The positive results posted by Vietnamese manufacturers in support industries over the last 20 years have come mostly on the back of the development of the local motorcycle industry. Despite the government’s policies to limit the number of vehicles on Vietnam’s streets, there have been many opportunities in place for manufacturers to grow, according to Ms. Truong Thi Chi Binh, Vice Chairwoman and Secretary General of the Vietnam Association of Supporting Industries (VASI). “They are willing to be involved further in automobile support industries once volumes in the industry are sufficiently large, along with government support in terms of policies,” she said. Bright side The Export Mechanical Tool JSC (EMC), the Nhat Quang Steel Limited Company, and the Manh Quang Mechanics Co. - three of VASI’s 224 members - have posted good results from the flourishing motorcycle market. Reaching 3.38 million local and imported vehicles in 2018, Vietnam stood behind … [Read more...] about Auto support industries falling short
To cut a long story short
Vietnam to cut red tape in construction-related administrative procedures
A construction permit currently takes 82 days on average to be issued in Vietnam Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has requested that efforts be made to streamline the country’s administrative procedures in construction-related fields. The aim, he stressed, is to reach the average time it takes for such procedures to be done in ASEAN-4, which indicates the four most developed economies in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Currently, ASEAN-4 includes Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. According to the premier’s directive, which was issued last week, the combined time to go through all construction-related procedures for a single application is to be shortened from 166 days as per current regulations to 120 days. This includes the time it takes to review construction drawings and fire prevention plans, issue construction permits, approve the building’s access to utilities, and grant certificates of property ownership. Relevant … [Read more...] about Vietnam to cut red tape in construction-related administrative procedures
Startups catching the eye
Vietnam's emerging startup scene is proving to be a case of right place, right time for local and international venture capital funds. Eleven “rising star” startups in Southeast Asia in September converged at the “500 Startups Demo Day” in Ho Chi Minh City to spotlight the dynamic technology landscape in Vietnam and broader Southeast Asia. “There’s more hype about Vietnam’s tech scene now than ever before, as this is an exciting time for Vietnam overall,” said Mr. Eddie Thai, General Partner at 500 Startups Vietnam. “Vietnam is fast becoming an attractive destination for local and international venture capital funds, who are hoping to capture the growing consumer opportunities and leverage the Vietnamese entrepreneurial spirit.” Rising appetite Vietnam’s startup sector is growing at a rapid clip despite the global economic slump and is closing the gap with regional leaders. In only two years, it has made a big leap … [Read more...] about Startups catching the eye
Delta provinces take steps to control saltwater intrusion
A sluice in a coastal commune in the Mekong Delta province of Kiên Giang prevents saltwater intrusion. – VNA/VNS Photo Lê Huy Hải HCM CITY — Authorities in provinces in the Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta and Cần Thơ City are dredging irrigation works and storing fresh water to cope with saltwater intrusion during the dry season. Saltwater intrusion is expected to be more severe this year because of low flooding levels and lower than usual rainfall during the rainy season, according to local authorities. During the dry season, saline intrusion will occur earlier than usual, causing a shortage of fresh water for agricultural production, according to the Southern Institute of Water Resources Research. Kiên Giang Province's People’s Committee has told agencies to dredge irrigation canals to improve … [Read more...] about Delta provinces take steps to control saltwater intrusion