesday morning, said Lieutenant General Niphat Thonglek, director-general of the Border Affairs Department under Thailand's Supreme Command.
The repatriation was completed at 6.30 a.m., local time as all of the Hmong refugees are now at a shelter in Bolikhamsai Province in Laos, Lieutenant General Niphat said, Thai News Agency reported.
The repatriation was smooth and there was no violence during the repatriation process, Lieutenant General Niphat explained.
The repatriation was done on a humanity basis, Lieutenant General Niphat said.
The government early Monday morning began deporting the over-4, 000 ethnic Hmong from the refugee camp in a Thai northern province of Phetchabun across the border to Laos.
The move to clear the Huay Nam Khao refugee camp in Phetchabun began at 5:30 a.m. local time (2230 GMT Sunday), carried out by about 5,000 soldiers, officials and assisting civilian volunteers.
After the repatriation, the empty camp is to be formally closed soon.
The repatriation was completed at 6.30 a.m., local time as all of the Hmong refugees are now at a shelter in Bolikhamsai Province in Laos, Lieutenant General Niphat said, Thai News Agency reported.
The repatriation was smooth and there was no violence during the repatriation process, Lieutenant General Niphat explained.
The repatriation was done on a humanity basis, Lieutenant General Niphat said.
The government early Monday morning began deporting the over-4, 000 ethnic Hmong from the refugee camp in a Thai northern province of Phetchabun across the border to Laos.
The move to clear the Huay Nam Khao refugee camp in Phetchabun began at 5:30 a.m. local time (2230 GMT Sunday), carried out by about 5,000 soldiers, officials and assisting civilian volunteers.
After the repatriation, the empty camp is to be formally closed soon.
Monday, December 28, 2009
| Vietnam wins Asian Team Chess Championships 2009 - Vietnam wins Asian Team Chess Championships 2009
Vietnam wins Asian Team Chess Championships 2009
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Vietnam’s teams enjoyed a great success at the Asian Team Chess Championships 2009 in India, which finished on December 28.
With 5 World’s Grandmasters, the Vietnamese women’s team easily defeated Bangladesh, India B, Iran, Singapore and Indonesia and only drew with India to top the standings. The host team ranked second, followed by Iran.
In the men’s event, the Vietnamese men team came second and Iran third.
This year’s Championships attracted 93 of Asia’s leading chess players, competing in 7 matches (with four players in a match).
Ha Noi’s property market stalls out | Look At Vietnam
Ha Noi’s property market stalls out
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Trung Hoa - Nhan Chinh apartment complex in Ha Noi. Ha Noi’s real estate market stagnated in the last few months of this year. |
Vu Thanh Hung, director of a real estate company, said he had refused to take on new projects because there was little demand.
“I think demand for property will not increase next year because of tightened monetary policies,” he said.
Hung said he had found it difficult to buy land for real estate projects because investors were waiting for prices to rise.
According to real estate agent Nguyen Phuong Linh from Phuong Dong Company Limited, even in Ha Dong District, which is the most popular part of the capital for investors, transactions had plummeted by two-thirds compared with three months ago.
However, she said that apartment prices had remained stable, at around VND17.5 to VND18 million (US$972-1,000) a square metre.
Driving up demand
According to CB Richard Ellis (CBRE), the increasing number of high-quality office buildings in My Dinh’s new urban area will drive up demand for residential accommodation over the next two years.
The western part of Ha Noi, which is becoming the capital’s new administrative area, has seen a number of new developments, such as Keangnam Ha Noi Landmark Tower, CEO Tower, Grand Plaza Tower and Da River Twin Towers.
Richard Leech, CBRE executive director, said Cau Giay and Tu Liem districts had become increasingly popular with investors.
Le Tien Duc, who owns a real estate business, said he expected property prices to fall over the next few months.
Ho Hai Minh, deputy director of the Ha Noi home real estate trading floor, also predicted that property prices would decline.
“The majority of customers cannot afford to pay the kind of high prices currently demanded,” Minh said.
Vo Tri Thanh, deputy head of the Central Institute for Economic Management, said a tightening of credit was necessary to avoid speculation and a price bubble.
Thanh said the market was currently flat because investors were waiting for stock market investment.
“The Government, in a bid to stabilise the country’s macro-economy and curb inflation, will ensure that credit remains tight,” he said.
While transactions in the city have been stagnant, a number of new real estate projects have been launched ahead of the anticipated economic recovery next year.
Just this month, 10 major estate projects were launched.
Among them is Green House residential project to build about 1,000 apartments in Viet Hung new urban area in Long Bien District.
Two big projects
Meanwhile, in South Vinh Yen new urban area in Vinh Phuc Province a residential project worth VND8.7 trillion ($483 million) was launched.
Work has also started on the $660 million Cleve apartment building complex in Van Phu new urban area in Ha Dong District and the $211 million Viglacera apartment complex in Me Tri, Tu Liem District.
At the upper end, Gia Tue Investment Joint Stock Company has begun work on the Grand Arena Hill resort, which is expected to be finished by 2012.
Dung Thanh Tam, chairman and general director of Kinh Bac Urban Development Company, said the property sector’s quiet period would give businesses time to formulate strategies for the second quarter of next year when the real estate market it expected to pick up.
Tam said it usually took between 12 months to 18 months to complete the construction of an urban area, which meant investment in real estate could not be short term.
CBRE said that around 3,000 of the 8,000 apartments for sale had been sold.
Cao Xuan Hai, head of Hi Brand, said investors should begin new projects now before material costs rose.
VietNamNet/VNSHCM City welcomes the New Year with festivals | Look At Vietnam
HCM City is welcoming the New Year beginning December 26 at the 23/9 Park with a festival called “Welcome 2010, Celebrating the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi.”
LookAtVietnam - HCM City is welcoming the New Year beginning December 26 at the 23/9 Park with a festival called “Welcome 2010, Celebrating the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi.”
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Traditional music performance at the 23/9 Park (photo: Lao Dong). |
The opening ceremony included a photo exhibit displaying 450 photos and items about the achievements of 24 districts in 2009, the development of
At the Thong Nhat Convention Hall, demonstrations of folk arts like water-color painting, calligraphy, brocade knitting, and making to he. Music shows took place at Phu My Hung, Tan Thuan and Linh Trung Export Processing Zones, Le Minh Xuan Industrial Zone,
At the Youth Cultural House, the New Year festival will be held from December 24, 2009 to January 1, 2010 with fashion shows in addition to 60 stalls selling cosmetics. A special gala will take place on December 31.
City authorities have decorated four major roads (Nguyen Hue, Le Loi, Dong Khoi and Le Duan) with lamps and flowers to welcome the New Year.
On the evening of December 31, 2009, light shows will be held at high-rise buildings like the Sunwah, Palace, Fahasa and Duxton. A special music performance will be held at Sunwah.
“Suoi Tien Welcomes the New Year” is the name of a carnival on January 1, 2010 at the
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Philand Ranch in Central Vietnam/227 private homes & villas
FRANKFURT, Germany and LOS ANGELES, Dec. 22, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Philand Ranch Ltd. (Frankfurt:1P8.F) (Frankfurt:WKN A0RPEA), a company engaged in the development of master planned communities and other real estate developments in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, announced today it has completed the final planning stages for construction at Pointe91, the first phase of the Philand Ranch master planned community to be developed in Chu Lai, Quang Nam Province in Central Vietnam. Philand Ranch is a majority-owned subsidiary of PHIGroup, Inc. (OTCBB:PHIE) (Frankfurt:PR7.F) (Frankfurt:WKN A0RNQV) whose business scope includes the development and management of real estate properties, mining interests, and consulting, merger and acquisition advisory services.
The company is now prepared to begin breaking ground for initial construction at Philand Ranch in Central Vietnam. The final envisioning meeting of the Philand Ranch team was held at the PHIGroup head offices in Huntington Beach, CA on December 16 through 19. Included were land planners, architects, asset managers, the resort management team, marketing and sales directors, IT, construction managers, the financial team and senior management. The final touches were put on an unprecedented master plan that will bring Central Vietnam into the 21st century.
Influenced by the continuity and livability of Irvine Ranch in California and Summerland in Las Vegas, this new development will eventually encompass 10,000 acres in Quang Nam Province. The 118 acre first phase, Pointe91, introduces a hot new five star resort area, executive housing, mid-range cabana residences, a marina and unfettered access to hiking and walking trails, beaches and the South China Sea. It also includes an economic free zone, industrial parks, a free trade zone and educational and conference facilities.
The concept is simple -- whole community planning. The development creates places where people can live, work and play in safety and comfort, build family ties, recreate together with family and friends near the water, enjoy a short commute to work while enjoying the very best in home construction and land planning. This new community brings an unprecedented new standard of living in Central Vietnam with opportunities for residents, tourists and guests. The development is expected to bring thousands of new jobs, new industry and commercial ventures and much needed housing as well as economic opportunities to the area for decades to come.
Daniel St. John, Project Director for Philand Ranch, states, "It has been a long journey from the initial planning stages more than two years ago, to today. We are extremely excited about everything from the thoughtful and distinctive architecture of the residences, the fantastic water features on the property, the artful landscaping, the plans for a five star resort hotel, to the smallest details like directional signage, and what kinds of birds will nest in the trees we plant. I am particularly pleased that our team has been diligent about insuring this community will be a sound investment; not only in the value created as a real estate investment, but also in creating a community where families experience an unprecedented quality of life, in one of the most beautiful areas in Vietnam."
About Philand Ranch
Philand Ranch is a long-term, billion dollar master planned community in Quang Nam Province, Central Vietnam best known for Hoi An City, a tourism hot spot where the ancient culture of Vietnam meets modern culture. Philand Ranch will develop the first phase, Pointe91, a luxury living community and tourist resort in the start of the New Year. Future development plans include development of tourist and resort communities in Nui Thanh District and residential mixed use, commercial, industrial sectors in South Hoi An. The overall master plan is expected to produce stable, long-term recurring revenues, more jobs and economic growth for several decades to come. www.PhilandRanch.com
About Pointe91
Pointe91, the company's first phase of development, is a 118-acre high-end residential seaside resort community featuring 227 grand private homes and villas in seven neighborhoods, a five star resort hotel and spa, and 30 detached select residences that will be offered as a private residence club. Miles of walking and jogging trails and several large parks take advantage of the scenic and natural terrain exclusive to this area. An industrial park, the 3,950- acre free trade zone, the open economic zone and mixed-use housing, university facilities, worship centers, and a 250-seat indigenous stone outdoor amphitheater with the backdrop of the South China Sea round out the community.
About Philand Ranch Limited
Philand Ranch Limited, a majority-owned subsidiary of PHIGroup (OTCBB:PHIE) (Frankfurt:PR7) (www.phiglobal.com), is the holding company for the development and management of real estate properties throughout Southeast Asia. It is the parent of Philand Corporation, a U.S. corporation, and Philand Vietnam Ltd, which manages the company's real estate development activities in Central Vietnam. The company is traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (Frankfurt:1P8.F) (Frankfurt:WKN A0RPEA) and will soon be listed on the U.S. Stock Market. Web site: www.philandranch.com
Safe Harbor: This news release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected on the basis of such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management pursuant to the "safe-harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Britain & US protect after India tightens tourism Rules
Britain and US protest after India tightens tourism rules
Tougher visa rules follow arrest in US of Mumbai terror suspect who visited India on multiple-entry visa
The Taj Mahal, in Agra. Tourists visiting India have been barred from returning to the country within two months. Photograph: Harish Tyagi/EPA
Britain and the US have lodged a diplomatic protest with India after the government in Delhi introduced rules barring tourists from returning to the country within two months of any visit.
The new visa rules, which also apply to other foreign nationals, are apparently a reaction to the arrest in the US of a Mumbai terror suspect, David Coleman Headley, who had entered India on a multiple-entry visa.
The British high commission in Delhi has urged the Indian government to rethink the policy, which is expected to hit tourists planning to use India as a base for touring the region.
It will also be a blow to thousands of Britons living in India on long-term tourist visas. Many foreigners living in India prefer to use tourist visas rather than go through the complicated process of trying to secure a visa that would grant them the right to residency.
Some apply for six-month tourist visas and then travel to nearby countries, such as Nepal, to renew them. Those on longer-term tourist visas ‑ for five or 10 years ‑ are also required to leave the country every 180 days and tend to fly out for a couple of days before returning. Under the new rules, that would no longer be an option.
Posts on internet travel forums suggest that some British tourists have already fallen foul of the rules and have found themselves stranded and unable to return to India after visiting neighbouring countries.
On the IndiaMike forum one poster, from London, described how he had been renting an apartment in Goa and had travelled to Nepal to apply for a new six-month tourist visa, only to be informed that he would not be allowed back in for two months.
"This is insane," he wrote. "How can you introduce a rule without any prior warning and let ppl [sic] make plans and pay for flights etc and mess everything up for them … I now have no option but to get a transit visa and leg it back to Goa, get my stuff and leave … all this achieves is me and 1000's of others having to cut their plans short and spend none of that cash into the system … Well done!!"
A spokesman for the British high commission said the high commissioner had written to protest. "We have discussed this matter with the government of India. As yet there is no real clarity over the details of the proposals or of how they might be implemented. We understand that the Indian government is reconsidering its plans. We shall keep a close eye on this as it develops because it has the potential to impact on a large number of British nationals."
Details of the plans are yet to be published but reports in India suggested that people of Indian origin living in the UK will also be caught up in the rule change.
Many British passport holders with Indian origins use tourist visas to visit relatives in India rather than tackling the bureaucratic minefield involved in applying for a Person of Indian Origin card, which would allow them entry into the country. They will also be subject to the no return for two months rule.
The Indian government has apparently sought to defuse the row by giving consular officials the power to grant exemptions in exceptional cases, although there is as yet no clarity on how that might be applied.
British diplomatic sources also suggested the changes had alarmed some Indian companies with nationals working overseas, who feared that their business interests might be affected if other countries introduced reciprocal arrangements.
The decision, by India's home ministry, comes after officials reviewed the case of Headley, who is under arrest in the US accused of scouting targets for terrorist attacks, including the Mumbai attacks last year which left 166 people dead.
He was found to have used a multiple entry business visa to make nine trips to India, during which time he is alleged to have visited a number of potential targets.
India has already cracked down on business visas this year, informing thousands of holders that they must return to their home countries and prove that they meet much stricter criteria before new visas will be issued.
Ironically, the clampdown comes as the country attempts to boost its tourism industry. Last week the home minister, P Chidambaram, announced the trial introduction of a visa on arrival scheme for citizens of Singapore, Japan, New Zealand, Luxembourg and Finland and said a country the size of India should be attracting at least 50 million visitors a year. About five million tourists visit India every year, including an estimated three quarters of a million Britons.
A final draft of the visa regulations is expected to be issued next month but in the meantime a number of embassies in India have notified their citizens of the changes. The Indian embassy in Berlin has also posted the rule on its website, noting that "a minimum gap of two months is mandatory between visits as tourists to India".
The introduction of the new system coincides with a visit to India by the business secretary, Lord Mandelson, who has been trying to calm Indian concerns over changes to Britain's immigration rules.
Russia & Vietnam working visit
VietNamNet Bridge - Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s visit to Russia has deepened Vietnam-Russia relations; Leaders from different countries and international organisations have paid great attention to dealing with climate change and sea level rise in Vietnam. 
On December 19, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his delegation arrived in Hanoi, successfully concluding their working visit to Russia and attendance at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Mr Dung’s visit to Russia has helped to tighten the fraternal friendship and promote Vietnam-Russian cooperation as well as the strategic partnership and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.
At the United Nations Climate Change Conference, along with positive proposals to protect the earth’s climate system, PM Nguyen Tan Dung affirmed Vietnam’s strong commitment to performing its responsibility in the fight against climate change.
Solid foundation for developing strategic partnership
Both Government leaders showed their great determination to enhance the strategic partnership and comprehensive cooperation by accelerating negotiations on an agreement for a bilateral free trade area soon so as to raise two-way trade turnover to US$10 billion in the future. The two sides will also push for the establishment of a Vietnam-Russia International University in Vietnam. In the next academic year, the Russian Government will provide Vietnamese students with 300 scholarships annually for training in Russia.
Businesses from both countries have signed a number of agreements to expand bilateral cooperation in traditional areas such as oil and gas, mining, electrical energy, science, and technology.
The Vice President of the Gazprom Group, Alexander Geogevic, said, “We are ready for a new phase of development. We signed an agreement on strategic cooperation in oil and gas exploitation with the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group and want to expand cooperation in processing, scientific research and human resources training.
In the spirit of mutual trust and assistance, Vietnam and Russia will step up strategic cooperation in atomic energy, the oil industry and military techniques.
During Mr Dung’s visit, Vietnam agreed to purchase submarines, planes and military technical equipment from Russia and officially invited the country to help Vietnam build its first nuclear power plant.
Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Thanh Son affirmed that PM Dung’s visit was a greater success than expected and represents an important milestone in the strategic cooperation and fraternal friendship between Vietnam and Russia.
Joining hands in the fight against climate change
After visiting the Russian Federation, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and the government delegation attended the World Conference on Climate Change held in the Danish capital of Copenhagen together with nearly 120 other world leaders.
Vietnam, which provides one fifth of the world’s rice exports, is one of the five countries most vulnerable to climate change, so the conference organizers arranged for PM Dung to be among the first 10 world leaders to deliver speeches at the discussion session of the event.
Mr Dung’s speech received agreement, support and high praise from the international community. He called for joint responsibility for climate change, emphasizing that developed countries should take more responsibility than poor and developing countries and aim to ensure sustainable development worldwide.
World leaders paid attention to Mr Dung’s speech as Vietnam is one of the 50 countries that took the initiative in building a national programme to deal with climate change and the rising sea level. Many countries have expressed their wish that Vietnam will work as a bridge between developing and developed countries to unify opinions for long-term cooperation.
Vietnamese Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Pham Khoi Nguyen said that Vietnam held an event on the sidelines of the conference to introduce its specific projects in its national programme to tackle climate change and sea level rise.
PM Dung and leaders of Vietnamese ministries had over 30 bilateral meetings with their counterparts from other nations, most of them affirmed that no matter what the results of the conference are, Vietnam should be considered high priority for receiving support to combat climate change and rising sea levels.
VNN/VOV
Vietnam Healthy ..Despite deficit fears
Vietnam healthy despite deficit fears | |||||||
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Vietnam’s economy has “all the hallmarks” of an emerging markets crisis, with growth poised to overheat as inflation quickens and foreign-exchange reserves fall, Nomura Holdings Inc. said this month. A decline in the reserves to less than three months of import cover increases the risks of a balance of payments crisis, Moody’s Economy.com said this month. The recent widening in Vietnam’s monthly trade deficit is making investors “nervous,” London-based Barclays said in a note received Monday. The shortfall rose 23 percent in November from October to the highest monthly figure since the first half of 2008, according to figures from the General Statistics Office. “The trade deficit is going to worsen but fundamental flows such as foreign direct investment and remittances should more than cover the shortfall,” wrote Prakriti Sofat, a Singapore-based economist at Barclays Capital. “Official development assistance flows should also pick up.” The Consultative Group on Vietnam, which is comprised of countries led by Japan and agencies led by the World Bank, this month pledged more than US$8 billion in grants and low-interest loans for the Southeast Asian country, an increase of at least a third from the figure announced a year ago at an annual meeting in Hanoi. While imports of consumer goods such as autos have been picking up, a “booming” construction sector in Vietnam is driving other purchases of overseas goods, Sofat wrote. Machinery, steel “Imports such as machinery and steel are supported by strong foreign direct investment and construction,” Sofat wrote. The purchase of machinery by Vietnam has been helping drive “healthy” industrial production in the country, Ho Chi Minh City-based fund manager VinaCapital Investment Management Ltd. said Monday. While pledges of foreign investment this year are down more than 70 percent from a year ago, actual disbursements for overseas-backed projects are only down about 10 percent, an “impressive inflow” that helps support Vietnam’s balance of payments, fund manager Vietnam Holding Asset Management Ltd. said this month. The devaluation of Vietnam’s currency last month by the central bank was also aimed largely at narrowing the trade deficit, VinaCapital said, citing stronger exports and an increase in the cost of imports as a result of the weaker dong. “The external environment appears to be improving,” VinaCapital said, in a monthly note to investors. “Looking forward to 2010, exports will likely continue to recover, helped by Vietnam’s attractive cost base.” Concern over Vietnam’s balance of payments is “short-term noise,” Ho Chi Minh City-based fund manager Dragon Capital said last week, citing the country’s “minimal external debt.” Vietnam’s external debt is less than 30 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, wrote Sofat of Barclays. Source: Bloomberg | |||||||
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Vietnam meets targets, finishes second at 25th SEA Games
Vietnam meets targets, finishes second at 25th SEA Games | |||||||
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On the final day of the regional sporting event, Vietnamese shooters hit two more gold medals to add to Vietnam’s total medals tally, but the nation finished three golds adrift of champions Thailand. The final tally for Vietnam was 83 gold, 75 silver and 57 bronze medals. Despite some disappointment in a few events, the Vietnamese athletes successfully achieved the initial goal of winning more than 70 gold medals and being among the top three nations at the event. The shooters grabbed the most medals with 11 gold, 12 silver and eight bronze medals, followed by finswimming with eight gold, eight silver and three bronze medals. Vietnamese athletes earned seven gold medals each in wushu, wrestling, track and field, and judo; six golds each in pencak silat and karatedo; five golds in taewondo; four golds in shuttlecock; three golds in billiards & snooker; and two golds each in petanque, weightlifting and cycling. They won one gold each in muay, table-tennis, swimming, women’s football, springboard diving and archery. Thailand finished on top of the medal table with 86 gold, 83 silver and 97 bronze medals while Indonesia, the hosts of the next 26th SEA Games, came in third with 43 gold, 53 silver and 74 bronze medals. Malaysia was fourth with 40 gold, 40 silver and 59 bronze medals, ahead of the Philippines with 38 gold, 35 silver and 51 bronze medals. Singapore at sixth had 33 gold, 30 silver and 35 bronze medals while hosts Laos finished seventh with 33 golds, 25 silvers and 52 bronzes. Myanmar, Cambodia and Brunei were in the eighth, ninth and 10th spots with 12, three and one gold medal respectively. East Timor finished at the bottom with just three bronze medals. Source: Thanh Nien, SGGP | |||||||
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Vietnam rejects EU’s extended punitive taxes on shoes
Vietnam rejects EU’s extended punitive taxes on shoes |
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Foreign Ministry’s spokeswoman Nguyen Phuong Nga voiced the protest after ambassadors of the EU member countries voted for the prolongation of the punitive taxes at a meeting on December 17. “The decision goes counter to the developments of friendly and co-operative relations between Vietnam and the European Union, and deeply disappoints the Government, businesses and workers of Vietnam,” she said. The spokeswoman affirmed Vietnam’s enterprises have not dumped leather-capped shoes on the European market. These companies have not intended and not been able to pursue this policy for such a long time because they are small and medium-sized businesses and have mainly done outwork for their foreign partners, including those from the EU. As the world economy is yet to fully recover, the EU’s extension of the penalty taxes will worsen difficulties facing Vietnamese businesses and workers, as well as continue to made the adverse impacts on European footwear producers operating in Vietnam and a large number of European consumers, she elaborated. The spokeswoman said Vietnam once more proposes that EU member nations and the European Commission consider the case objectively and fairly for the legitimate interests of Vietnamese businesses and workers, as well as of European companies and consumers and put an end to anti-dumping duties on Vietnamese leather-capped shoes. (VNA) |
Vietnam has rejected the European Union’s extension of anti-dumping duties on its leather-capped shoes for 15 months, saying it is an unfair decision and does not reflect the reality of footwear production in the country. 
Friday, December 18, 2009
Hunting for air tickets to fly on Tet days | Look At Vietnam
Passengers complain that they cannot book air tickets to fly on Tet holiday, though Tet two months is two months away.
Giang, who lives in HCM City
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It is very difficult to get a ticket from December 24 of Lunar Year (February 8, 2010) and afterwards |
Nearly all booking agents have reported that they have no more air tickets for short distance flights. As for the key route of
“We have only one ticket for the flight on the eve of the Lunar New Year. Will you take it?,” an officer of Hoa Binh booking agency told
However,
After having a quick look at the computer’s screen, the officer said: “Jetstar Pacific ran out tickets in July. Only Vietnam Airlines still has air tickets because it has decided to provide additional flights”.
“If you are still indecisive, the ticket will be taken by another passenger,” he added.
The ticket was booked 10 minutes after
The En Viet booking agent said that though Vietnam Airlines has decided to provide more flights on the Tet holidays, the number of flights is still far below demand. It is very difficult to get a ticket from December 24 of Lunar Year (February 8, 2010) and afterwards.
“Tickets are booked as soon as additional flights are announced,” an officer said.
According to En Viet, only business class tickets are still available for HCM City-Hanoi flights, while no seat on economy class is left. Meanwhile, short distance flights, such as those from
According to the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines, the number of passengers who will fly on the Tet holiday is expected to increase by 20 percent
The aviation market on the Tet holiday will witness the ‘solo performance’ of Vietnam Airlines which plans to provide 850 additional flights for the Hanoi-HCM City and HCM City-Da Nang air routes, from February 1, 2010 to February 28, 2010.
Vietnam Airlines has said that it plans to increase the number of flights on peak days for some short distance routes, including the ones from
Meanwhile, Jetstar Pacific has run out of tickets and keeps quiet about plans to increase number of flights on the Tet holiday. Meanwhile, it remains unclear when Indochina Airlines will resume flights. The air carrier has halted flights after it had to return its only charter aircraft due to financial difficulties.
VietNamNet/VNE
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Two HCM City companies found using unlicensed software | Look At Vietnam
Inspectors and police have found two companies in Ho Chi Minh City using unlicensed software in their computers at their offices.
On Dec. 15, inspectors from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and police officers from the Ministry of Public Security, together with Ho Chi Minh City officials, came to the joint-venture company Artdesco in District 10 to check computers.
The inspection team found a number of unlicensed software programs installed for use in 30 computer at the company’s office The programs included AutoCAD Architecture 2008, Revit Architecture 2009, Autodesk 3ds Max, Windows XP Professional 2002, Microsoft Office 2003, and some others.
Artdesco management told the inspectors that they would uninstall these unlicensed programs soon and buy licensed ones.
One day earlier, the inspection team raided the consulting, design and construction company Chan Phuong in Phu Nhuan District. After checking 27 computers, they found unlicensed software programs such as Windows XP Professional 2002, Microsoft Office 2003, Adobe Acrobat Pro, Autodesk 3ds Max, Revit Architecture 2009, and AutoCAD (2008, 2007).
The task force ordered the company to uninstall these unlicensed programs within 20 days.
The combined cost for the two companies to buy such legal software, if the had done this, is estimated at around VND2 billion (about US$111,000 or so), according to the inspection team.
VNN/SGGP
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Genetic 'map' of Asia's diversity
Genetic 'map' of Asia's diversity
An international scientific effort has revealed the genetics behind Asia's diversity.
The Human Genome Organisation's (HUGO) Pan-Asian SNP Consortium carried out a study of almost 2,000 people across the continent.
Their findings support the hypothesis that Asia was populated primarily through a single migration event from the south.
The researchers described their findings in the journal Science.
They found genetic similarities between populations throughout Asia and an increase in genetic diversity from northern to southern latitudes.
The team screened genetic samples from 73 Asian populations for more than 50,000 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
These are variations in pieces of the DNA code, which can be compared to find out how closely related two individuals are genetically.
"This is the first study to give a clear answer to the question on the origin of East Asian populations"
Shuhua Xu
Chinese Academy of Sciences
The study found that, as expected, individuals who were from the same region, or who shared a common language also had a great deal in common genetically.
But it also answered a question about the origin of Asia's population. It showed that the continent was likely populated primarily through a single migration event from the south.
Previously, there has been some debate about whether Asia was populated in two waves - one to South East Asia, and a later one to central and north-east Asia, or whether only a single migration occurred.
Diversity explained
Edison Liu from the Genome Institute of Singapore was a leading member of the consortium.
He explained that the age of a population has a much bigger effect on genetic diversity than the population size.
"It seems likely from our data that they entered South East Asia first - making these populations older [and therefore more diverse]," he said.
"[It continued] later and probably more slowly to the north, with diversity being lost along the way in these 'younger' populations.
"So although the Chinese population is very large, it has less variation than the smaller number of individuals living in South East Asia, because the Chinese expansion occurred very recently, following the development of rice agriculture - within only the last 10,000 years."
Dr Liu said that it was "good news" that populations throughout Asia are genetically similar.
This knowledge will aid future genetic studies in the continent and help in the design of medicines to treat diseases that Asian populations might be at a higher risk of.
And the discovery of this common genetic heritage, he added, was a "reassuring social message", that "robbed racism of much biological support".
"This provides another important piece to the jigsaw puzzle of global human diversity"
Peter Underhill, Stanford University
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Sapa North Vietnam
ED NOTE: see my gallery/pictures of Sapa. Right side of this blog.
Located 38km from Lao Cai City, Sapa is a mountainous district of Lao Cai Province 1,600m above sea level. With an average temperature of about 18 degree Celsius, Sapa lures tourists all year round with its splendid mountain landscapes, ethnic villages and terraced rice fields.
A view of Sapa in misty winter.In the spring, Sapa is blanketed with flowers. In the summer, tourists can escape the heat for the endless green of the terraced rice fields. In the fall, the region seems to be a golden carpet under the glistening sunlight. When winter comes, the town is covered by mist and clouds sneak down almost to touch the villages and valleys. And this is the only part of the country that sees snow.
However, the best time to witness the scenic beauty of Sapa is April and May when Sapa’s flowers bloom in a wild profusion of color.
Sapa is not only endowed with an ideal climate but also has many natural sites such as Ham Rong Mountain, Bac (Silver) Waterfall, Ta Phin Cave and a large bamboo forest. Sapa is also considered a must-come destination by climbers and scientists who want to reach the top of Fansipan Mountain, the highest mountain in Vietnam at 3,143m, of the Hoang Lien Mountain Range.
The fresh, cool air in Sapa is ideal for growing temperate vegetables such as cabbage and chayote, precious medicinal herbs, fruit trees such as plum, pear and peach and many kinds of flowers such as daisy, peach blossom and gladiolus.
Sapa is renowned for its many beautiful terraced fields on the mountain sides which have been recognized as one of the world’s seven most beautiful and magnificent terraced fields by U.S.-based Travel & Leisure magazine.
Sapa is home to many ethnic peoples such as H’Mong, Dao Tay and Muong so it is also famous for typical cultural features of ethnic people, especially local women in colorful brocade dresses working in the fog with a baby strapped to their back. People are attracted not only by the romantic and fascinating scenery but also by the strange ethnic ‘love’ markets and festivals such as Roong Poc of the Giay people, San Sai of the H’Mong people and Tet Nhay of the Dao people.
VietNamNet/SGT
Located 38km from Lao Cai City, Sapa is a mountainous district of Lao Cai Province 1,600m above sea level. With an average temperature of about 18 degree Celsius, Sapa lures tourists all year round with its splendid mountain landscapes, ethnic villages and terraced rice fields.
A view of Sapa in misty winter.In the spring, Sapa is blanketed with flowers. In the summer, tourists can escape the heat for the endless green of the terraced rice fields. In the fall, the region seems to be a golden carpet under the glistening sunlight. When winter comes, the town is covered by mist and clouds sneak down almost to touch the villages and valleys. And this is the only part of the country that sees snow.
However, the best time to witness the scenic beauty of Sapa is April and May when Sapa’s flowers bloom in a wild profusion of color.
Sapa is not only endowed with an ideal climate but also has many natural sites such as Ham Rong Mountain, Bac (Silver) Waterfall, Ta Phin Cave and a large bamboo forest. Sapa is also considered a must-come destination by climbers and scientists who want to reach the top of Fansipan Mountain, the highest mountain in Vietnam at 3,143m, of the Hoang Lien Mountain Range.
The fresh, cool air in Sapa is ideal for growing temperate vegetables such as cabbage and chayote, precious medicinal herbs, fruit trees such as plum, pear and peach and many kinds of flowers such as daisy, peach blossom and gladiolus.
Sapa is renowned for its many beautiful terraced fields on the mountain sides which have been recognized as one of the world’s seven most beautiful and magnificent terraced fields by U.S.-based Travel & Leisure magazine.
Sapa is home to many ethnic peoples such as H’Mong, Dao Tay and Muong so it is also famous for typical cultural features of ethnic people, especially local women in colorful brocade dresses working in the fog with a baby strapped to their back. People are attracted not only by the romantic and fascinating scenery but also by the strange ethnic ‘love’ markets and festivals such as Roong Poc of the Giay people, San Sai of the H’Mong people and Tet Nhay of the Dao people.
VietNamNet/SGT
Hanoi at night
VietNamNet Bridge – Streets in darkness, light in small windows, cleaners working on the street… Hanoi’s winter nights are very quiet and romantic.
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| Hoan Kiem Lake. |
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| Hang |
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| Hang |
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| Two bright windows. |
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| O Quan Chuong - the historical gate. |
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| A street restaurant at night. |
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| A street cleaner. |
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| A banh bao (dumpling) vendor. |
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| Two foreign visitors walk in the night. |
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| Two builders on the way to their construction site at night. |
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| The Chuong Duong Bridge |
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| The Long Bien Bridge |
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| A waste collector. |
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Vietnam wins first gold medal at 25th SEA Games | Look At Vietnam
Taekwondo artists brought Vietnam’s first gold medal at the Southeast Asian Games 2009 this morning, December 9.
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| The three Taekwondo artists who won the first gold medal for Vietnam on Dec. 9. |
The maleteam, including Le Trung Anh, Nguyen Dinh Toan and Vu Thanh Duong, earned 8.73 points in the first performance and 8.20 points for the second, totaling 16.93 points to win gold. The Laos and Filipino teams ranked second and third.
On the first day of competition, the Vietnamese Taekwondo participates in three out of the five categories of events. The men’s team will take part in the morning with the women’s team and mixed doubles in the afternoon.
This is the first time Taekwondo has been added to the SEA Games. Taekwondo is seen to be a strength of Vietnam. Earlier this month the country ranked second at the World Taekwondo Championship 2009 (2 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze medals) in Egypt.
The sparring category will take place on December 10. Vietnam will join the sparring competition with Dinh Quang Toan (men’s over 78kg), Nguyen Trong Cuong (men’s under 84kg), Luong Minh Dat (men’s 80kg), Ha Thi Nguyen (women’s under 73kg) and Nguyen Thi Duong (women’s under 67kg).
Vietnam aims to win 4-5 gold medals from Taekwondo this SEA Games.
Besides this gold medal, Vietnam also scored a silver medal in women’s sepak takraw this morning.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Vietnamese film to be screened at Asian Festival | Look At Vietnam
“When Autumn Sunlight Comes” (Khi Nang Thu Ve), directed by Bui Trung Hai, will be screened at the Third Eye Asian Film Festival in Mumbai, India, on December 4-10.
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| A scene from the movie. |
The film festival, held annually by the Asian Film Foundation, is a chance for filmmakers, cinematography researchers and the public to get an insight into the Asian film industry.
About 100 films from 24 countries around the world, including those by well-known directors such as Kim Ki-Duk (the Republic of Korea), Jahar Panahi (Iran) and Nagisa Oshima (Japan) are being shown at the festival.
“When Autumn Sunlight Comes” won a Gold Remi Award for Best First Feature Film at the Houston International Film Festival in the US in April, 2008.
Da Nany under storm
The central city of Da Nang currently has only the Tho Quang wharf, where around 500 ships can shelter from storms while the city has nearly 2000 fishing boats.
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In this situation, Da Nang authorities have asked the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to build more shelters.
Huynh Van Thang, deputy director of the city’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the vice chief of the Da Nang Steering Board for Flood and Storm Control, said that around 1000 fishing boats from other central provinces like Quang Ngai and Binh Dinh often anchor in Da Nang.
Da Nang has suggested building another shelter that would hold 2000 ships.
PV
SBV threatens black market | Look At Vietnam
VietNamNet Bridge – SBV has announced that it will take “drastic measures” put a halt to illegal foreign currency trading, which affects the foreign currency market.
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“SBV, once again, affirms that it is illegal to trade US dollars on the black market and it will apply drastic measures to stop the illegal trading,” Huy stated.
Huy admitted that the dong/dollar rate on the black market remains relatively high.
When asked about the current foreign currency market situation after SBV applied a series of stabilization measures, Huy affirmed that the market’s supply and demand has been balanced and liquidity improved.
Many enterprises have been selling foreign currencies to banks and exchange rates in transactions among commercial banks and between banks and businesses are not exceeding the ceiling levels.
Huy believes that making VND deposits is the best solution for now. The average VND interest rate is some 10 percent, while the inflation rate forecast for 2010 is below seven percent, which means that it will be more profitable to keep dong than dollars.
Saigon Tiep Thi newspaper reported on December 4 that many businesses still could not purchase dollars late last week.
Maritime Bank sold some 50 million dollars to big economic groups late last week. The bank is an “unasked-for” bank – not one of the eight banks that committed to selling dollars to businesses at the “official” exchange rate.
A Saigon Tiep Thi reporter called Eximbank on December 3 to ask if he could purchase dollars for a business trip abroad
He was told that the bank only sold dollars (at 18,486 dong per dollar) to students traveling to study abroad. The bank confirmed that it did not sell dollars to business travelers.
The newspaper also reported that the bank promised a group of travelers to sell dollars at 19,100 dong per dollar on the same day.
A bank officer stated that not many exporters are selling dollars at the moment, preferring to keep a wait-and-see attitude.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade is applying comprehensive measures to boost exports and reduce trade deficits and the Ministry of Finance has raised the import tariff on luxury items to earn more and also reduce the spending of foreign currencies.
Regarding gold investments, Huy cautioned that gold is a very risky investment and advised investors to be wary. The domestic price of gold has come in line with international prices, but international prices have proven to be unpredictable.
When asked when the foreign currency market will return to normal, Huy replied that this will occur “soon.”
VietNamNet/LD, SGTT
Hanoi restaurant sells wildlife bone paste for $820/kg | Look At Vietnam
Hanoi restaurant sells wildlife bone paste for $820/kg
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Hanoi police Sunday found a local restaurant cooking more than 38 kilograms of wildlife bones during their inspection there on that day.
Bui Quang Hai, owner of Hai Nam Restaurant at No.56 Le Trong Tan Street in Ha Dong District, told the police that the bones, including 20 kilograms of chamois (goat antelope) bones, nine kilograms of monkey bones and nine kilograms of stag antlers, would sell at VND1.5 million (US$82) per 100 grams after processing into a paste.
According to Dr. Pham Trong Anh from the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, the batch also included a considerable amount of bones of another animal suspected to be tiger.
He had previously completed cooking two kilograms of wildlife bone paste and it had sold out, Hai told the police.
An investigation is ongoing.
Bones of wildlife like tigers and chamois are remedies in traditional medicine.
Reported by Thai Son
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