By Anh Ngoc  January 9, 2019 | 12:07 pm GMT+7 Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh (R) shakes hands with U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel Kritenbrink at a meeting in Hanoi Tuesday. Photo by Vietnam Government Portal The U.S. regards Vietnam as its leading partner in Southeast Asia, its ambassador to Vietnam has said. The U.S. wants to boost ties with Vietnam and with ASEAN, Daniel Kritenbrink said at a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh at the foreign ministry in Hanoi Tuesday. American businesses highly value the Vietnamese market and want to invest more in it and expand, a ministry statement quoted the envoy as saying. The U.S. also seeks greater cooperation in issues such as strengthening maritime and aviation safety in the South China Sea, known as the East Sea in Vietnam, and implementing resolutions of the U.N. Security Council. Minh too called for greater bilateral cooperation. The meeting took place amid speculation that … [Read more...] about Envoy: US considers Vietnam top Southeast Asian partner
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Vietnam’s corporate bond market lacks major factors to catch up with regional peers
The Hanoitimes - The corporate bond market in particular and the bond market in Vietnam in general are quite attractive compared to the Vietnam stock market. The Vietnam’s corporate bond market lacks two main factors in order to develop itself and catch up with regional countries, according to Viet Dragon Securities Company (VDSC). First, Vietnam lacks a reputable credit rating agency to help investors obtain reliable information. Secondly, Vietnam still has too few investment funds, mutual funds and other types of large investors. Singapore, for example, counts many rating agencies following the corporate bond market, including some the world's prestigious rating agencies such as Standard & Poor, Fitch Rating and Moody. Although Vietnam has a few credit rating companies, it will take a really long time to build reputation and build a credible international standard credit rating system. Meanwhile, individual investors have difficulties entering the corporate bond … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s corporate bond market lacks major factors to catch up with regional peers
Vietnam government should redefine its role in market economy: Experts
The Hanoitimes - Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc strictly prohibited government agencies and ministries from creating new business requirements or abusing specialized inspection. Vietnamese government should redefine the relationship between government agencies and enterprises in the market economy, in turn making substantial changes in the business environment, according to economist Pham Chi Lan. Nevertheless, Vietnamese business and investment environments have been improving significantly, thanks to positive impacts of two government resolutions No.19 and 35, Lan said in a conference on November 20. Illustrative photo. The introduction of Resolution No.19 in 2014 was seen as a bid for Vietnam to become one of the top three business-friendly countries in ASEAN, which incorporates international standards on evaluating business environments, including Doing Business Indicators of the World Bank. Meanwhile, Resolution No.35 sets the target of having at … [Read more...] about Vietnam government should redefine its role in market economy: Experts
Vietnam, Russia exchange experience in management of religious affairs
Head of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs Vu Chien Thang (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – A delegation from the Government Committee for Religious Affairs led by its head Vu Chien Thang recently visited Russia to share experience in State management over religious affairs with local agencies and organisations. During the visit, spanning from November 6-8, the delegation worked with representatives from the Russian Presidential Domestic Policy Directorate, the Ministry of Justice and the agency on inter-racial and inter-religious relations. At the meetings, Thang introduced religious activities in Vietnam, stating that the country is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation with most of the population being followers of a belief or religion. Religions in Vietnam have seen no conflicts and show solidarity in national construction and development, he said, adding that Vietnam has a consistent policy in which religions are equal and free to hold activities in … [Read more...] about Vietnam, Russia exchange experience in management of religious affairs
Vietnam’s floating markets among Southeast Asia’s most photogenic places
Vendors selling fruits, vegetables, snacks and soft drinks at a floating market in Can Tho City. Photo by Shutterstock/Nevskii Dmitrii The Telegraph has listed the floating markets in Vietnam's Mekong Delta among the ten best places to visit in Southeast Asia, especially to take amazing photographs. Early in the morning, when the market is at its busiest, is the best time to visit and take pictures, the U.K-based newspaper recommends. Boats of all shapes and sizes converge at the markets, selling a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers and fresh seafood as well as those that function as floating food stalls, selling popular snacks and beverages. TheTelegraphparticularly mentions Cai Rang Market as biggest one of its kind, located in Can Tho City. Foreign visitors can reach the market by first flying to Ho Chi Minh city, from which it is convenient to reach the Mekong Delta provinces by bus. A regular bus ticket for around $6 takes visitors on a … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s floating markets among Southeast Asia’s most photogenic places