U.S. negotiators met with several apparel brands and retailers and made a detailed presentation about their new approach to "short supply" in TPP. In brief, the new U.S. proposal is to create two short-supply lists: one for permanent benefits, and one for temporary [3 years] benefits. Unlike the short-supply provisions in other U.S. Free Trade Agreements, the TPP concept is intended to be a simpler approach that will provide preferential market access from day one of the agreement. Gail Strickler, Assistant USTR, Textiiles & Apparel.

Our 8,000 sqm, District 2 green space will be open to all and full of foo and frivolity. A myriad of carnival activities will keep the kids enthralled. See what makes Saigon Star a unique place to play, learn and grow. 

As a result of active inter-sessional engagement, and the pragmatism and flexibility shown by all countries during this round, the delegations succeeded in finding solutions to many issues in a wide range of areas such as customs, telecommunications, investment, services, technical barriers to trade, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, intellectual property, regulatory coherence, development, and other issues. This will allow the TPP countries to concentrate their efforts on resolving the most challenging issues that remain, including related to intellectual property, competition, and environment. Barbara Weisel, Assistant USTR and Chief U.S. TPP Negotiator.

From noon to 3:00pm.

Make your Easter a little eggceptional this year! Great food, cozy restaurant's ambiance and a wonderful family time will be a beautiful eggstra touch to the day. 

VND 900,000++ per person. 

The Ministry of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) has circulated a number of draft decrees guiding the new Labour Code and the new Law on Trade Unions. In accordance with Vietnam's commitments in the  Bilateral Trade Agreement, in the report of the Working Party on the Accession of Vietnam to the WTO, and as ratified by the National Assembly in Resolution No. 71, Nov 29, 2006, we are preparing for workshops and dialogue meetings with MOLISA on We, Mar 27. 

 

"The U.S. has been negotiating market access only with those countries with which we do not already have FTAs.Those negotiations are being conducted bilaterally at a pace that is responsive to the offers from the other countries. The key county is Vietnam, a very large market. We're looking to insure that we have significant market access in areas of interest to the U.S. Vietnam is looking for improved access in footwear and textiles. We are slowly making progress on a package that will be balanced, and addresses the interests of both countries, but we have to do so in a way that is comfortable for both countries." Barbara Weisel, Assistant USTR and Chief U.S. TPP Negotiator.

 

The first three factors would boost Vietnamese exports and terms of trade under the TPP. The last two amplify these benefits by stimulating productivity gains. Higher incomes in turn enable Vietnam to invest more and grow more rapidly.  

The chart show U.S. imports from TPP countries, excluding Canada and Mexico. Vietnam was already the third largest supplier in 2011, overtook Singapore in 2012, and could soon overtake Malaysia to be the leading supplier. As an export market, Vietnam ranks quite low.

   

I recently visited Thai Nguyen University (TNU) to get a close look at our cooperation with an innovative Vietnamese university.   We are pleased to partner with TNU as it builds a reputation as a regional university, increases its English language programs, and boost its efforts to teach Vietnamese youth.   

 

We are proud to have our Fulbrighters teach English and run programs at TNU, and we have built an "American Space" at the university to introduce students to American culture and spotlight the many scholarship programs and exchange opportunities in the United States.

 

Join senior-level executives and political/business leaders from Taiwan and throughout the region, as well as the U.S., for networking and in-depth discussion of key issues facing the multinational business community. The gala dinner on March 21, held jointly with Hsieh Nien Fan, will feature a keynote address by President Ma Ying-jeou. Registration deadline for special rates on hotel accommodations is Jan 31. 

 

The annual Asia Pacific Business Outlook is the premier conference for exporters and investors targeting Asian markets. Get key intelligence on 17 markets by choosing from 60 focused sessions and private one-on-one consultations.

 

This event has been postponed because of scheduling conflicts. The annual AmCham Weekend offers an opportunity to review the business outlook and key trade and investment issues with other senior executives in Vietnam, and with the U.S. Ambassador and Embassy/Consulate General senior officials. The Mia Resort, nestled in a quiet bay, on the mountain pass between Cam Ranh Airport and Nha Trang city, is a haven of tranquillity. Set on the slopes of the Nha Trang Mountains, sheltered by jungle, and with its own private beach, it is unequalled in its beauty, hospitality, and quality.  

 

The Ministry of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) has circulated a number of draft decrees guiding the new Labour Code and the new Law on Trade Unions. In accordance with Vietnam's commitments in the  Bilateral Trade Agreement, in the report of the Working Party on the Accession of Vietnam to the WTO, and as ratified by the National Assembly in Resolution No. 71, Nov 29, 2006, we are preparing for workshops and dialogue meetings with MOLISA in the coming days, most probably in March. We will keep you informed as to the date, time, and location of the workshops and dialogue meetings.  

 

 

 

Vietnam must practice prudence if it is to maintain inflation at the single-digit level as the inflationary pressure keeps rising while response policies are not enough, say HSBC economists.

Core inflation remains sticky at 12.6% y-o-y in Jan, up from 12.2% in Dec. The significantly higher core inflation, coupled with rising oil prices, means that headline inflation could increase significantly should food inflation accelerate. With China on track for a recovery, global commodity prices may rise, which means that Vietnam would have to be vigilant should it want to maintain single-digit inflation.  

The activity likely represents only a fraction of the cyber espionage that APT1 has conducted against nearly 150 victims over seven years from four large networks in Shanghai. The report explains a substantial amount of APT1's attack infrastructure, command and control, and modus operandi (tools, tactics, and procedures). The analysis concludes that APT1 is likely government-sponsored and one of the most persistent cyber threat actors that receives direct government support. In seeking to identify the organization behind this activity, ...