Economy and commerce
Vietnam’s agriculture sector heads for lowest growth in five years
Bad weather conditions and a strong competition from other exporters have hampered the usually fast growth of Vietnam’s agricultural sector, officials said. The sector expanded only 2.08 percent in the first nine month, with the annual growth expected to inching up to 2.21 percent, according to ...
No slowdown in foreign investment, says MIC secretary
The task of securing US$6 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) during an election year initially seemed daunting, according to Myanmar Investment Commission secretary U Aung Naing Oo. Yet the anticipated slowdown in investment has not materialised. Instead, over the past few months his Yankin office ...
Thai consumer confidence Index hits 10-month high
The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce has revealed a 10-month high in the country’s consumer confidence, as a result of the government’s economic stimulus measures. Director of the UTCC Center for Economic and Business Forecasting Thanawat Polwichai said the consumer confidence index for October ...
While China growth slows, cash-hungry firms steer Asia IPOs into fast lane
As the world absorbs life with a slowing Chinese economy, business is brisk for one group – Asia’s bankers, handling a burst of stock listings by mainland firms that need funds now and are resigned to their shares being worth less than before. Though initial public ...
Booming trade benefits China, Vietnam
When Xiang Jiancheng started doing business in Dongxing two decades ago, trade in the China-Vietnam border city was still lukewarm. These days, however, more than 10,000 Chinese and Vietnamese walk across the border bridge every day to do business in bustling markets on both sides. Cross-border business ...
No Thai-Myanmar border closed as rumored
Myanmar says it did not close its borders along Thailand’s Tak province as rumored. Tak authorities have confirmed that trade on the Thai-Myanmar border remains open as usual, after the 4th Infantry Regiment investigated the claims. Keep reading ...
China ratifies Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank agreement
China’s top legislature today ratified the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) agreement, that will set out legal framework for the USD 100 billion-bank in which India and 56 other countries are founder members. Lawmakers voted on the agreement at the closing meeting of the bimonthly session ...
Charoen eyes $4bn buy of Vietnam's biggest company
Shares in Vinamilk, Vietnam’s largest listed company, hit an all-time high on Tuesday after local media said a drinks-maker controlled by Thailand’s second-richest man plans to buy out the state’s 45% stake. Keep reading ...
Sayabouly eyes more tourists
Sayabouly province, in Laos, expects to attract almost 200,000 visitors next year contributing more than USD6 million to the province’s economy. Lao News Agency reported the province’s Information, Culture and Tourism Department saying it will improve the night market in Sayabouly district and encourage restaurants to feature more ...
ATTA agents: Business is back
Association of Thai Travel Agents says Thailand tourism has bounced back with Asia and ASEAN playing the key role in tourist arrivals recovery. Speaking at the association monthly meeting, late last week, ATTA president, Charoen Wangananont, said Thailand’s tourism was back on track after the deadly Erawan ...