Growing bananas

Intel Capital, the investment arm of the world’s largest chipmaker, has announced it is pouring US$17 million into companies in Vietnam and Singapore, marking its first-ever investment in this country. The money will be split in undisclosed amounts between Vietnam Communications Corporation and Singapore’s Reebonz.com, Intel said during the World Economic Forum in Bangkok on May 31. The company called Southeast Asia one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for advanced technology, driven by robust economic growth and a rising middle class. “As a result, we’re seeing strong demand for e-commerce and cloud-based services across the region, and these investments will help to accelerate that trend,” said Gregory Bryant, vice president and general manager of Intel Asia-Pacific. Its Hanoi-based partner, an internet infrastructure and services company, declined to give a dollar figure for the investment. But, “It’s not a small sum,” the corporation’s deputy general director … [Read more...] about Intel Capital invests in Vietnam for first time

National Assembly Chairman Vương Đình Huệ and his Singaporean counterpart Tan Chuan-Jin held talks in Hà Nội on Wednesday. — VNA/VNS Photo Doãn Tấn HÀ NỘI — Speaker of Singaporean Parliament Tan Chuan-jin and Chairman of Vietnamese National Assembly have agreed that successful economic cooperation will elevate bilateral relations during the official talks on Wednesday in Hà Nội. The Singaporean parliament leader is in the capital for a three-day visit on the invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart. NA Chair Huệ said the ‘miraculous development’ of Singapore with the wise vision of the leadership and the aspirations of the people are always a source of inspiration to Vietnamese leadership and people. Amid complicated regional and global geopolitical, economic developments, the two countries should tighten relations, including between the legislations to contribute to the advancement of the Strategic Partnership. Speaker Chuan-jin said his visit to Việt Nam is a chance for … [Read more...] about Việt Nam, Singapore to expand cooperation in digital transformation, green economy: Legislative leaders

A wind power project in the northern province of Ninh Thuan. — Photo evn.com.vn The Vietnamese economy’s unparalleled exposure to multinational corporations and the global consumer market calls for a pragmatic alignment between the country’s renewable energy strategy and the decarbonisation commitments of the global brands, according to IEEFA’s latest report on Viet Nam. “Multinational corporations responsible for up to US$150 billion of Viet Nam’s export revenues have made specific pledges on carbon neutrality or decarbonisation of varying scope and timelines,” said Thu Vu, energy finance analyst leading the Vietnamese market coverage for IEEFA. “These brands’ journey toward sustainability progress is one in which Viet Nam can not afford to ignore or miss out on.” Viet Nam is currently the largest exporter of goods in developing Southeast Asia. With nearly 60 per cent of the exports being manufactured goods for the big brands, its growing role in the global supply chain … [Read more...] about IEEFA: Viet Nam’s manufacturing future rests on a credible renewable energy game plan

Grab has announced its commitment to managing its carbon footprint to become carbon-neutral by 2040 even as its business continues to grow significantly over the years. It was one of three goals it announced in its recently released environment, social and governance (ESG) report. It said it would focus first on measures to reduce emissions before turning to offsets. As a platform that facilitates on-demand mobility and deliveries, 96 per cent of Grab’s total emissions in 2021 came from vehicles. Hence, a core part of its strategy is to help build an inclusive electric vehicle (EV) eco-system that caters to the middle and lower-middle classes. To this end, it works with governments, charging infrastructure providers and automakers across Southeast Asia to do EV pilot studies and research, plan and develop EV charging infrastructure and battery swapping stations and financing products to support greater EV adoption. The other two goals are doubling the number of marginalised … [Read more...] about Grab announces targets for sustainable, inclusive growth