Thailand

JS Group to Build Window Sash Factory In Vietnam

February 17, 2012 (Vietnamica) — Japan’s JS Group will build a new factory to produce door and window frames in Vietnam to reduce risks like those faced by Thailand during last year’s historical floods (VOV, Feb 17). The new plant is expected to be in the southern province of Dong Nai on an area of 55 hectares with a total investment of US$385 million. On completion in mid-2013, JS Vietnam will raise its design capacity to 30,000 tons per year, equivalent to 10 percent of the group’s total productivity.

Read more »

Investors to Put US$4.5 Bln in Long Son Petrochemical Complex

February 13, 2012 (Vietnamica) – The Ministry of Trade and Commerce unveiled that Siam Cement (Thailand), Thai Plastic and Chemical PCL (TPC), Qatar Petroleum International (QPI) of Qatar Petroleum, PetroVietnam, and VinaChem had signed a memorandum of understanding on investing US$4.5 billion in Long Son Petrochemical Complex. This first Vietnam’s Petrochemical Complex is expected to start operation in 2015 (eFinance, Feb. 13).

Read more »

Milestones in Vietnam’s Shrimp Export in 2011

January 31, 2012 (Vietnamica) — Despite of many hardships in shrimp producing and exporting in 2011, the Vietnamese shrimp industry reaped rich rewards of US$2.396 billion in export value. Hiking price of shrimp in the early months of the year was attributable to the record high exports (TheFishSite, Jan. 31).

Read more »

Vietnam’s Agricultural Commodities in 2011

January 10, 2012 (Vietnamica) — According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in 2011, exports of forestry, aquaculture, and agriculture products yielded a turnover of US$25 billion, an increase of US$5 billion over 2010. The agriculture, forestry and seafood sector gained a trade surplus of US$9 billion, successfully opened new export markets, and enjoyed a year-on-year increase of 27 percent (VNS, Jan. 4).

Read more »

Vietnam: Automobile Manufacturers Warn of Production Cut Following Higher Tax and Fee

December 27, 2011 (Vietnamica) – Automobile joint ventures in Vietnam have warned the host government of cutting production since local authorities in Hanoi capital and Ho Chi Minh city have decided to raise car consumption tax and registration fee (Vietnamnet Bridge, Dec. 27). Commencing on Jan. 1, 2012, consumption tax on less-than-10-seat car will increase from current 12 percent to 20 percent in Hanoi and 15 percent in HCMC. Registration fee will hike to VND20 million (US$1,000) from current level of VND2 million (US$100).

Read more »

Phys. Demand “Huge” as Gold Touches $1600, but “Bears in Driver’s Seat” as European Govts Fear Possible Downgrades

December 16, 2011 (Vietnamica) — Sport market gold prices briefly touched $1600 an ounce Friday lunchtime in London – 2.3% up on this week’s lows – while stocks and commodities were broadly flat compared to Thursday’s closing prices. “Physical market demand continues to improve,” says Walter de Wet, commodities strategist at Standard Bank.

Read more »