JLL: HCMC demand for office space continues to outpace supply

 Thu Thiem new urban area now considered a viable alternative to existing CBD for company head offices, JLL reports.

Ministry proposal on full-time, in-service training stirs controversy

VietNamNet Bridge - Under a draft law on higher education, the kind of training undertaken by a student would not be shown on bachelor degrees. 

For gender dysphoria, sex reassignment no cure-all

 VietNamNet Bridge – While it helps deal with sexual dysphoria, sex reassignment surgery is not an option to be jumped at, Professor Doctor Tran Thiet Son, 

Strong second half of year results in big trade surplus

 Vietnam has enjoyed a record 11-month trade surplus, reflecting a strong second half of the year in firms’ export-import performance.

Social News 12/12

 New aid package targets flood-hit poor, near-poor families, American young political leaders council delegation visits Vietnam, Child stars to thrill capital audience, HCM City strengthens school fire safety

$1bn price tag on extensions to HCMC's Metro Line 1

 Extensions to Dong Nai and Binh Duong to cost $943.7 million, according to Japanese research.

US launches project to improve Vietnam’s disaster preparedness

VietNamNet Bridge - US Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel J. Kritenbrink today launched Phase II of the Enhanced Capacity of the Vietnam Red Cross (VNRC) project.  

Huawei appoints new Vietnam CEO

 As a veteran in the information and communications technology (ICT) business, Mr. Fan will be responsible for the company’s day-to-day business operations, ensuring that Huawei meets its commitment to delivering ICT products and solutions in Vietnam.

Thai Beverage bids on 25 percent of Sabeco

 Thai Beverage has emerged as the only investor that intends to buy more than 25 per cent of Vietnam’s leading brewery Saigon Beer.

More Chinese investors relocate manufacturing to Vietnam

 Chinese investors are looking to relocate manufacturing to Vietnam to avail themselves of the country’s favourable investment conditions.

Remittances to hit $5.2 billion this year

 Overseas remittances to Ho Chi Minh City is expected to total 5.2 billion USD this year, up 4.5 percent year-on-year, said an official of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV).

Da Bac isle – a pearl in southernmost Ca Mau

 Da Bac isle is becoming a tourist attraction in the southern province of Ca Mau. It is considered a pearl in the southern waters of Vietnam.

Broken water pipe affects thousands in Binh Dinh

 VietNamNet Bridge – A broken water pipe caused by serious floods in south central coastal province of Binh Dinh one week ago has affected nearly 3,800 households in Tuy Phuoc District, 

Ideal campsites for a New Year’s trip

Tents and cosy wooden bungalows near the beaches of Lagi, Binh Lap,and Dai Lanh are ideal New Year’s trip options for travellers seeking their own seaside and island paradise for outdoor adventures.

VN's Ngoc Loan to compete at Mrs World Noble Queen Int’l 2017

 Vuong Ngoc Loan has been invited to represent Vietnam at Mrs World Noble Queen International 2017.

Phuong Le crowned Mrs World Peace 2017

Vietnamese representative Phuong Le has been crowned Mrs World Peace 2017 at the grand finale of the pageant in the Philippines.

Vietnamese electronics industry in desperate need

 The Vietnamese electronic supporting industry is considered too weak to access the global supply chain. Without linkages and collaboration, Vietnamese businesses will lose their market share.

Travel firms run race to sell tours to US

VietNamNet Bridge - Traveling the US has become more realistic as travel firms have slashed tour fees.

Environmental data could go on sale

 Organisations, enterprises and individuals who wish to use environmental data provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment many have to pay up to 2.8 million VND (123 USD) in the future.

Vietnam among Top 10 fastest-growing tourist destinations

 The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has revealed the world’s Top 10 fastest-growing tourist destinations in 2017, with Vietnam finding a place. 

Facebook online seller pays VND9.1bn tax arrears

 The Ho Chi Minh City Taxation Department has collected VND9.1bn (USD400,100) in tax arrears from a Facebook account that sells cosmetics online.

Watchdog gives nod to Mobile World-Tran Anh M&A

The Competition and Consumer Protection Department has given the go-ahead for the merger and acquisitiondeal between the two largest local electronic retailers – Mobile Worldand Tran Anh Digital World.

Garment, textile sector still strong

Despite facing difficulties, the garment and textile sector is expected to export products worth US$31 billion this year, a year-on-year increase of 10.2 per cent, and the outlook is bright for next year too.

Seafood turnover expected to hit $8.3b

 Viet Nam’s seafood export turnover is expected to reach US$8.3 billion this year, posting an 18 per cent increase over 2016, according to the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

HP laptops found to have hidden keylogger

 Hidden software that can record every letter typed on a computer keyboard has been discovered pre-installed on hundreds of HP laptop models.