The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) on December 18 sold all of its 343.6 million shares or a 53.6% stake of the Saigon Beer, Alcohol and Beverage Corporation (Sabeco), receiving an estimated VND110 trillion (US$4.89 billion).

The government of Vietnam welcomes all feedback and recommendations of domestic and foreign investors to improve local policies for better business climate, said Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on December 18.

The first 11 months of 2017 witnessed a boom in foreign investment in Vietnam, which surged up 53.4% year on year to reach US$33 billion of new capital, according to the Foreign Investment Department under the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

The People’s Committee in the central coastal province of Khanh Hoa estimated that more than VND100 trillion (US$4.4 billion) was needed to develop infrastructure for the Bac Van Phong Special Administrative-Economic Unit by 2025.

Ho Chi Minh City’s real estate sector attracted US$984.4 million in foreign direct investment (FDI) during January-November, triple the figure from the same time in 2016.

Twelve years ago, Bachiang was one of the most disadvantaged districts in Laos’ southwestern province of Champasak. 

Analysts have warned that strong brands may disappear once foreign investors buy into Vietnamese companies.

The Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) recently held a press conference in Hanoi, where it called for Vietnamese enterprises to do business in Japan, noting the country as an attractive destination for foreign investors.

After the government’s Decision No. 11/2017/QD-TT on supporting the development of solar power was issued in April, Vietnam witnessed a trend of successfully registered and licensed projects, though challenges still await potential investors.

Sabeco holds the largest market share, but it is Heineken which dominates the Vietnamese beer market. 

USG Boral, a Malaysia-based plasterboards manufacturer, has announced its US$20 million investment in a plant at Hiep Phuoc Industrial Zone in Ho Chi Minh City, to expand its production in Vietnam. 

The Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap will organise an investment promotion conference in Cao Lanh city from December 18-19 to call for investment into 33 local projects.

Japan is calling for Vietnamese enterprises and investors to do business in the land of the rising sun.

Investors interested in becoming strategic investors of Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited (BSR), currently operated by PetroVietnam, are offered to buy a maximum of 1.52 billion shares, equalling 49 per cent of the chartered capital.  

Vietnam’s JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay has just been named the World’s Best New Resort in the 2017 edition of World Travel Awards, crowning a glittering year of accolades and awards for the new resort. 

PYN Elite Fund signed an agreement to purchase a 4.99 per cent stake in Tien Phong Commercial Joint Stock Bank (TPBank) for $40 million, marking its first investment in the banking sector.

VOV.VN - Hai Phong City is implementing various measures to maintain last year’s leading position in foreign direct investment attraction against fierce competition with Hanoi and Quang Ninh.

VOV.VN - As many as 40 domestic and foreign businesses operating in HCM City on December 9 participated in a trade and investment promotion program launched by the People’s Committee of the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap.

VOV.VN - Foreign investors from Russia, Kazakhstan, Germany and Norway want to develop mini hydropower plants in Vietnam into a renewable energy source.

Although FDI has played an important role in boosting Vietnam’s economic growth, recent changes in policies and regulations, which are not consistent with international best practices, have exposed many foreign investors to considerable risks and obstacles in executing their investments.

Experts from Japan and Vietnam shared experience and talked cooperation in investing and building infrastructure, especially transport infrastructure, in cities with fast urbanisation at a dialogue on December 7.

VOV.VN -Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung has assured Vietnam’s willingness to provide the best possible conditions for the Republic of Korea (RoK) investors, saying the country pins high hope on a new wave of Korean investment into Vietnam in future.

Japan’s Sojitz Planet Corporation formed a strategic partnership with Rang Dong Plastics JSC on December 5 to set up a new venture called Rang Dong Long An.

Large companies considered leaders in their fields are being sought after by buyers, mostly from Asia.

Japan External Trade Organisation Ho Chi Minh City (JETRO) and the Ministry of Planning and Investment's Foreign Investment Agency will co-organise the Invest Japan seminar in Ho Chi Minh City on December 19.

VOV.VN - A workshop was held in Ho Chi Minh City on December 5, focusing on investment in renewable energy in line with Vietnam’s policy of developing alternative energy sources to ensure energy security and protect the environment.

A workshop took place in Seoul, the Republic of Korea, on December 4 to introduce potential and opportunities for investment in the northern province of Phu Tho.

Union Gaming Securities Asia (Macau) estimates that if Vietnam has 30 casinos, it could earn US$1.2 billion in gross revenue.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction in the first 11 months this year has exceeded forecasts by hitting US$33 billion, up over 82% compared to the same period last year. 

National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan welcomed mining group Alcoa and ship-builder Austal to invest in Vietnam during her meeting with the two companies’ executives in Perth on December 1.