A waning electronics trade cycle and decelerating global demand pose material downside risks to Vietnam’s economic growth in 2019 and the next, HSBC said in its latest report. 

 Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance (MoF) has proposed to reduce the corporate tax income (CIT) rate from the current 20% to 15 – 17% for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in a move to buttress domestic companies, local media reported. 

 Nearly 56% of foreign firms plan to expand their operations in Vietnam, a healthy level, but also a slight decrease from the apex of 60% last year, according to the latest survey conducted by VCCI. 

 Vietnam has re-demanded Monsanto, a global agrochemical and agricultural biotechnology corporation, fix consequences caused by Agent Orange/dioxin that it supplied to the US army in the Vietnam War. 

 Events in Hanoi during the weekend

 The ASEAN Women’s Circle of Hanoi (AWCH) and women from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a get-together in Hanoi on March 29.

 More Vietnamese seek to learn and work in Japan, forming a community of 330,835 people in the East Asian country.

 Vietnam reported an estimated trade surplus of US$600 million in March, leading to a surplus of US$536 million in the first quarter this year, the General Statistics Office (GSO) has said in a monthly report.

 Bold Outline, an amalgamation of pop culture, fashion, travel, art, and leisure, has just named Sapa in Lao Cai province the number one town on its beautiful offbeat destinations you should visit before they become crowded with tourists.  

 A program with theme “True Italian Taste – Mediterranean Diet” will be held on April 5 at Casa Italia No.18, Le Phung Hieu street, Hoan Kiem district, downtown Hanoi, and is expected to welcome around 300 - 400 visitors.

 A press conference was held in Hanoi on March 29 to introduce European Capitals of Culture program, bringing European cultures closer to travel lovers in Vietnam.

“After a long time of thinking about why Vietnam still has not become a powerful country, I have come to the conclusion that the lack of aspirations is a crucial cause,” writes Huynh The Du, a respected scholar.

 The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) took effect in Vietnam in January this year. 

 Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc lauded the strong growth across all fields of the Vietnam-Japan extensive strategic partnership as he received Special Advisor to the Japanese Cabinet Isao Iijima in Hanoi on March 29.

VietNamNet Bridge - While the taxation agency insists on imposing a luxury tax on soft drinks, some experts warn that the move could lead to Vietnam being accused of discriminatory treatment.

 Phan Thanh Binh won a gold medal at the ongoing 81st Singapore Open Track & Field Championships on March 28.

 Vietnamese players advanced to the third round of the YONEX Waikato International badminton tournament in Hamilton, New Zealand, on March 28.

 Along with the impacts of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership, removing the requirement for an economic needs test will create more pressure on the domestic retail sector.

 The ninth Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa Sea Festival, slated for May 10-13 in Khanh Hoa, is the highlight of the Visit Vietnam Year 2019.

VietNamNet Bridge - Many commercial banks plan to enter the stock market in 2019 as the Prime Minister has instructed banks to list shares by 2020.