Why gender equality is good for everyone

Ascend Vietnam Ventures has exceeded its US$50 million target for its flagship early-stage venture capital fund, AVV Alpha. Ascend Vietnam Ventures (AVV), the fund led by Binh Tran and Eddie Thai, is seeking the next wave of globally iconic startups emerging from Vietnam. Eddie Thai is speaking at a growth event for founders. Photos: AVV The team has increased its investments in startups in Vietnam, seeding up to US$2 million into 25 startups next year and following on with checks of up to $5 million. With the new fund, AVV has been exploring a broad range of tech opportunities including those in financial inclusion, education, and future of work. AVV Alpha is backed by a mix of investors from Asia, Europe, and the US, including development finance institutions, funds, corporate VCs, and high-net-worth individuals from leading local and regional companies. It has picked ten startups in the past nine months, including Kilo (SaaS & wholesale … [Read more...] about Ascend Vietnam Ventures seeks building global startups in Vietnam

A Vietnamese selects lychee at a AEON's supermarket in Japan. (Photo: VNA) Tokyo (VNA) – The Vietnamese Goods Week 2022 is taking place at over 350 supermarkets and stores run by retail giant AEON across Japan and on its website until June 3. lychee from Vietnam for sale at the AEON supermarket chain across Japan, as compared to only 5 tonnes last year. Vietnamese Ambassador to Vietnam Vu Hong Nam (left), Soichi Okazaki - Executive Officer, ASEAN Business of AEON (centre) and Vietnamese Trade Counsellor in Japan Ta Duc Minh at the opening ceremony of the event. (Photo: VNA) During a working session with Okazaki on July 1, Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Vu Hong Nam appreciated AEON's contributions to trade relations between the two countries. AEON does not only help bring Vietnamese agricultural products and other goods to the Japanese market, but also contributes to developing a high quality production system in Vietnam, thereby increasing the incomes of … [Read more...] about Vietnamese Goods Week underway in Japan

Addressing the event, Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Hieu underlined that the passing of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982 40 years ago was a historical milestone in the development of international law, becoming the first comprehensive legal framework and a “constitution” of the sea. The convention has proved its universal values, he said, adding that to date, it continues to play a fundamental role in the development of international law of the sea, promoting peace, security, cooperation among nations, and the sustainable development of the oceans and seas. Hieu affirmed that over the past 40 years, the legal order set up following the UNCLOS has greatly contributed to maintaining peace and international stability. The peaceful settlement of disputes at sea in line with international law, therefore, has been promoted. In the face of increasing maritime challenges, the international community should uphold the rule of law and comply in good … [Read more...] about UNCLOS greatly contributes to enhancing regional maritime cooperation: experts

The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in partnership with the USDA Cooperators, organized the ‘Saigon Burger Showcase’ on Friday to promote American food culture and the high-quality of U.S. agricultural products. The event featured three local chefs demonstrating creative ways to reinvent the traditional burger, a classic American staple, using a wide range of nutrious and healthy ingredients, including beef, pork, poultry, potatoes, cheese, and many other fusion U.S. products. The showcase was attended by U.S. Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, Marie C. Damour, food and beverage influencers, industry leaders, and media representatives. Chefs prepare 5-star burgers for guests at the Saigon Burger Showcase at Sofitel Plaza in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Linh To / Tuoi Tre News During the opening remarks, Consul General Marie C. Damour stated that as the food and beverage sector in Vietnam is growing … [Read more...] about Burger show hits Ho Chi Minh City to promote U.S. agricultural products

Police in Ho Chi Minh City, southern Vietnam, have put a 63-year-old Taiwanese man on wanted list for allegedly smuggling. The wanted man is Lin Yung Hsiang, who was prosecuted on charges of smuggling on June 1 but fled away later, the municipal police said Saturday. The smuggling was conducted through the legal status of southern Binh Duong Province-based Trang Bach Production and Trading Company, and the smuggled cargo was delivered to the city’s Cat Lai Port. Lin, the company’s owner, hired people to carry out customs procedures to intentionally import goods that were not the same as in the customs declaration form submitted, police said. The customs agency requested that the shipment be returned to the consignor, but Lin continued to hire people to seek ways to import the cargo containing food and consumer goods. The value of the smuggled goods was estimated at some VND620 million (US$26,600), police said. Such acts were enough to constitute the crime of smuggling, … [Read more...] about Ho Chi Minh City police hunt for suspected Taiwanese smuggler