Seafood export companies complain that they are facing big obstacles with the EU’s IUU (illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing), which took effect January 1, 2010. Under IUU, all seafood exports to the EU must clearly show their origin, including the sea area where fish are caught and the names of the fishing boats or they will be refused entry. Seafood companies observe that they have to gear up to fulfill the export orders for the first quarter of 2010, while they still seriously lack materials, and the IUU has made everything more confused.

Contrary to all predictions, small merchants have not raised prices in spite of input price increases. Instead, they are trying to deal with high inflation by cutting down expenses and doing more work. A Saigon Tiep Thi reporter went to Tan Son Nhat Market a few days ago to have his jeans repaired

Vietnamese customers now refuse to purchase Toyotas, even models that have no problems with accelerator pedals, although Toyota has been a reliable brand name in the eyes of Vietnamese consumers for many years. Car importers complain they have never seen such a gloomy business season as this one. They had hoped that after Tet sales would be better and allow them to clear their stock.

The US dollar buying price at banks continued rising and reached 19,090 dong/US dollar, lower 10 dong/US dollar than the selling price. Meanwhile, US dollar interest rates were kept sustainable whereas the negotiated rate of medium and long loans in dong jumped to 17 percent pa. Therefore, many enterprises shifted to borrow US dollar instead of dong, however they still are afraid of forex rate risks as banks’ US dollar source may not be able meet their demand.

VTC Multimedia Telecommunication Corp (VTC) and Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) Group have signed a strategic cooperation contract yesterday March 10.

Lilama 45.4 Joint Stock Co (HNX coded L44) reported signing a 165 billion dong deal with China Aluminium International Engineering Corp Limited (Chalieco) to carry out the Lam Dong bauxite aluminium project within this quarter. Accordingly, Chalieco will supply and install equipments and pipeline to L44’s Lam Dong bauxite project in Loc Thang Township, Bao Lam Dist, Lam Dong highland province. Share or Bookmark this post:

Beeline, the mobile network provider held a press conference yesterday March 8 to announce its two new “unlimited” packages. Beeline has recently officially introduced two new packages of Big&Kool and Bonus Plus. According to Beeline’s representative, these two packages have the most preferential call charges in the market at present.

The visit comes at a time when UK exports to Vietnam are showing a healthy year-on-year growth of 25% and bilateral trade has topped the US$2 billion mark.

Small boats of North Vietnam Just back from a business trip to Hanoi, my brother Matt Atkin has sent me these photos from the country. He reports.

Vietnam's VNPT To Sell 20% Stake In VNPT Global To ST Telemedia – Official FOXBusiness HANOI -(Dow Jones)- State-run Vietnam Post & Telecommunications Corp., or VNPT, will sell a 20% stake in its unit, VNPT Global, … ST Telemedia buys 10% Vietnam telecoms firm Business Times (subscription) Vietnam's VNPT To Sell 10% Stake In VNPT Global To ST Telemedia FOXBusiness all 5 news articles