Vietnam Morning News For October 18

Vegetable, fruit exports surpass crude oil for first time
Revenue from vegetable and fruit exports has reached more than US$3.1 billion so far, up 17.1% year-on-year and outstripping crude oil export earnings for the first time, Lao Dong newspaper reported, quoting Thao Xuan Sung, chairman of the Vietnam Farmers’ Union.
— Vietnam Insider

EU-Vietnam Trade Agreement To Eliminate 99% Of All Tariffs
The European Commission on October 17 adopted the long-planned trade and investment agreements between the European Union (EU) and Vietnam, paving the way for their signature and conclusion “as soon as possible.” The trade agreement will eliminate virtually all tariffs on goods traded between the two sides over certain time periods.
— Investvine

Vietnam financial watchdog proposes tax cut for SMEs
The proposal was highlighted in the fiscal and budget report in September 2018, which was released by the National Financial Supervisory Commission of Vietnam (NFSC).
— The Hanoi Times

Competitive electricity market to officially function next year
Competitive electricity generation market program will be fully operated from January 1 next year, opening chances for more businesses to invest in the field and offer competitive, reasonable and practical wholesale prices.
— VietnamNet Bridge

Dissident Vietnam blogger ‘Mother Mushroom’ released, on way to US
A dissident Vietnamese blogger known by the pen name “Mother Mushroom” was on her way to the United States Wednesday (Oct 17) after being released from prison where she was serving 10 years for anti-state propaganda, multiple sources said.
— Channel NewsAsia

Vietnam slides slightly to 77th in WEF Global Competitiveness
Out of the 12 pillars, Vietnam made progress in just four, stood still in one, and slipped in seven.
— The Hanoi Times

Parliament set to select Vietnam’s new president early next week
Vietnam’s National Assembly is scheduled to elect the country’s new head of state at its upcoming session.
— VnExpress

E-visa programme extended by two years
The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee on Tuesday extended the e-visa programme for foreign visitors to Vi?t Nam for another two years.
— Viet Nam News

Vietnam may recall re-export order of wheat containing thistle seed
Vietnam could recall an order that goes into effect on Nov. 1 that requires companies to re-export wheat cargoes containing cirsium arvense seeds, known as Canada thistle, the government said on Wednesday.
— Nikkei Asian Review

Vietnam footwear exports benefit from US-China trade spat
Vietnamese footwear exporters seem to be benefiting from the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China.
— VnExpress

Scrap paper should be treated properly, not banned
Viet Nam should have proper management policies on import and treatment of waste paper, a seminar was told on Tuesday.
— Bizhub

Credit growth must be controlled: experts
Authorities need to closely control the rapid increase in Vietnam’s credit-to-GDP gap so as not to cause high inflation as in the past, experts have warned.
— VietnamPlus

Industrial real estate sector booms
The strong flow of FDI is expected to trigger a new investment wave into the industrial real estate sector.
— VietnamNet Bridge

Vietnam to open public procurement market for foreign investors
The signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) will create a big step in Vietnam’s government procurement field as foreign investors will be allowed to take part in the market for the first time.
— The Hanoi Times

Vietnam: first steps towards maturity
As most countries in South-East Asia, Vietnam is witnessing a steady GDP growth since the late 80s and a very strong growth since 2007. The country is performing well in export (agricultural produce), foreign investments and tourism.
— Global Fleet

Vinacomin posts record profit of nearly US$150 million in nine months
On Tuesday, Vi?t Nam National Coal and Mineral Group (Vinacomin) reported a record profit of VNÐ3.5 trillion (nearly US$150 million) in the first nine months of this year.
— Viet Nam News

Drawing investors’ money and intellectual capital
Experts said that drawing investment from private investors in the period is not only drawing their money, but also their intellectual capital and knowledge management. Join us to explore the issue.
— VietnamPlus

Vietnamese travel bloggers say their journeys are no bed of roses
Travel blogging is nothing strange to young people who love traversing places and sharing their experiences with the community.
— Vietnam Insider

73rd anniversary of Vietnam-US Society marked in Hanoi
A gathering was held in Hanoi on October 17 to celebrate the 73rd anniversary of the Vietnam-US Society (VUS). VUS Chairman Nguyen Tam Chien reviewed the association’s establishment and development over the past 73 years.
— VietnamPlus

Viet Nam’s leading textile firms attend the sixth India International Silk Fair
More than 20 Vietnamese businesses are showcasing their products at the sixth India International Silk Fair, which opened in New Delhi on October 16.
— Viet Nam News

Shops start Women’s Day offers
With Vietnamese Women’s Day approaching, the gift market is becoming busy and promises to offer a wide range of gifts and services to satisfy all kinds of tastes.
— Bizhub

Biggest livestock trade show in Vietnam opens
Vietstock 2018, the biggest livestock trade show in Vietnam, opened in Ho Chi Minh City on October 17.
— Nhan Dan Online

Niche broiler production in Vietnam
Poultry production in Vietnam is booming and expected to double before 2021. However, farm owner Le Van Du isn’t planning to produce for the bulk market. With his own bird variety he is aiming for a niche market, focusing on taste and meat quality.
— Poultry World

HCM City to host Hardware and Hand Tools Expo 2018
The Viet Nam Hardware and Hand Tools Expo 2018 will be held in HCM City from November 5 to December 8 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC).
— Viet Nam News

Hanoi Gift Show highlights craft products
The 2018 Hanoi Gift Show officially opened in Hanoi on October 17, featuring handicrafts and ethnic items from craft villages in Hanoi and other localities nationwide.
— Nhan Dan Online

Feature photo World Bank Photo Collection

This week’s Vietnam morning news feature photo acknowledges International Day for Rural Women, October 15.

Find our previous morning news feature photos in the AEC News Today Morning News Feature Photos gallery where you will find a pictorial display of daily life throughout the Asean Economic Community (AEC).

Vietnam morning news by AEC News Today is your one stop source for Vietnam news on matters of governance and policies affecting Asean business communities. It is published M-F by AEC News Today: Governance, not government; policies, not politics.