Increasing the regional minimum wage has raised concerns over a potential trade-off with social allowances that would block the new wages from increasing employees' real income.

 The Ministry of Finance is proposing the levy of a special consumption tax of 10-20 per cent on sugary drinks to combat obesity rates, though a similar proposal was rejected by the government three years ago.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong arrived in Nay Pyi Taw International Airport on August 24, starting his three-day State visit to Myanmar at the invitation of President Htin Kyaw.

VietNamNet Bridge – The Ministry of Finance (MOF) is seeking approval to raise the VAT in 2019, raising concern among economists. 

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang has voiced Vietnam’s strong opposition to Taiwan’s live-fire drill on Ba Binh (Itu Aba) Island, and asked the Chinese territory not to repeat similar actions.

 Vietnamese shooter Le Thi Linh bagged a silver medal in the women’s 10 metre air pistol on August 24, the fifth official competition day of the ongoing 29th SEA Games in Malaysia.

 Vietnam’s first astronomical observatory will be put into operation in September in the central province of Khanh Hoa.

As of 12:00 on August 24, Vietnam moved to second placeon the medal tally with 28 gold medals at the ongoing 29th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Malaysia.

 More than 750 foreigners have received certificates of home ownership in Vietnam since the Housing Law 2014 took effect, according to the Ministry of Construction. 

Officials from APEC member economies expressed their special interest in Vietnam’s rice production and export during their fact-finding trip to the Mekong Delta Rice Research Institute on August 24. 

Local digital content firms are claiming of unfair treatment compared to their foreign peers.

 Vietnam’s real estate sector recorded several merger and acquisition deals involving foreign capital in the first six months of 2017, according to Dau Tu (Investment) newspaper.

 Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue has released a list of State-owned enterprises from which the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) must reduce its ownership between 2017 and 2020.

VietNamNet Bridge - A ‘second export wave’ has been mentioned by Vietnamese experts as a response to technical barriers from importing countries. 

The Ministry of Planning and Investment has proposed major incentives including prolonged income tax exemptions for businesses and individuals working in special economic zones in three provinces.

 The defence ministries of Vietnam and Indonesia are going to sign a joint vision statement on defence cooperation for 2017-2022 during an upcoming Indonesia visit by Vietnamese Defence Minister Ngo Xuan Lich.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong will pay a state visit to Myanmar from August 24-26 at the invitation of Myanmar President Htin Kyaw, aiming to deepen the two countries’ cooperation in trade and economics.

 Unresolved issues in Vietnam’s regulations and the business environment have resulted in relatively low FDI inflows from US and European multinational companies, experts say.

 Vietnam - Indonesia strategic partnership

 The Embassy of Vietnam in Thailand is promptly preparing all necessary procedures to bring nine Vietnamese fishermen home next week.