Age for compulsory military service to fall

Wed, 05/18/2005 - 09:59

Ha Noi — The registration age for obligatory military service would be reduced by two years - from 18 to 25 instead of 18 to 27 - as part of proposed changes to Viet Nam’s Military Law, the National Assembly was told on Monday.

The change was forecast in a 10-year-review of the law delivered by National Defence and Security Committee Chairman Nguyen Phuc Thanh.

The changes would focus on parts of the legislation that were no longer appropriate to Viet Nam’s socio-economic conditions, he said.

Vietnam textiles up for fierce challenges

Mon, 05/16/2005 - 12:20

Vietnam’s textile industry will face great challenges, instead of opportunities, when the U.S. re-imposes quotas on Chinese clothing imports, a move which the European Union will likely soon follow. 

The U.S. has announced it will re-impose quota restrictions on three categories of Chinese clothing imports, arguing that the Chinese goods are damaging the American textile industry.

7.3 million cell phone users expected by year end

Mon, 05/16/2005 - 12:15

The total number of cell phone subscribers in Vietnam will increase to 7.3 million by the end of 2005 and 21 million in 2008, according to a telecoms market researcher.

Currently, there are nearly 6 million cell phone subscribers in the country.

Market researcher BMI Group recently reported that Vietnam's mobile information market had been developing rapidly, recording a growth rate of 65 per cent in 2004.

Joint stock bank unveils new service

Mon, 05/16/2005 - 12:12

HCM CITY — The joint stock Asia Commercial Bank (ACB) announced on Wednesday that it will begin its US dollar/VN Dong option service by the end of this month.

The option is a market-risk hedging instrument. ACB will offer its customers the exclusive right to buy or sell a fixed sum of the convertible currency, paying in Viet Nam Dong within a specified time at a set price. The term will range from one week to six months.

It is one of the first two banks to get permission from the State Bank to offer the service, the other being the joint stock Techcombank.

Banking restructure aims to generate capital for key sectors

Mon, 05/16/2005 - 12:10

HA NOI — The Government will continue to restructure the banking system to encourage citizens to invest their savings and thereby satisfy the economy’s capital demands, according to the Ministry of Finance.

The Financial Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung said that increased revenue gained in this way will be invested in key sectors relating to fertiliser, gas and oil, and electricity.

The State Bank of Viet Nam said that credit growth this year is estimated at 22 per cent and 24 per cent, down from last year’s 25 per cent and 26 per cent.

State to relinquish control of services

Mon, 05/16/2005 - 12:05

Ha Noi — A recent resolution states the Government’s intention to give up aspects of ownership and control of several key State-owned functions like education, health care and cultural and sport activities between now and 2010.

The document functions as a review of the first and second Government resolutions (1997 and 1999), focusing on the strengths and weaknesses of the last seven years of implementing the Government policy.

Life insurance market outperforming expectations

Fri, 05/13/2005 - 15:48

Vietnamese and foreign insurers have announced impressive incomes early, revealing the potential in a young market.

Manulife Vietnam in 2002 announced its first profitable year to the tune of VND20bil, three years after setting up shop.

Prudential Vietnam, the second foreign-invested life insurance firm in the country, also reported profits for the first time in five years of operation, banking VND61bil.

Post-telecom clears the way for WTO

Fri, 05/13/2005 - 15:37

If Vietnam joins the WTO on schedule, the telecommunications industry will develop in a direction beneficial to both business and clients, said Post and Telematics Deputy Minister Mai Liem Truc.

However, experts believe there will be no boom in Internet services once the country realises its WTO itinerary.

Focus on investment and expansion

According to Mr Truc, foreign telecommunications groups that have invested in, or are planning to invest in Vietnam, are experienced partners.

U.S. director encourages more Vietnamese indie films

Fri, 05/13/2005 - 14:59

A young American director has recently said he would like to build a film studio that funds Vietnamese independent films to encourage young filmmakers to make artistic, low-cost films.
“To make an indie film, you just need a camcorder and PC with video editing software. The most important thing you need is your own creativity,” said Aaron Toronto, 28.

Hoi An town to offer homestay accommodations

Fri, 05/13/2005 - 14:57

The famous ancient town of Hoi An in central Vietnam will officially launch homestay accommodations in a bid to attract more visitors who prefer to stay in an ancient home rather than a hotel.
Up to 40 ancient houses in Hoi An town, which is recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO, will offer homestay accommodations to tourists.

Upgrade work will start on these houses to ensure convenience for visitors, said local authorities.

The town is due to launch homestay services at the beginning of the third quarter of this year.

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