Economy and industry
Japanese groups may invest $2 billion into Vietnam real estate

It is rumored that about ten Japanese firms will invest up to US$2 billion in the real estate market in Vietnam, particularly HCM City and Hanoi, in the coming time. Than Thanh Vu, President of Sao Khue, said the information is accurate because recently his company ...
Construction, consultancy firms sign on for Laos-China railway
Five Chinese construction companies and six consultancy firms have been selected for engagement in the Laos-China Railway Project, with construction expected to start in December. Agreements with the companies were signed in Vientiane on October 24 in the presence of Vientiane Mayor Dr Bounchan Sinthavong, Chinese Ambassador ...
Laos, Vietnam strengthen cooperation in social science
Four government agencies in Laos and Vietnam have agreed to share their work with the aim of bolstering social science research in their two countries. The four entities agreed to step up exchanges in the field at a ceremony attended by the Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos, ...
Deputy PM greets US business council official

Deputy Prime Minister Phạm Bình Minh has suggested the US-based Business Council for International Understanding endorse the early ratification and implementation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement and help Việt Nam carry out the pact effectively. Minh, who is also Foreign Minister, met with Peter Tichansky, President ...
Myanmar weighs merits of India bean agreement

India is playing hardball with Myanmar’s beans and pulses sector, pushing for a per-tonne deal that falls well short of domestic market rates. Assistant director of the Ministry of Commerce U Khin Maung Lwin confirmed that Myanmar and India are locked in negotiations over a proposed ...
Rice harvest prompts wary sales

The government will pause its efforts to dispose of state rice stocks to curb any adverse impact on domestic rice prices as the latest harvest enters the market. According to Duangporn Rodphaya, director-general of the Foreign Trade Department, with the annual rice harvest season beginning ...
Technology firms stop selling software as losses mount up

Technology firms, which have incurred loss of revenue because of copyright infringement, have decided to rent, rather than sell, software to businesses at low fees. In mid-September, about 15 technology firms, including well-known names such as Microsoft, ODS, Vonline, Nhan Hoa, BKNS, ESC, Hostvn, and Mat ...
Tourism gears for China rising

Cambodia is working to develop more facilities for Chinese tourists, including an accreditation system for tourism establishments, as part of its “China-Ready” strategy announced in May. Tourism Ministry spokesman Tith Chantha said on October 20 that Chinese tourists present a huge opportunity for Cambodia’s tourism industry ...
President urges LuangPrabang to make full use of potential

President Bounnhang Vorachit has instructed Luang Prabang authorities to make full use of the province’s tourism and agriculture potential to drive development and improve local livelihoods. The president gave the advice at his first stop on a visit to the northern provinces of Luang Prabang and ...
Vanishing Mekong? shifting tropical storms threaten a great river delta

Recent changes in the patterns of tropical storms are threatening the future of the Mekong River delta in Vietnam. This is one of the world’s great deltas. It is home to more than 20m people and the rice that is grown on its fertile land ...