Vietnam news in brief - May 10

Vietnam among top countries in the women's health index

Hanoi women in ao dai (traditional dress) during a parade. Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times

Vietnam is ranked 15th in the global women's health index by data analysis company Gallup, higher than many developed countries such as the US, UK, Australia, and Singapore. The ranking is based on the company's annual survey of nearly 79,000 women in 143 countries and territories on criteria such as disease prevention, emotional health, health and safety, basic needs and personal health.

Fourth international electronics, smart appliances expo to begin late May

The Vietnam International Electronics & Smart Appliances Expo (IEAE) 2024 is scheduled for May 23-25 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center in Ho Chi Minh City, a press conference heard on May 9. In its fourth edition, the expo will bring together some 600 companies and showcase tens of thousands of products in a total of 800 pavilions and counters.

The expo will also feature five workshops and a business-to-business (B2B) meeting to enable local companies to seek potential deals.

Vietnamese Embassy in Japan, Tokyo Police cooperate to improve traffic behavior

The Vietnamese Embassy in Japan received a manual from the Tokyo Police Department on May 9 to improve Vietnamese expatriates' awareness of traffic safety in the city. Tokyo Police Chief Ozaki Ryota has called for cooperation from expatriate communities, including the Vietnamese, to improve safety in the Japanese capital.

According to Pham Quang Hieu, Vietnam's ambassador to Japan, the guide's introduction reflects the local government's concern for overseas communities, especially the Vietnamese.  

World Bank names new country director for Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos

The World Bank appointed Mariam Sherman as the new Country Director for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos earlier this month, the bank announced on May 9.

With the new director, the World Bank expects to continue supporting Vietnam in achieving climate and development goals such as net zero emissions by 2050.

Ho Chi Minh City promises good environment for UAE businesses

The Government of Ho Chi Minh City pledged on May 9 to continue supporting investors and companies from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to set up and expand their businesses in the city. The UAE is the 42nd largest investor community in the southern economic hub, with 27 projects. In 2023, Ho Chi Minh City enterprises exported $340 million worth of products to the UAE, up 4% from the previous year.

By the end of last year, nearly 120 Vietnamese companies were operating in the UAE. Bilateral trade between the two countries grew 12% year-on-year to $8.6 billion in 2023.

Over US$1.41 billion of bond capital flows into enterprises in Jan-Apr

The total value of corporate bond issuance in the first four months of this year reached more than US$1.4 billion, according to the Vietnam Bond Market Association (VNBA). Among them, there were six public issuances worth US$314 million and 30 private issuances worth US$1.06 billion.

From the beginning of 2024 to date, the total value of bonds repurchased before maturity has reached $1.45 billion, down 29.7% from the same period in 2023.

Vietnam's yellow phosphorus export forecast to increase by 3.3%

Vietnam's yellow phosphorus export is estimated to increase by 3.3% in 2024, as LFP batteries could account for 48% of global ion battery production in 2024, according to Statista estimates. Currently, the export unit price of this product increased by 6% to US$3,700 per ton.

Yellow phosphorus (P4) is an important feedstock for the production of phosphoric acid (H3PO4), which is used in the manufacture of semiconductors and electric vehicle batteries.