BUSINESS IN BRIEF 27/2

EVN pumps VND9.3 trillion into electric grid; Limit on sugar exports eased to help producers cut losses; Ore-bauxite factory to open in April; Revamp for State enterprises; Vinacomin seeks coal price hike; Insurance market to be overhauled  

Trinh Quang Dung – enthusiast of culture and science

In two decades working as a researcher on Vietnamese culture and history and focusing on the Vietnamese tea drinking culture in particular, Trinh Quang Dung now owns over 200 old tea sets.

Magnitude 6.8 earthquake hits Russia's Siberia

A 6.7-magnitude earthquake jolted Russia's southwestern Siberia on Sunday, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said.

Price volatility sends rice farmers into tailspin

Though the Mekong Delta has begun entering the harvest season of the winter-spring crop, rice prices have plunged to their lowest since last year’s summer-autumn crop.

Hanoi invests intensively in medical development

VietNamNet Bridge – By 2020, Hanoi aims to have a high-quality, international standard, medical complex at each of its five gateways, according to a master plan to develop the local medical system.

Is Thanh strong enough to resist the attempt to take over Sacombank?

Analysts have commented that it is not easy to knock out Thanh, an experienced and wise banker. However, they have also said that the investors who attempt to swallow Sacombank, are a redoubtable power.

VN restaurant delights French with traditional dishes

After living in France for 30 years, Nguyen Thai Hoc still longs for his old days in Vietnam so he and his wife have opened a restaurant to bring a piece of the homeland to their adopted country.

Thailand ready for joint Cabinet meeting with Vietnam

VietNamNet Bridge – Thailand is ready for the second joint Cabinet meeting to be hosted by Vietnam, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra told Vietnamese military officers in Bangkok on February 25.

Localism impairs central region's tourism

Vietnam’s central coastal provinces have made many discussions of cooperation to boost the region’s tourism but not much has been done. Tourism experts say a reason is localism.

The “odd” coffee shop in Da Nang (photo)

VietNamNet Bridge – A coffee shop which is built on 5,000sq.m, with ancient style, has become a tourist site in the central city of Da Nang.

Miraculous life of Agent Orange victim

VietNamNet Bridge - Not only getting over his miserable life situation, but he also found a love which was only seen in legendary stories.

The industries which still can live well in economic downturn

VietNamNet Bridge – Consumer goods industry still could obtain high profits and turnover in 2011, staying safe from the economic difficulties.

Tea drinking culture of Vietnamese alive and well

For a long time, people have argued that Vietnam has no tra dao, or tea ceremony, as we don’t have solemn rituals and strict rules like a Japanese tea ceremony.

60 percent of water for Vietnam outside Vietnamese territory

Shocking information has been released by competent agencies: 60 percent of the water resources for Vietnam are sourced from the areas outside the Vietnamese territory.

BUSINESS IN BRIEF 26/2

Dong Thap to host agriculture festival; Tuan Chau Ecopark shoots a hole in one; Cashews a hard nut to crack; Asian retailers eying up tasty Vietnam; Improving quality of business administration; Local electronics manufacturers switch focus

Economist doubts MPI’s IP achievement report

A prominent economist has expressed his skepticism over a report by the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) that industrial parks in the country have achieved high business efficiency.

Best street food city title food for thought

Saigon has been named one of the 10 global cities of street foods. But both local authorities and street hawkers should expend more effort to make safe street foods available to tourists from afar.

S-Fone is still in a bind

Despite getting a licence to change itself into S-Telecom Company Limited with $452.3 million in total registered capital, S-Fone’s leaders have yet to unveil who will be the key strategic partner.

Sacombank may have to change hands

VietNamNet Bridge – The development of Sacombank has been inherent in the name of Dang Van Thanh and his family.

US eager to support Vietnam in TPP negotiations

The US is eager to provide Vietnam with technical assistance for the ongoing Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations.

The Brâu ethnic minority group

Dak Me village of the Brâu ethnic minority people now looks like a small street in the green forest, with hunger, poverty and backwardness almost non-existent.

Policies not encouraging enough, open source software difficult to grow

Lacking a fully worked out legal framework and encouragement is the main reason which has hindered the development of open source software in Vietnam.

Vietnam fumbles for key industries

VietNamNet Bridge – The taskforce on industrialization strategy has recently put forward a list of 12 key industries for consideration.

AIG reports $19.8 bln profit in Q4

U.S. bailed-out insurer American International Group (AIG) reported a 19.8 billion U.S. dollar profit for the fourth quarter, according to foreign media reports Friday.

Renovating enrolment scheme, when?

A plan to renovate the current enrolment scheme has been mapped out by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) and announced at a recent conference of school presidents.