The Hanoi Department of Transport has proposed that motorbike taxi drivers should wear badges while working.
The proposal is part of the regulations on taxi and transportation services that use two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles. The drivers of three-wheeled vehicles must be over 15 years old, healthy and thoroughly understand the traffic rules. Moreover, they must register with the local authorities and will be given a badge to operate.
Motorbike transporters must be over 16 years old to drive more than 50cc motorbikes. Having vehicle registration certificates and IDs on their person while working would be mandatory. The drivers must also prepare two helmets for them and their passengers.
In order to start a transportation business, certificate of business registration, permanent residence certificate or temporary residence certificate, a copy of the passenger and cargo transport registration are required. All businesses and drivers must apply for the badges issued by the ward and communal authorities.
The badge should be worn on the left chest of the drivers. The drivers must return the badge to the authorities if they do not work for over 30 days. If the badge is lost, the driver must report to the local authorities and the company to get guidance on how to apply for another badge.
The Department of Transport also issued many regulations regarding parking locations and how to use technology in the management system at companies.
The department suggested implementing the regulations starting from January 1, 2020.
The U.S. says it’s ‘deeply concerned’ about China’s increasing interference into Vietnam’s longstanding oil and gas activities in the South China Sea.
In a press statement released Thursday, State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said: “This calls into serious question China’s commitment, including in the ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, to the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes.”
She said the redeployment of oil survey vessel Haiyang Dizhi 8 in Vietnamese waters was “an escalation by Beijing in its efforts to intimidate other claimants out of developing resources in the South China Sea.”
The survey vessel and its escorts had left the nation’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf on August 7 after occupying Vietnamese sea territory for about a month. However, it returned to Vietnamese waters near the Vanguard Bank in the southern area of the South China Sea on August 13.
Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said at a press meet Thursday that Vietnam has made contact multiple times and requested that China withdraws its ships.
Ortagus noted that “China has taken a series of aggressive steps to interfere with ASEAN claimants’ longstanding, well-established economic activities, in an attempt both to coerce them to reject partnerships with foreign oil and gas firms, and to work only with China’s state-owned enterprises.
“In the case of Vanguard Bank, China is pressuring Vietnam over its work with a Russian energy firm and other international partners,” she added.
China’s actions also demonstrate its disregard for the rights of countries to undertake economic activities in their EEZs under the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, Ortagus said.
In July, after China sent the survey ship and escorts to Vietnamese waters the first time, the State Department also voiced its concerns.
“China’s repeated provocative actions aimed at the offshore oil and gas development of other claimant states threatens regional energy security and undermines the free and open Indo-Pacific energy market,” it said in the previous statement.
It cited Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s comments earlier this year when he said that “by blocking development in the South China Sea through coercive means, China prevents ASEAN members from accessing more than $2.5 trillion in recoverable energy reserves.”
The issue of Chinese vessels infringing upon Vietnamese waters in the South China Sea, which Vietnam calls the East Sea, had cast a shadow over the 52nd ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Bangkok, Thailand, between July 29 and August 3.
Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh had denounced China’s activities at the ASEAN meeting, calling them illegal and serious violations of Vietnam’s sovereignty and jurisdiction rights.
His counterparts from the U.S., Japan and Australia also expressed concerns at the meeting over aggression that intimidate oil and gas activities in the South China Sea.
In a tweet on Tuesday, U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton accused China of “bullying.”
China claims almost the entire South China Sea, including waters close to Taiwan and Southeast Asian countries Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.
A court in Ho Chi Minh City on Friday handed a prison term of 18 months to a former Vietnamese procuracy official found guilty of molesting a child inside an elevator in April.
Nguyen Huu Linh, a retired procuracy official from the central city of Da Nang, grabbed and kissed a young girl, reported to be seven years old, inside an elevator at the Galaxy 9 apartment building in Ho Chi Minh City on April 1, CCTV footage showed.
Linh, 61, was visiting a relative in the apartment building in District 4 on the day of the incident.
Although Linh’s back was turned to the camera, obscuring his left hand which was positioned in front of the young girl, judges decided it was enough evidence to convict him of molesting an under-16-year-old person and sentenced the ex-official to 18 months behind bars for the crime.
The crime carries a maximum prison term of three years, according to the Penal Code of Vietnam.
Linh appealed the court ruling immediately after the trial, insisting that his action did not constitute child molestation, his attorney Tran Ba Hoc said.
Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City are encouraging residents to refrain from giving money to local panhandlers, as this is not the best way to really support them.
The municipal Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs has sent a document to district-level administrations, requesting them to boost their management over beggars and homeless people in their respective localities ahead of the upcoming National Day (September 2).
The administrations were asked to advise local residents against giving money directly to beggars and homeless people, as the best way to provide support for them is through social and charitable organizations.
Local authorities must closely supervise the list of permanent and temporary residents in each neighborhood to provide necessary assistance to underprivileged families.
The labor department also announced the hotlines that receive reports and information on beggars and homeless people in the southern metropolis.
People can contact 028.38.292.491during office hours, as well as 028.35.533.258 and 0982.838.987 around the clock.
The agency noted a situation where foreigners are found asking for money in downtown areas and places crowded with locals and visitors.
In order to cope with this issue, the authorities are tasked with carrying out regular patrols and coordinating with immigration offices to verify their identities and decide on a suitable solution.
United Overseas Bank (UOB) continues to deepen its presence in Vietnam with the opening of its Hanoi branch on Thursday (Aug 22) – the bank’s first beyond Ho Chi Minh City.
The expansion comes a year after the incorporation of UOB’s fully-owned subsidiary in Vietnam, reflecting the bank’s commitment to providing its financial services and solutions to more customers across the country, said UOB in a statement. The Straits Times reports.
The Hanoi branch was opened by UOB chief executive officer Wee Ee Cheong and Catherine Wong, Singapore’s Ambassador to Vietnam, on Thursday.
“Our new branch reflects our continued confidence in the country as we seek to serve more customers in both the northern and southern parts of Vietnam. It will enable us to connect customers to the opportunities that Vietnam offers and to support Vietnamese companies in seizing opportunities across Asean and further afield,” said Mr Wee.
(From left) UOB Hanoi branch director Jason Yeo, Foreign Investment Agency deputy director Vu Van Chang, State Bank of Vietnam Hanoi director Nguyen Minh Tuan, deputy chairman and group chief executive officer of UOB Wee Ee Cheong, Singapore’s Ambassador to Vietnam Catherine Wong, head of group compliance, UOB, and chairman of UOB Vietnam Victor Ngo and UOB Vietnam CEO Harry Loh at the official opening of the UOB Hanoi branch on Aug 22, 2019.PHOTO: UOB
According to Straits Times, UOB was the first Singapore bank to establish a branch in Vietnam back in 1995, operating under a branch licence before the incorporation of UOB Vietnam in August last year.
Said Ms Wong: “The bank has supported many companies in their expansion into Vietnam, providing connectivity and facilitating investment flows into the country. UOB’s expansion in Vietnam also represents our evolving bilateral ties, as Singapore partners with Vietnam in its next phase of growth.”
Apple is expected to release several new products this fall, including new iPhones and its Apple TV Plus streaming service.
Apple typically debuts its new iPhone and Apple Watch in September.
It’s unclear when other new products, like its forthcoming digital services for video and gaming, will arrive.
Apple already released new iPads, a refreshed iPod, new AirPods, and a credit card in 2019, but the company is far from finished. Business Insider reports.
With the fall quickly approaching, here’s a look at the other Apple products we’re expected to see before the year’s end, from new iPhones and iPads to streaming services.
The iPhone 11
The iPhone 11
Apple is expected to announce three new iPhones in September, as it has done in years past.
This year’s trio of iPhones are rumored to feature a new camera with three lenses, a feature that makes it possible to wirelessly charge other devices by resting them on the back of the iPhone, and a frosted glass design, among other changes.
Apple’s successors to the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are likely to get the triple-lens camera, while the iPhone XR sequel may have only two cameras. That third camera could be used to enable the iPhone to capture a wider field of view, just like the ultra-wide-angle lens on Samsung’s Galaxy S10.
The Apple Watch Series 4
The Apple Watch Series 4. Hollis Johnson
If Apple maintains the pattern it’s followed in years past, there could be a new Apple Watch on the horizon.
Apple has unveiled a new Apple Watch alongside the latest iPhone every September since 2016, so there’s a chance the Cupertino, California-based tech giant could do so again this year.
The next Apple Watch, which will be called the Apple Watch Series 5 if the company sticks with the current branding, will be a modest update compared to years past, according to Bloomberg.
Rather than revamping the watch’s design and functionality, Apple will likely focus on new case finishes for the next Apple Watch, the report says. There’s a chance these new options could include ceramic and titanium casings, since the blog iHelp BR found references to these materials in the beta version of Apple’s new watch software.
Apple also typically upgrades the Apple Watch’s processor, so it’s possible the next iteration will run on a newer chip that may offer faster performance and better battery life.
Apple may also add native sleep-tracking capabilities, according to Bloomberg, but that feature may not arrive until 2020.
New iPad Pro models
Apple plans to upgrade the iPad Pro tablets it introduced last fall, according to Bloomberg.
These new high-end tablets will reportedly look very similar to their predecessors, but will include better cameras and faster processors. The launch would come after Apple already released new iPad Air and iPad mini models earlier this year.
It’s unlcear precisely when Apple would debut these new iPads, but in the past the company has announced them separately from the iPhone at events in October.
A MacBook Pro with a 16-inch screen
Hollis Johnson/Business Insider
Apple’s rumored 16-inch MacBook Pro is also coming this year, according to Bloomberg. That would make it the largest laptop screen size Apple has offered since the 2011 MacBook Pro, which had a 17-inch screen.
Apple’s 16-inch laptop is expected to have slimmer bezels framing its screen, making it possible for the company to design a laptop with a larger screen that’s around the same size as its 15-inch model, says the report. It could also have a 3072 x 1920 resolution screen, according to previous predictions from market research firm IHS Markit reported by Forbes.
Apple TV Plus
Tony Avelar/AP
Apple unveiled its big-budget streaming service in March, which includes premium programming tied to big names like Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey. But it hasn’t yet said when it will launch.
We’ll find out soon enough, however, since the company said that it planned to announce more details around pricing and availability for Apple TV Plus in the fall.
Apple TV Plus is a subscription service you’ll be able to access through the company’s TV app, which is available on Apple’s mobile devices, Apple TV, and certain Samsung smart TVs. The app is also coming to the Mac this fall.
Apple Arcade
Apple is also launching a subscription gaming service that it says will feature 100 games, all of which will be exclusive to the service.
There’s no official release date yet, but the company previously said it would be coming to the App Store in the fall. Pricing has not yet been announced either, but there’s a chance we’ll hear about that during the iPhone event the company is expected to hold in September.
Mac Pro
Business Insider/Lisa Eadicicco
Apple took the wraps off its latest Mac Pro in June, representing the first time it’s updated its professional-grade powerhouse since its predecessor launched in 2013. As is the case with other previously announced products, like Apple TV Plus and Apple Arcade, there’s no precise launch date beyond the fall.
The Mac Pro starts at $6,000 and features a new look and build that’s designed to be easily modified and upgraded. Apple will also be selling a $5,000 display and a $1,000 stand to go along with it.
More new AirPods
Hollis Johnson/Business Insider
Apple just launched its second-generation AirPods in March, but the company could already be planning to release a new model in the coming months. A new pair of AirPods with water resistance and noise cancellation is expected to launch by next year, according to Bloomberg.
Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst with TF International Securities who’s become known for his Apple product predictions, also believes the firm will release two new pairs of AirPods in the fourth quarter of 2019 or the first quarter of 2020, 9to5Mac reported.
With increasing use of mechanization and other new technologies, the world’s top two coffee producers, Brazil and Vietnam, are achieving productivity growth that outstrips rivals in places such as Colombia, Central America and Africa.
They are set to tighten their grip.
A plunge in global coffee prices in recent months, to their lowest levels in 13 years, has begun to trigger a massive shake-out in the market in which only the most efficient producers will thrive, according to coffee traders and analysts. Reuters reports.
Rival producers elsewhere in the world are increasingly likely to be driven to the margins, unable to make money from a crop they have grown for generations. Some are already turning to alternative crops while others are abandoning their farms completely.
Such shifts are almost irreversible for perennial crops like coffee, as the decision to abandon or cut down trees can hit production for several years.
“Brazil and Vietnam have had consistent increases in productivity, other countries have not,” said Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, citing advances in mechanization, selective crop breeding techniques and irrigation technology.
According to Reuters, in Colombia and Central America, coffee is typically grown on hillsides where mechanization is more difficult, and hand-picking cherries has kept production costs relatively high. The African sector, meanwhile, is dominated by small-scale farmers often unable to raise the capital needed for new techniques.
Rinco bought his harvesting machine for around 600,000 reais ($155,600) and is paying the agricultural supplies company with coffee, delivering 400 bags a year over four years. This kind of bartering is common in Brazilian farming.
One such machine in Brazil replaces dozens of people in the field. Even with financing and fuel bills, farmers and machine manufacturers say there is a reduction of 40% to 60% on harvesting costs.
“Beyond the lower costs, it made my life less complicated,” said Rinco, relieved at no longer having the grueling task of hiring suitable pickers every year for the harvest at his farm in the Sao Joao da Boa Vista area.
“People don’t want to pick coffee anymore, they go to town to find something else to do.”
Brazil and Vietnam now produce more than half the world’s coffee, up from less than a third 20 years ago, and the proportion is rising, U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates show.
Leading producer Brazil alone accounts for over a third of global supply. In a clear sign of increased efficiency, it reported a record crop of 62 million bags last year and is expected to produce another record in 2020, the next on-year in the country’s biennial production cycle – despite the fact the coffee-planting area has been falling for the last six years.
Vietnam is also regularly setting production records while, by contrast, in Colombia the largest ever crop was harvested in the early 1990s and in Guatemala nearly two decades ago, USDA data shows.
In countries such as Guatemala and Honduras, growers who are increasingly abandoning farms are swelling the ranks of migrants trying to enter the United States.
Coffee cherries are seen in a plantation in the town of Sao Joao da Boa Vista, Brazil June 6, 2019. REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
VARIETY IN VIETNAM
Arabica beans, which provide a smoother and sweeter taste, constitute nearly two-thirds of the world’s coffee. More bitter and stronger robusta beans largely make up the rest of global supply, much of them hailing from Vietnam.
A warehouse owned by Vietnamese coffee exporter Simexco Dak Lak Ltd in the town of Di An, near Ho Chi Minh City, illustrates the scale of Vietnam’s coffee operation.
Coffee is stacked in neat piles several meters high, awaiting export to Europe. The warehouse has enough capacity to store 20,000 tonnes during the harvest season.
“At the height of the harvest, having enough space to create an aisle to walk through the warehouse becomes a luxury,” said Thai Anh Tuan, who manages one of three warehouses for Simexco, which exports over 80,000 tonnes of robusta a year.
“Every tiny bit of space will be taken up by these little beans,” Tuan added. “We have to hire additional warehouses nearby for extra storage.”
Tuan also credited the steady increase of Vietnamese coffee exports over the last four to five years to an increase in innovative farming techniques, including intercropping – growing different crops together – and the use of better technology in irrigation and cultivation.
Coffee is still the key cash crop for Dak Lak, Vietnam’s largest coffee-producing province, although durians, jack fruit, mangoes and avocado trees have all been intercropped with coffee trees to maximize income in recent years, farmers told Reuters.
Ksor Tung, a coffee grower with a 10-hectare farm, said intercropping coffee with durian trees resulted in better protection from direct sunlight and pests.
“Farmers here have experimented with intercropping for nearly a decade,” Tung told Reuters.
“Peppers used to be the most popular tree when it comes to intercropping but for the past three years, with the prices falling, almost all farmers have turned to fruit trees instead,” said Tung, adding that farmers who intercrop can triple their income per hectare.
Marcelo Teixeira reported from Sao Joao da Boa Vista in BRAZIL, Phuong Nguyen from Ho Chi Minh City in VIETNAM. Writing and additional reporting by Nigel Hunt in London; Editing by Veronica Brown and Pravin Char.
Best things to see and do in Vietnam whether you’re there for a short break or longer backpacking adventure
Vietnam is a gold pot of new and exciting discoveries for all. Its deserted beaches, natural wonders and bustling cities have long drawn in tourists looking for that dreamy southeast Asian getaway.
Cities such as Ho Chi Minh and Ha Long Bay never fail to wow visitors not to mention Vietnam’s raw and unspoiled climate takes the definition of a tropical Asian adventure to the next level.
But where to even begin planning? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered.
Here are the top 10 places to discover in Vietnam, whether you’re on a whistle stop tour for two weeks or taking your time traveling up the breathtaking coastline. Check out top picks by The Mirror below…
Ho Chi Minh
Originally called Saigon, this city really never sleeps. Placed in the heart of Vietnam’s brutal political history, take a tour around Independence Palace or see the impressive collection of fighter planes outside the War Remnants Museum.
Watch out for the constant stream of motorbikes whizzing down main roads!
Hoi An
This ancient, but charming city will complete your Instagram feed. Peddle through narrow streets, pop into eccentric shops (you can even get custom made suits and dresses if they take your fancy).
Oh, and don’t forget to try the ice cream frozen rolls. Trust us.
There’s plenty to explore in Hoi An so make sure to take a stroll along the canals which lead off into shaded temples and pagodas.
Each night the town holds a spectacular lantern show where hundreds of paper lanterns float along the water front.
Ha Long Bay
Small fisherman’s boat approaches to the fishing zone early at the morning.
Renowned for its towering limestone islands, Ha Long Bay is a must-visit whether you’re opting for a cruise or a kayaking session.
King Kong fans might recognise it as one of the Kong: Skull Island filming locations.
Since 1994, this World Heritage Site continues to bring a plethora of tourists every day so it can get quite busy but it’s still well worth the trip. (In fact, we suggest you get up early if only for the incredible sunrise views).
Cat Ba Island
Lan Ha Bay (Image: Getty Images)
Cat Ba is the biggest out of all 367 islands to complete the beautiful archipelago of the same name.
With boat cruises on offer all day, relax and soak up the sun on deck, or if you’re looking for a little more adventure, you can hike or even rock climb your way through this UNESCO World Reserve.
Hue
Imperial Palace in Hue (Image: Getty Images)
This city has a fascinating history (pre-1945 it served as Vietnam’s capital), and nowadays you can step back in time and explore its many attractions uncovering its imperial past.
Highlights include the Citadel surrounded by its impressive moat, The Tomb of Ancient Emperors and Huyen Tran Princess Temple.
Not to mention the fact you can have a blind massage (a project run by the local blind community) then spend time in the herbal steam room to accomplish total zen.
Phong Nha Cave
Phong Nha – Ke Bang
This stunning natural cave, with turquoise waters is over 400 million years old!
Famous for its striking rock formations and names, such as the ‘Lion’ and the ‘Unicorn’, take a boat winding through the maze of pathways or dare to get a closer view from the specially constructed boardwalk.
Even better, you can swim in one of the natural pools or river banks to cool down.
Hanoi
Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi, Vietnam
The capital city’s vibrant atmosphere is known for its reputable nightlife and tasty street food.
But first, get a traditional Vietnamese egg coffee in an old coffee house.
By day, visit Ho Chi Minh’s mighty Mausoleum and the eerie Hoa Lo prison. Walk along Train Street and get lost in the Old Quarter with a spot of shopping. It’s also close to enough to Ha Long Bay to take a day trip.
By night, head to Pub Street for neon-lit, enticing bars and good value drinks.
Cuc Phuong National Park
Cuc Phuong National Park (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
An easy day trip from Hanoi, this spectacular reserve is home to thousands of plants and animal species in the breathtaking botanical gardens.
Cycling and walking tours are available all year round but December through to April is the best time to come.
Sa Pa
Sapa, Lao Cai, Vietnam
Venture further north and you’ll be greeted by the rolling green hills of Sa Pa sure to leave you speechless.
You can opt for dedicated trek packages (usually around one to three days), but there are also plenty of home stays in the region offering personal experiences with locals and a chance to buy handmade crafts. Also, make sure to try the rice wine after dinner.
The beaches
Long Beach, Phu Quoc Island
With the majority of Vietnam’s top locations lining the coast, enjoy some well-deserved R&R soaking up the sun on some of its breathtaking beaches.
Highlights include Star Beach in Phu Quoc, Danang Beach and An Bang Beach near Hoi An to name a few.
A shortage of resources as well as a modest number of AI firms have been the biggest challenges for the development of artificial intelligence (AI) in Vietnam, said Bui The Duy, deputy minister of Science and Technology.
Duy told the 2019 Vietnam Artificial Intelligence day (AI4VN) held in Hanoi on Thursday that AI has replaced many manual and labour-intensive jobs. Around the world, many powerful countries have developed their own strategies for AI, making this technology the core of economic acceleration.
“Vietnam’s AI industry has made significant progress, which is seen in products with high levels of AI in recent years. However, the country faces a number of challenges,” he said.
“If Vietnam adopts AI, we would be a market for new technology,” he told Vietnam News.
He noted that Vietnam has a lot of work to do in developing AI. We should pay attention to training human resource and creating data systems.
Hoang Minh Son, principle of Hanoi University of Technology, said organisations and individuals in Vietnam have studied AI separately without having an ecosystem.
“AI is one of the key technologies in digital transformation. Many countries see AI as a key development trend, with big effects on all aspects of life,” Son said.
AI4VN is expected to create momentum for the development of AI in Vietnam by connecting relevant parties in institutes, universities, businesses, tech groups and start-ups. AI could be used in many sectors such as healthcare, education, business, trade, finance and agriculture, he said.
He added that the university established a new faculty on AI with the highest marks for student enrolment.
Associate professor Stefano Ermon from Stanford University shared new applications to predict and monitor agricultural productivity, food security and infrastructure access in developing countries. These methods have been able to provide economically-reliable predictions when using high-resolution satellite images. They can also revolutionise global poverty reduction efforts.
Hsu Hui Huang from Tamkang University shared Taiwanese experiences in AI, showing that the territory has made strong investment in big projects in AI research and development by building research centres and establishing a firm AI foundation.
He suggested that Vietnam could follow the AI road of Taiwan.
The two-day event attracted around 2,000 participants.
Also planned are a series of workshops on AI in tourism, health, education and finance, among others, to take place with the participation of Vietnamese and foreign experts, businesses, and researchers.
Visitors will be treated to exhibitions and the showcasing of self-driving cars and robots.
Vingroup’s Vinpearl Air will launch the first commercial flight in July 2020 with a fleet of six planes.
The Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam has reported to the Ministry of Transport. Vinpearl Air combines both traditional and low-cost aviation with a total investment of VND4.7trn. Vinpearl Air will open both international and domestic flights with a fleet of six planes. Their plan is to expand the fleet to 36 planes in 2025.
They will open 62 domestic flight routes and 93 international routes.
According to the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam, the establishment of Vinpearl Air is included in the plan to develop new airlines and create more favourable conditions for private economic development. It is also in line with the government’s air transport development policy.
However, after reviewing the plan to develop the fleet of Vietnamese airlines by 2020, the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam said that if Vinpearl Air expanded their fleet to 36 planes, there would be too many planes in operation if Vinpearl Air expanded its fleet to only 30 planes.
On August 16, the aviation training facilities of Vingroup has started recruiting students. The students will be trained for 26 months and be ensured of jobs following graduation.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has banned select MacBook Pro laptops on flights after Apple Inc. recently said that some units had batteries that posed a fire risk.
The Apple laptops in question are some 15-inch MacBook Pros sold between September 2015 and February 2017.
Apple issued the recall in June, saying it had “determined that, in a limited number of older generation 15-inch MacBook Pro units, the battery may overheat and pose a fire safety risk,” Bloomberg reported.
About 432,000 MacBook Pros sold in the U.S. and roughly 26,000 units in Canada were included in the recall, the news site added.
In a statement on Wednesday, CAAV said a total ban on the affected Apple laptops was in effect, which means the recalled devices must not be taken on flights as cargo or in carry-on baggage by passengers.
Passengers found bringing the prohibited laptops on board despite the ban could be denied service and handled pursuant to Vietnamese laws, CAAV said in the statement.
Flight crews must be trained to quickly respond to the discovery of such laptops while the plane is already airborne, the aviation authority said.
Apple said in a June statement it had voluntarily decided to replace affected batteries free of charge.
“Customer safety is always Apple’s top priority,” Apple said.
It is unclear whether laptops with replaced batteries are exempted from the CAAV ban.
A representative of Vsmart said the manufacturer will design smartphones and increase the locally made content in products to 60 percent by 2020.
VinSmart said all of its products are made in Vietnam at the factory in Cat Hai, Hai Phong City. In mid-June, VinSmart started construction of the second factory at the Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park in Hanoi.
People consider Vsmart products as ‘made in Vietnam’ products, and the words can be seen on the back of every smartphone of the manufacturer.
However, a Youtuber named my banh recently posted a video to show that the latest smartphone model of Vsmart, Vsmart Live, is exactly the same with a Chinese product Meizu 16Xs.
The Youtuber tried to prove that Vsmart Live and Meizu 16Xs have similar appearance, configuration and features, when both have Snapdragon 675 chip, AMOLED screen 6.2 inches without notch, fingerprint sensor screen, 3 48 MP camera and 4000mAh battery.
He also pointed out that Vsmart Live and Meizu 16Xs share the same hardware design, from circuit board, connectors to screws. The only different thing is battery with Meizu 16Xs’ battery showing Chinese characters, while Vsmart showing Vietnamese.
In the latest news, Vsmart denied copying of Meizu 16 Xs, affirming that the two products are ‘quite different by nature’.
In its press release, Vsmart explained that the Vietnamese manufacturer is cooperating with many ODMs (original designed manufacturer) specializing in designing smartphones. Vsmart and Meizu now share the same ODM and Vsmart once stated that both Vsmart and Meizu are the co-owners of this design and ‘no one imitates the other’.
Having similar hardware, Vsmart Live and Meizu are quite different, however.
“We use the concept drawing, adjust details, design the operating system of the machine and make products at Vsmart factory with components provided by leading suppliers in the world,” said Nguyen Minh Viet, Director of the Institute of Mobile Devices Research.
“The ‘soul’ of Vsmart Live (operating system VOS 2.0, user experience, camera algorithm etc) is 100 percent developed by Vsmart’s R&D team. This is something that cannot be copied. The Vietnamese brain content lies in the soul,” he said.
Also according to Viet, Vsmart still relies on foreign ODMs to design Vsmart products. However, Vsmart is making efforts to undertake all phases of the production process, from designing to making components and accessories, to create finished products.
It is expected that by March 2020, Vsmart will be able to design all of its smartphone models. After that, by April 2020, it will officially provide package services as an ODM to smartphone manufacturers in the world.
John Bothma and Mushfiq Daniels, both in their twenties and from South Africa, have been missing in Vietnam for months
Two English teachers who mysteriously disappeared abroad within weeks of each other are feared to have been kidnapped so their bodies can be harvested for organs. Jamie Payatt reports on The Mirror.
John Bothma, 22, and Mushfiq Daniels, 28, were both due to fly home to South Africa just before their visas expired but vanished separately while visiting Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
According to The Mirror, there has been no trace of Bothma since May 18 or Daniels since July 3 and now South Africa’s leading humanitarian relief chief fears that organ harvesters have snatched them.
Earlier this year Vietnamese authorities bust a criminal syndicate selling kidneys on the black market in a country where there is a huge shortage of donors for major organs.
There has been no trace of John Bothma, 22, since May 18 (Image: JAMIE PYATT)
The trade is rife in the communist country with huge profits to be made in the illegal use of body parts.
Now Gift of the Givers founder Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, 67, – who runs Africa’s largest disaster relief and humanitarian relief group – believes they have fallen prey to organ snatchers.
Dr Sooliman has been approached by both families to use his extensive worldwide contacts and experience to try and make a breakthrough as to what has happened to the pair.
Neither were known to each other but both were fit and healthy foreigners and were looking forward to returning home but disappeared unexpectedly without any trace.
The South African nationals had been teaching English to young Vietnamese children in remote towns.
All their possessions and clothes were still at their lodgings in the remote towns where they taught English to Vietnamese children but the authorities cannot find either of them.
Dr Sooliman – whose charity work has been recognised by Nelson Mandela and who holds the highest civilian award in South Africa – believes they could both still be alive.
He said: ” have discounted every other possibility of what could have happened to them and the only one that remains likely is that they have been targeted for their body organs.
“These people are very professional and have operating theatres with professional surgeons ready to carry out transplants but you can’t just do it without doing all the preparation.
“They would have to take blood and tissue samples from the donor and match them up with the recipients and that takes time trying to match them up to ensure it is successful.
“The organs in demand are the kidneys, liver, heart, lungs and eyes and it is not beyond the realms of possibility that these men could be kept alive until all the matches are made.
“There is of course no guarantee that this is what has happened but it seems the most likely when you look at the characters of these two men and try and work out what’s happened.
“If by chance both were killed or injured while staying in Ho Chi Minh City there would be records in the hospitals or morgues but all of those have been checked without success.
John and his colleague had been teaching English to young Vietnamese children (Image: JAMIE PYATT)
“Being kidnapped for human trafficking can be discounted as that is almost always only women who are taken to be forced into prostitution or children and rarely grown men.
“If they had been recruited as drug mules there would be no need for them to break contact with their families and if they had been kidnapped for ransom where are the demands?
“Terrorism can be ruled out as there are no terror groups in Vietnam any more. Both were in regular contact with their families and were looking forward to going home to see them.
“So what else could have happened to two fit and healthy men visiting the city? The only other situation for people to disappear is being taken hostage and that has not happened.
“My gut feeling is that they have been taken for organ trafficking as there is a huge illegal black market for it in Vietnam as there are very few organ donors there for religious reasons.
“Most Vietnamese people believe that the body organs are needed for the afterlife so do not donate organs.
“Statistics show that from the 95 million population in Vietnam that 5 million need organ donors and there is a huge demand for the kidneys, lungs, hearts, livers and eyes.
“If a foreigner disappears there is a huge value in his organs and nobody there asks any questions?
“A willing donor will get $6000 for a kidney and a recipient will pay $40,000 for it so you can see the amount of money that is available to be made in a poor country for organs.
“I hope I am very wrong that this is the fate has befallen these two teachers and that they have b been taken unwillingly.
“But if they have been kidnapped for their organs to be donated against their will they could still be alive while tests are done to match all their organs so it may not be too late”.
Some 300,000 British tourists visit the Communist country in Southeast Asia each year.
Dr Sooliman said the mother of Mr Daniels is currently in Vietnam trying to trace her son but he said she was distraught at the lack of help she was being given by the authorities.
The mother of Mr Bothma is trying to raise money to join her in the search in Vietnam.
He added “There is nothing being done there, there is no co-operation. I am trying to get them to ramp up their efforts and if they don’t then I will get Interpol involved in this”.
Mr Bothma had been in Vietnam since November and was due to fly home on June 1 and Mr Daniels who had worked there since March was due to fly back home on July 5..
Mr Bothma is from Roodeport in Gauteng province and Mr Daniels is from Cape Town.
John’s mother Coleen Bothma said: “I feel so helpless. I miss him so much. It has been three months since I spoke to him and I keep calling him and sending him messages.
“I hope all this about organs is not true and I hope to find him alive” said the nurse.
Mr Daniels’ mother Faheema Abrahams, who remarried several years ago, has travelled to Vietnam and said news of the organ donor theory has made her extremely unwell.
According to the survey conducted by the financial holding Robocash Group in Vietnam, buying a house or a vehicle are the most common long-term saving goals among the Millennials using online financing tools. Thus, 41.2% of respondents save funds for a house, and 19.6% do it to be able to buy a car.
At the same time, short-term saving to buy gadgets and appliances takes third place with 11.8% of answers. It is primarily due to the young age of respondents, who are mostly Millennials in their 25-34 years (62.7%). Known as active consumers, they also feel at ease handling cutting-edge technologies in daily life and tend to buy necessary tools using current funds. For 18% of the surveyed customers, gadgets and appliances even make the most of monthly expenses.
Then, the findings on the structure of monthly expenses among the Vietnamese confirm it as the most frequent expenditures coincide with the common purpose of short-term online financing. As a reason to use such tools, most respondents say that personal advances help them to pay for regular monthly bills (19.6%) such as housing and utility services, rent, mobile and internet services, TV etc. Daily needs including food, transport fare and other necessary expenses follow with 19.6%. These payments cause short-term gaps in a personal budget most often.
Although these tendencies might seem mutually exclusive, the analysts of the company find that they complement one another. Small financial advances serve as a tool allowing to cover a short-term gap in a family budget. Most often, it helps to decrease troubles caused by the difference in salary dates and expenses schedule. At the same time, this tool doesn’t hurdle strategic financial planning. Saving money on a bank deposit or using other tools means a long-term allocation of funds. Taking them out of savings may cause much higher expenses than the cost of a small advance.
Remarkably, only 15% of the respondents do not save at all either because of being used to spending everything earned right away or having insufficient income.
Robocash Group is an international financial group operating in the segments of consumer alternative lending and marketplace funding in Europe and Asia. The company develops robotic financial services providing lending to customers in Russia, Kazakhstan, Spain, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam and India and operates the own EU-based p2p investment platform. The group develops products completely in-house using artificial intelligence, machine learning and data-driven technologies to provide precise and comprehensive risk management, comfort and speed for customers and efficiency for business.
Vietnam captures many headlines in the media and opened up to foreign investors as late as 2015.
Here, you’re able to buy units from commercial projects on the primary market. This is often not a big issue, in the end of the day, foreigners mostly look for new or off-plan condos and villas in places like Ho Chi Minh, Bangkok, and Manila. Marcus Sohlberg reports on asiapropertyhq.
Yet, if you buy off-plan, it’s important that you know about what real estate developers that operate in the market, might they be local or based overseas.
In this article, I’ve listed some of the biggest and most popular property developers that operate in Vietnam.
Vingroup
Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Hanoi, Vingroup is one of the biggest business groups in Vietnam, having dozens of subsidiaries working in different fields. The subsidiaries working in the real estate sector are: VinHomes, VinPearl, Vinpearl Land, Vinmec, and a few more.
In addition to real estate, Vingroup has subsidiaries working in retail, commerce, healthcare, education, agriculture, heavy industry, and many other industries. Worth mentioning is that they also own more than 1,000 supermarkets nationwide.
The owner of the Vingroup is Pham Nhat Vuong, currently the richest person in Vietnam according to recent Forbes rankings.
Vingroup has been ranked as a top 10 prestigious property developer, by the Vietnam Report Joint Stock Company. In addition, it was rated as the best developer in Vietnam by Euromoney Magazine.
Property types
Vingroup has the most diversified portfolio among the top developers in Vietnam. They’ve developed high-end residential properties (including apartments and houses), superstores, hotels, resorts, and dozens of shopping malls.
Current Projects
Vincom
Vinpearl
Multiple Vinhomes projects
Future projects
VinCity
Vinhomes Central Park (Vingroup’s largest project so far, worth USD 1.5 billion and includes 81-story building
Prices & areas
a. The price of an apartment in the Vinhomes Royal City in Hanoi is around USD 92,000
b. The price of an apartment in the Vinhomes Dong Khoi in Ho Chi Minh City is around USD 200,000
c. The price of an apartment in Vinhomes Gardenia in Hanoi is around USD 70,000
NovaLand
Novaland is one of the largest property developers in Vietnam. It’s won different awards from Asia Property Awards and been listed as one of the top 10 prestigious property developers, by the Vietnam Report Joint Stock Company.
Novaland is headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City and was founded in 1992. The company is currently headed by Bui Thanh Nhon. They’ve developed more than 30 residential projects so far. The company is a subsidiary of Nova Group that also owns Anova Corporation.
Property types
Novaland develops a wide range of property types that include commercial, residential properties, hotels and resorts.
Their residential projects include townhouses, apartments, serviced apartments and model houses.
Current projects
Madison
Richstar
Sunrise City
Lucky Dragon
The Botanica
Future projects
Newton Residence
Saigon Royal Residence
Botanica Premier
Lakeview City
Harbor City
Prices & areas
a. The price of a villa in their upcoming Lakeview City in Ho Chi Minh City is around USD 260,000
b. The price of an apartment in the Sun Avenue in Ho Chi Minh City is around USD 250,000
c. The price of an apartment in the Richstar in Ho Chi Minh City is around USD 60,000
Dat Xanh Group
Founded in 2003, Dat Xanh Group is headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City, a company that’s been ranked as one of the best developers in Vietnam.
The company owns one of the largest real estate companies in Vietnam, the Dat Xanh Real Estate Service & Consultation JSC. They develop both residential and commercial projects and offer other real estate services, like distribution of properties, brokerage, and real estate consultancy services.
Property types
You can buy a number of different property types, including apartments, housing projects (townhouses), land and villas. In addition to residential projects, Dat Xanh Group also develops commercial, office, and leisure properties.
Current projects
Sunview Town
Sunview 1
Sunview 2
Phu Gia Hung
Lux City
Future projects
Opal Garden
Opal Riverside
Lux Garden
Opal Skyview
Gold Hill
Prices & areas
a. The price of an apartment in the Sunview Town in Ho Chi Minh City is around USD 43,000
b. The price of an apartment in the Opal Riverside in Ho Chi Minh City is around USD 70,000
c. The price of a townhouse in the Gold Hill Center in Dong Nai is around USD USD 22,000
FLC Group
Founded in 2008, FLC Group is one of the biggest real estate companies in Vietnam and headquartered in Hanoi. The company owns several subsidiaries working in real estate, finance, education, media, mining, technology, aviation and other sectors.
The real estate arm of the company is FLC Group JSC.
FLC Group has been ranked ranked as one of the best developers in Vietnam, by BCI Asia Top 10 Real Estate Developer Awards. It’s also been included as a top 10 prestigious developer in Vietnam, by the Vietnam Report Joint Stock.
Property types
FLC Group develops all kinds of properties, including residential projects, commercial centers, resorts, and hotels.
Their residential projects include both high rise apartment buildings like FLC Green Home, and housing projects like FLC Ecohouse Long Bien.
Current projects
FLC Twin Towers
FLC Stars Tower
FLC Samson Residences
FLC Complex Pham Hung
FLC Complex Thanh Hoa
Future projects
FLC Ecohouse Long Bien
FLC Green Home
Chan Hung Industrial Zone
Prices & areas
a. The price of a townhouse in the FLC Residences Samson in Thanh Hoa is around USD 57,000
b. The price of an apartment in the FLC Urban Garden City in Hanoi is around USD 42,000
CapitaLand Vietnam
In 2017, CapitaLand broke its own 22 years old record by winning 11 awards, including “the best developer in Vietnam”, from Propertyguru Vietnam Property Awards.
CapitaLand is one of the most recognized property developers in Asia. and is based in Singapore. Still, they develop property in 30 countries around the globe. They mostly focus on China and Singapore, but in the last few years, they have developed several new projects in Vietnam.
Property types
CapitaLand has an impressive portfolio with projects worth more than USD 85 billion. They develop everything from shopping malls, integrated and mixed-use projects, housing projects, serviced apartments, commercial property, and leisure properties.
So far, they’ve completed 10 residential projects in Vietnam, all of these projects are high rise apartment buildings.
Current projects
Vista Verde
Seasons Avenue
The Vista
Mulberry Lane
Seasons Avenue (Winner of the Best High End Condo Development 2017 by Asia Property Awards)
Future projects
Dimension
d’Edge Thao Dien
Feliz en Vista
Prices & areas
a. The price of an apartment in The Vista in Ho Chi Minh City is around USD 190,000
b. The price of an apartment in The Krista in Ho Chi Minh City is around USD 123,000
Hung Thinh Real Estate Business Investment Corporation
Hung Thinh Real Estate Business Investment Corporation is a real estate development arm of Hung Thinh Corp. It was ranked as the third best property developer in Vietnam in 2017, by BCI Asia Top 10 Awards.
Hung Thinh Corp. is based in Ho Chi Minh City and was founded in 2002. It was formerly known as Dong Tien Trading Investment Advisory Services Co., Ltd.
It currently owns 18 real estate brands and employs over 2,000 people. Some of the subsidiaries include: Hung Thinh Land, Hung Thinh Icons, Prowind Architecture, Nam Hung Thinh Housing, and more.
Property types
Hung Thinh Real Estate Corp. mostly focus on residential projects. You can find housing projects, villas, and high-end luxury apartments built by the company.
They also sell land & house packages in different projects, like La Residence Hung Thinh.
Current projects
Saigon Mystery Villas
Sentosa Villas
Lavita Charm
Cam Ranh Mystery Villas
Citizen. TS
Future projects
Moonlight Parkview
Richmond City
Moonlight Residences
Saigon Mia
9View Apartment
Prices & areas
a. The price of an apartment in Vung Tau Melody in Ho Chi Minh City is around USD 43,000
b. The price of an apartment in Melody Residences in Ho Chi Minh City is around USD 61,000
c. The price of an apartment in the Rainbow 8X in Ho Chi Minh City is around USD 50,000
7. Phat Dat Real Estate Development Corporation
Phat Dat Real Estate Development Corporation is another well-known and big property developer in Vietnam. It was founded in 2004 and have completed dozens of commercial and residential projects in Vietnam. The headquarter is based in Ho Chi Minh City.
Property types
Phat Dat develops townhouses residential projects, apartments, hotels, luxury resorts, penthouses, other commercial projects, and high rise office buildings. They have an impressive portfolio, allowing you to invest in different types of properties.
Current projects
The Westin Resort & Spa
Millenium
The EverRich 1 and 2
Future projects
RiverCity
The EverRich 3 and 4
The EverRich Infinity
Prices & areas
The price of a condo in the EverRich II in Ho Chi Minh City is around USD 61,000
Phu My Hung
Phu My Hung Development Corporation is a well recognized developer and one of the largest property developers in Vietnam. It was founded in 1993 and works as a subsidiary of CT&D Group.
Phu My Hung has completed dozens of residential projects so far. The company was first established to build an urban city under the same name, Phu My Hung, with the Vietnam-Taiwan joint venture.
They are known for their large scale projects.
Property types
Phu My Hung develops mostly residential projects that include housing projects with luxurious villas and townhouses, and high-rise condo and apartment buildings.
Current Projects
Scenic Valley
Happy Valley
Sky Garden 3
My Van 2
Riverside Residence
Future projects
Phu My Hung Midtown – The Signature
Nam Phuc – Le Jardin
Scenic Valley 2
Hung Phuc – Happy Residence
Saigon South Residences
Riverpark Premier
Prices & areas
a. The price of an apartment in Sky Garden 1 in Ho Chi Minh City is around USD 53,000
b. The price of an apartment in the Happy Valley in Ho Chi Minh City is around USD 180,000
Nam Long Investment Corporation
Nam Long Investment Corporation is an award winning developer from Vietnam. It won in the category “the best developer award in 2016”, at Asia Property Awards.
The company established in 1992 and owns more than a dozen subsidiaries. The head office of the company is based in Ho Chi Minh city and the chairman of the company is Nguyen Xuan Quang.
Property types
NLDC develops all kinds of properties, including include townhouses, villas, apartments, service apartments, resorts, schools, hospitals, and other urban city development projects.
Current projects
Valora Fuji
Capital Tower
Camellia – Villa
Flora Kikyo
Future Projects
Flora Fuji
Ehomes
Flora Series (Anh Dao)
Valora Series
Prices & areas
a. The price of an apartment in Valora Fuji is around USD 260,000
b. The price of an apartment in Falore Fuji in Ho Chi Minh City is around USD 43,000
c. The price of a townhouse in Camellia in Ho Chi Minh City is around USD 100,000
Sun Group
Sun Group is a big property developer in Vietnam and known for its high-end leisure and travel properties. Sun Group was included in the top 10 property developers in Vietnam in 2017, by BCI Asia Top 10 Awards.
They develop residential properties, recreational projects, and resorts. The company was first established in 1998 in Ukraine by a group of Vietnamese friends. In 2007, Sun Group started developing projects in Vietnam.
Property types
Most of the projects by Sun Group are luxury resorts or other entertainment, leisure, and travel properties like cable cars, hotels, parks, etc.
The company is gradually shifting towards mega residential projects.
Current projects
Sun Grand City Thuy Khue Residence
Sun Premier Village Kem Beach Resorts
Future Projects
Sun Grand City Ancora Residence
Sun Premier Village Ha Long Bay
Prices & areas
The price of a resort in Sun Premier Village Kem Beach Resorts in Kien Giang is USD 700,000
