Property market attractive to both eastern, western investorsWhile Asian investors are dominating real estate investment and mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in Vietnam, many European and American firms have chosen to invest in listed property companies, according to a specialist of Savills Vietnam. Vietnam's property market is attractive to both eastern and western investorsOver the last three years, the Vietnamese market has recorded strong investment from Singapore, Hong Kong (China), Japan and the Republic of Korea. Foreign investors’ investment targets and methods are affected by many factors, including cultural differences and geographical distance. Meanwhile, property investment is greatly influenced by local regulations, especially legal affairs, which may be barriers to European and American investors. European and American investors are still taking part in Vietnam’s property market by different means, he said, adding that “they cannot rule such an attractive and potential market like Vietnam out of their investment map.”Some foreign investors said a real estate market with a large young population is a very attractive opportunity.

Vietnam banks see more withdrawals of foreign shareholdersVietNamNet Bridge - The lack of a common voice among managers, the changes in business strategies, and the weak role on the board of directors are some of the reasons foreign shareholders have left Vietnamese banks. Vietnam banks see more withdrawals of foreign shareholdersStandard Chartered is no longer a shareholder of ACB. Standard Chartered (Hong Kong) and Standard Chartered (UK) have divested 64.2 million (6.25 percent of total capital) and 89.86 million ACB shares (8.75 percent). A representative of a joint stock bank said foreign investors have their purposes when making investments in Vietnam banks. Andrew Colin Vallis from Standard Chartered said the foreign bank gave big support to ACB in the past, but it is no longer necessary.

VN talks trade promotion in tough marketsTrade promotion in Viet Nam is facing many difficulties as many importers, such as the US, China, Japan and the European Union, were now protecting their own farm production. Trade counsellor in Japan, Ta Duc Minh, said Japanese people highly valued many Vietnamese farm products, particularly mangoes and bananas. He asked for solutions to reduce shipment cost in order to boost Vietnamese products’ competitiveness. The counsellor said the Vietnamese trade office in Russia will now focus on helping businesses boost shipments to capitalise on the Viet Nam-EAEU Free Trade Agreement. It will also continue working to understand regulations and commitments in the World Trade Organisation and free trade agreements, as well as possible trade barriers.

US dollar devalued against dong despite global riseDomestic commercial banks on Thursday continued devaluing the US dollar against the Vietnamese dong for the second consecutive session, despite a rise of the greenback in the global market. Vietcombank on Thursday listed the dollar at VND22,650 and VND22,720 for buying and selling. ACB devalued the dollar by VND20 against the previous day to VND22,650 for buying and VND22,720 for selling, while Techcombank listed it at VND22,650 and VND22,740 for buying and selling, respectively. The SBV on Thursday also set the daily reference exchange rate at VND22,435 per dollar, down by VND10 from the previous day. In the global market, the dollar was supported after a budget deal in Washington, rising against a broad range of currencies.

VN talks trade promotion in tough marketsTrade promotion in Viet Nam is facing many difficulties as many importers, such as the US, China, Japan and the European Union, were now protecting their own farm production. Trade counsellor in Japan, Ta Duc Minh, said Japanese people highly valued many Vietnamese farm products, particularly mangoes and bananas. He asked for solutions to reduce shipment cost in order to boost Vietnamese products’ competitiveness. The counsellor said the Vietnamese trade office in Russia will now focus on helping businesses boost shipments to capitalise on the Viet Nam-EAEU Free Trade Agreement. It will also continue working to understand regulations and commitments in the World Trade Organisation and free trade agreements, as well as possible trade barriers.

Binh Phuoc culture highlighted at museumA Spring Festival exhibition featuring the unique culture of the people in the southern province of Binh Phuoc will be held at the Viet Nam Museum of Ethnology, Hanoi, from February 24 – 25. It is organised by the Bình Phước Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism. A calligrapher performs his art at a Spring Festival at the museum. About 1,700km south-east of Hanoi, Binh Phuoc is known for untouched landscapes such as Thac Mo (Dream Waterfall), Bombo Village, Bu Gia Map primaeval forest and Cat Tien National Park. Children learn to make bánh chưng at a festival hosted by the Viet Nam Museum of Ethnology.

Increased foreign arrivals during Tet periodThere has been an increase in the number of foreign tourists arriving that has coincided with the Lunar New Year in Vietnam. They will be transported by international cruise ships such as Glory Sea, Celebrity Constellation, World Dream, SuperStar Gemini, Celebrity Millennium and Mariner of the Seas. There, they have a chance to wrap Tet cake by themselves, write calligraphy and enjoy Vietnam’s traditional food for Tet. The General Statistics Office reported that Vietnam welcomed 1.43 million foreign travellers in January this year, up 42% on-year. Last year, the country received a record 12.9 million foreign visitors, a year-on-year increase of 29.1%, the office added.

Asia stock markets drop sharply after US fallsMajor Asian markets suffered sharp losses on Friday, following another day of steep falls on Wall Street. Those losses came as little surprise, with moves in major US markets providing the cue for global investors. The bank left interest rates at 0.5% at its meeting, but said a strengthening economy meant interest rates were likely to rise sooner than the markets were expecting. Higher interest rates push up borrowing costs for companies and individuals, which can hurt corporate profits and curb economic activity. The chaotic week on global markets also comes as several markets around the world sit on, or near record highs.

Bangkok woman killed taking selfie on train tracksA woman has been killed while taking a selfie with a friend on a train track in Thailand. File picture of a train station in Bangkok -- Photo: LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHAA friend said they had been drinking and decided "to take a photo with the train" but did not see an approaching train on the other track, police said. Taking a video while standing in front of a fast-approaching train has emerged as a dangerous trend, especially in India. In January, a man filming a video of himself waiting for an approaching train was hit by the incoming train in Hyderabad, India. In October 2017 three teenagers were run over by a train while trying to take a selfie in Karnataka state, and two teenagers were killed while taking selfies on railway tracks in Delhi.

The designer will showcase her latest collection at the fashion show which involves Miss Grand International 2014 Lees Garcias, and Miss Universe Tanzania 2017 Lilian Ericaah. Audrey Nguyen will present 17 silk designs with handmade embroidery to the event. Audrey Nguyen is one of Vietnam’s most gifted young designers. Her designs have been worn by beauties and models at international pageants and modelling contests. Following are some designs by Audrey Nguyen:

Two destinations in Vietnam rated among the best places in Southeast AsiaTwo locations in Vietnam – Sapa and Hoi An towns – have been named among the top ten places to visit in Southeast Asia in 2018, as selected by the readers of the UK-based travel website Rough Guides. Terrace rice field in Sapa Town in Lao Cai ProvinceThe northwest town of Sapa in Lao Cai province occupies sixth place on the list. According to the Rough Guides, Vietnam die-hards will know that this former hill station is where to come for a taste of heart-stirring Southeast Asian scenery. Coming in at 10th place, the charming town of Hoi An in central Quang Nam province feels a world apart. From stopped-clock tea warehouses to traditional tailors, its Old Town is framed by mustard-yellow shop-fronts and cut through by sinewy canals.

VN paper imports up last yearVietnam imported 682.1 million USD worth of paper products last year, a year-on-year increase of 10.86 percent, reported the Vietnam General Department of Customs. Vietnamese paper products are mainly imported from China, accounting for 42 percent of total turnover, reaching 285 million USD in 2017 and increasing 19.95 percent against 2016. In December 2017 alone, Vietnam imported 58.8 million USD worth of paper products, down 10 percent compared to November, the first drop in three consecutive months. Vietnamese paper products are mainly imported from China, accounting for 42 percent of total turnover, reaching 285 million USD in 2017 and increasing 19.95 percent against 2016. In general, last year, the import turnover of paper products from all markets grew significantly, compared to 2016 and accounted for 72.2 percent.

Van Phuc flower market in Ha Dong district is bustling with ornamental trees. Especially, hundreds of yellow apricot trees from southern regions attract a large number of visitors. Yellow apricot is one of ornamental trees selected by many Vietnamese people to decorate their houses during Tet. Yellow apricot trees at Van Phuc flower market are taken from the southern province of Binh Dinh. Gardeners take meticulous care of yellow apricot trees.

The West Lake Water Park reproduces the cultural characteristics of Japan, the Republic of Korea, China, Mongolia and Vietnam. Visitors will experience Japanese culture while visiting the cherry blossom garden, the Koi Fish lantern and Fortune Cat or Maneki Neko. Red maple garden is the symbol of the Republic of Korea. Mongolia’s nomadic cultureA Hanoi street corner with peach and apricot blossoms. On February 16 -25, visitors will enjoy a ticket discount of 40% to Sun Park, at the price of VND105,000 for adults.

Head coach Park: feeling happy, yet responsible for Vietnam’s footballHead coach of Vietnam’s U23 team Park Hang-seo has expressed his gratitude for the country’s support for him and the team. “I am grateful to Vietnamese football fans for reserving their support and love for me and Vietnam’s U23 team,” Park said, adding that he feels responsible for Vietnam’s football. To acknowledge his outstanding contribution to Vietnam’s football, the Embassy of Vietnam in the RoK sent representatives to welcome and present flowers to the head coach at the airport. He also extended his thanks to Korean people for their support for Vietnam’s U23 team. “I will not be satisfied with the outcomes and make greater efforts with Vietnam’s team to gain even better achievements, up to the expectation of Vietnamese football fans,” Park said.