12.02.2009 - In the early months after the financial crisis, Vietnam's economy looks like it was in for huge trouble. Exports fell by 14% the first 8 months of 2009 and foreign direct investments (FDI) value dropped by 82%, reported the Economist. There were fears of wide spread job loss. However, as with many other governments, the Vietnamese government alleviated the … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s Quick Economic Recovery Spells Trouble
Business & Tech
‘Google’ Makes Toilet Paper In Vietnam?
11.28.09 - Browsing across the internet, I came across this image of toilet paper branded with the Google name in Vietnam. I have yet to confirm its validity with Google's headquarters, but it's either Google has really diversified its business in Vietnam or we are looking at fake. All joking aside, the image is a stark reminder that intelectual property is not well protected … [Read more...] about ‘Google’ Makes Toilet Paper In Vietnam?
Small Steps Taken to Curb Industrial Waste as Pollution in HCMC Worsens
11.25.09 – Ho Chi Minh City’s (HCMC) officials inspected 345 businesses in early November and subsequently ordered shutdown of power to 51 businesses when inspectors discovered that wastewater and exhaust gas at those firms were at least more than five times above legal limits for normal waste and three times for harmful waste. According to Thanh Nien News, the Department of … [Read more...] about Small Steps Taken to Curb Industrial Waste as Pollution in HCMC Worsens
HCMC’s Congestion as an Opportunity to Refocus
11.11.09 - According to Thanh Nien News, the Vietnamese government has temporarily suspended issuing business licenses to congested areas in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) in an attempt to alleviate the city's worsening traffic. Businesses that attract crowds like supermarkets, foreign language centers and possibly wedding service providers will be restricted. In addition, parking … [Read more...] about HCMC’s Congestion as an Opportunity to Refocus
Vietnam’s economic resiliency: a symptom of strength or weakness?
Guest Author: Long S. Le, University of Houston 11.07.09 - Vietnam’s economy is showing resiliency. The country’s GDP has rebounded to 5.76 per cent in the third quarter, whereas the economy grew 3.9 per cent in the first half of this year. Opportunely, the Vietnamese government forecasts that the economic growth in the fourth quarter will be more than 6.5 per cent, meaning … [Read more...] about Vietnam’s economic resiliency: a symptom of strength or weakness?