Textile sector

Jakarta (VNA) - Factory activity in Indonesia fell to its lowest level ever in the second quarter, as the COVID-19 pandemic caused a slump in demand and disrupted supply chains, according to a survey conducted by the Bank Indonesia (BI). The country’s Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) in the period was recorded at 28.55 percent - its deepest ever contraction compared with 45.64 percent in the first quarter this year. According to the bank, all manufacturing sectors tumbled in the second quarter, with deepest contraction recorded in textile and leather industries. The central bank expects all sectors to pick up in the third quarter despite still being in the contraction phase. According to Markit, the manufacturing PMI of Indonesia rose to 39.1 in June 2020 from 28.6 a month earlier. Manufacturing industry is the largest contributor to Indonesia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), at nearly 20 percent in the first quarter of 2020. In addition to economic stimulus … [Read more...] about Indonesia’s manufacturing sector sees sharp drop in Q2

Phnom Penh (VNA) - Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has said that the government has transferred 40 USD per month to approximately 170,000 workers in the garment and tourism sectors, who suffered work suspension due to COVID-19. His remark was made at a visit to Freshwater Aquaculture Research and Development Centre in Peamro district, Prey Veng province on July 14. “As planned, the Royal Government will support the households for two months and will continue to support for four months if COVID-19 situation not improves. We already reserve cash for 10 months,” Cambodia’s Fresh News website quoted the Prime Minister as saying. The Cambodian government launched a cash subsidy programme for poor and vulnerable families affected by COVID-19 on June 24. The budget worth up to 25 million USD per month was allocated to help these poor and vulnerable families. As of July 13, at least 23 million USD was transferred to approximately 520,000 people to temporarily support … [Read more...] about Cambodia supports 170,000 workers in garment, tourism sectors

Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - As the pandemic brings opportunities to the e-commerce sector, the local logistics industry also has a chance to grow. According to a study by Jones Lang Lasalle Vietnam Co, Ltd (JLL), traditional brick-and-mortar retail outlets have suffered as countries implement stay-at-home and social distancing policies “Certainly, the dependence on e-commerce will explode and will change the behaviour of online consumers, so the logistics sector will play an extremely important role,” general manager of JLL Vietnam Stephen Wyatt said, adding “China's supply chain disruptions in February and March are valuable lessons for future business plans.” E-commerce platforms are racing to seize golden opportunities at this unique time. Grab, often considered Southeast Asia's super app, started testing its latest GrabMart service for users in HCM City in March, while Tiki  Vietnam reported receiving 4,000-5,000 orders per minute at peak hours. As the … [Read more...] about Investing in automation to help logistics firms compete

The JLL leader said: “It is a driving force to reduce virus transmission,” adding that a lot of warehouse systems have recently employed robots to process, select and package goods as robots can work independently and efficiently for jobs of high volume and continuity. … [Read more...] about Investing in automation to help VN logistics firms compete

Bac Ninh (VNA) – About 130.29 million USD of foreign direct investment (FDI) has been poured into new and existing projects in the northern province of Bac Ninh since the beginning of 2018. Of the total capital, 91.69 million USD has been channelled into 21 new projects while the remaining has been added to 35 existing ones, according to the Bac Ninh Industrial Zones Authority. The authority noted the businesses with new investment mainly operate in the processing and manufacturing sectors. It said the province has been working to boost the application of high technology in local industries, develop supporting industries to serve key sectors, and connect Bac Ninh businesses with FDI firms.  The provincial administration has also held regular meetings with enterprises to remove difficulties, thus promoting investment attraction in industrial parks and clusters. A business support team was also set up to immediately address problems facing companies whenever it receives … [Read more...] about Bac Ninh attracts over 130 mln USD of FDI capital in two months