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Japan, Vietnam urge US to rejoin Pacific trade deal

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Japan and Vietnam on Thursday urged the United States to rejoin a sprawling Pacific trade deal, almost two years after President Donald Trump’s withdrawal dealt a major blow to what would have been the world’s largest free trade pact.

Trump pulled out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) deal in one of his first post-election moves as part of his “America First” clarion call, declaring the 12-nation trade pact a “job killer”.

The 11 remaining countries have pledged to move ahead with the deal, which could go into effect by the end of this year, although in a significantly watered-down version without the US.

They have kept a door open for Washington’s return, and have also not ruled out allowing other non-Pacific countries to join the deal.

Japan’s foreign minister on Thursday encouraged the US to come back to the pact, speaking at a regional World Economic Forum (WEF) where concerns over trade protectionism have dominated discussions.

“We believe TPP is still the best option for (the) United States,” Taro Kono said.

“It will be very attractive for American industries, American farmers to join it.”

Japan, the largest remaining economy in the TPP, has led the charge to keep it alive.

The newly rebranded deal, dubbed the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) and which forms a market of 500 million people, could go into effect by the end of 2018, Kono added.

Vietnam’s foreign minister Pham Binh Minh echoed Kono’s appeal, calling the deal “a very high-standard agreement”.

Vietnam stood to be the biggest winner from US involvement before Trump’s withdrawal from the pact, which would have opened access to US markets for its cheap manufactured goods — from shoes and shirts to mobile phones and computer processors.

For smaller signatories like Vietnam, unfettered access to US markets was a major draw.

In its original iteration, the free trade bloc would have made up 38 percent of the global economy. Today, the remaining signatories comprise about 13.5 percent.

Japan and Vietnam’s comments come after Trump said in April the US could re-enter the agreement if it was a “better” deal.

Leaders at this year’s regional WEF summit for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have railed against protectionism and called for breaking down trade barriers.

Trade in the region has grown at breakneck pace in the past decade, transforming some of Southeast Asia’s poorest countries into fast-growing export economies.

Earlier at the summit, which closes Thursday, Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo compared trade disputes to “infinity wars” — a reference to the latest Avengers movie — vowing to fight protectionism.

“Not since the Great Depression of the 1930s have trade wars erupted with the intensity that they have today,” said the leader, who is seeking re-election next year.

“But rest assured I and my fellow avengers stand ready to prevent Thanos from wiping out half the world population,” he said, referring to the film’s villain.

Super typhoon Mangkhut heads China southern coast or northern Vietnam this week

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Mangkhut is set to be the strongest typhoon this year, hitting populous areas

Nearly 43 million people in the south-east Asian region could be affected by it

With winds up to 172mph, it will hit the Philippines today and China or Vietnam on Saturday

It’s expected to be the strongest storm ever to strike densely packed Hong Kong

Super typhoon Mangkhut – expected to be the strongest typhoon this year – is rapidly gathering momentum in the Pacific as it heads towards populous Asian coasts. Dailymail reports.

With powerful winds set to reach 278 kilometres per hour (172 miles per hour), Mangkhut is expected to hit the Philippines today before striking financial hub Hong Kong as well as southern China’s Guangdong Province or northern Vietnam by the weekend.

The tropical cyclone – having already hovered through Marshall Islands and Guam earlier this week – could also impact Taiwan.

Nearly 43 million people in the south-east Asian region could be affected, according to United Nations’ Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System.

Mangkhut is expected to be as strong as Haiyan – a super typhoon that killed more than 6,200 people in the Philippines in 2013.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development of the Philippines has set aside 1.7 billion Philippine Pesos (£24 million) worth of emergency funds and stockpiles in preparation for the possible extreme weather, according to the government-run Philippine Information Agency.

Classes have also been cancelled in some areas of Luzon in the path of the typhoon.

People recover motorbikes from a flooded fields while the Doksuri storm hits in Ha Tinh province, Vietnam September 15, 2017. REUTERS/Kham

According to a report on VNexpress – a local media of Vietnam, Weather forecasters have predicted that four to six typhoons and tropical depressions could develop off the country’s east coast from now until the end of the year. Around two to three storms will make landfall in Vietnam and batter the central region, they have said.

Last month, typhoon Bebinca turned into a tropical depression after it made landfall in the northern province of Thanh Hoa, bringing heavy downpours and gusty winds lasting many hours, killing 10 people in the north-central and northern highland regions.

Vietnam was struck by a record-breaking number of 16 tropical storms last year that left 389 people dead or missing and injured 668 others, mostly in northern and central regions. Damrey, one of the most destructive storms last year, hit the country in November and killed at least 106 people.

Vietnam could be a business alternative to China by hosting World Economic Forum

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Vietnam has a chance this week as World Economic Forum host to show curious foreign investors they can ship exports from the fast-growing country to China or the United States without the hazards of a widening Sino-U.S. trade dispute.

The annual event from Tuesday through Thursday in Hanoi this week gives Vietnam access to multinational companies, some of whom have not visited for more than a decade, said Frederick Burke, partner with the law firm Baker McKenzie in Ho Chi Minh City. About 1,000 delegates were due to attend the event with a program focused on Vietnam’s broader location, Southeast Asia. Ralph Jennings reports on VOA.

Vietnam looks to foreign investment in export manufacturing to keep its economy growing at 6-7 percent. It will probably impress on delegates this year that investors can ship goods to China as well as the United States without getting embroiled in the Sino-U.S. trade war, experts say.

“At the end of the day it’s about business and getting a bigger slice of the global economy, and that’s all happening,” Burke said. “It’s the first time we’re seeing a lot of the big multinationals come in and have a look at Vietnam from a perspective of, with the changing trade flows and the global economy, how is Vietnam in a position to strengthen its position in the supply chain.”

Sidelines take center stage

The World Economic Forum’s event in Vietnam, which includes leaders from Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Myanmar, features discussions on aging populations, the Internet economy and high-tech agriculture. Some of the nine leaders in attendance are scheduled to speak during the sessions.

The 47-year-old forum advocates government-private sector cooperation, and many see it as a pro-free trade organization today.

But it’s the sidelines that will matter for Vietnam, analysts believe. Business people will see new infrastructure in the country and may learn about government incentives to bring in export manufacturers. “They’re really rolling out the red carpet for everybody…and trying to accommodate,” Burke said.

Production in Vietnam costs less than in the traditional factory go-to country China, a selling point for the Vietnamese economy over the past 10 years.

Vietnam may also use the forum to push for multi-country free trade agreements, said Carl Thayer, Southeast Asia-specialized emeritus professor at the University of New South Wales in Australia. Its call would counter U.S. President Donald Trump’s focus on bilateral deals instead.

Vietnam hopes, for example, for finalization of an 11-member country Trans Pacific Partnership after its 12th member, the United States, withdrew from the trade deal last year.

With a Sino-U.S. “trade war on the sidelines,” Vietnam will be able to gauge what other leaders think, Thayer said. They might worry, as Vietnam does, that the trade dispute will shake steel exports and hold back the digital economy, he said. The U.S. announced tariffs earlier this year on steel from much of the world.

“Part of hosting these summits is designed to have everybody see Vietnam as a solid international good citizen that’s contributing to the good, and for its own interest as well,” Thayer said.

Vietnam as a China alternative

Last month the United States imposed 25 percent tariffs on $16 billion worth of Chinese goods following the same rate on another $34 billion worth of products in July. Beijing responded in each case by raising tariffs by the same amount on U.S. imports. The U.S. government has vowed to increase tariffs further.

Exporters that ship to the United States from Vietnam would save money compared to peers in China, with little risk to their cross-border supply chains, an associate with the business consultancy Dezan Shira & Associates in Ho Chi Minh City said earlier this year.

Firms that ship from Vietnam to the United States now include Intel and Samsung Electronics. Chinese companies are keen to set up more factories in Vietnam, touching off protests in June over fears in the Southeast Asian country that they would get too much access to special economic zones.

Vietnam counted the United States as its top single-country export destination last year, when it shipped $46.5 billion worth of goods to the U.S. market. Exports to the United States grew 12.5 percent in August, while exports to China expanded by 30 percent. Foreign investment last year contributed to exports worth $155.24 billion.

Vietnam may be able to convince business people at the forum that it’s ideal for intermediate goods such as electronics components, said Alicia Garcia Herrero, Asia Pacific chief economist with the French investment bank Natixis. She added Vietnam is “well placed” as a China alternative because it trades with both China and the United States.

“If they play that card, I think they could do well,” she said.

“This means more FDI into Vietnam, because people will realize that this is a good platform to get a least part of the China business in terms of value chain into the U.S., and I think this is very, very appealing to Vietnam,” Garcia said.

Growing marijuana and cannabis are both illegal, but not everywhere – Here is the cannabis growing guide

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Most people may assume that growing marijuana and cannabis are both illegal. Well depending on who you ask the fact is that there are many benefits of growing cannabis which does not include becoming a drug dealer. Though you could become a legal drug dealer depending on where you reside and if cannabis is legal. You can click here to clear more about legality of cannabis on Wikipedia.

The great thing about growing weed (as it is commonly called) is the fact that it’s easy, does not require and for that reason does not need a lot of space and can be done indoors in a small pot. However, it will initially take some failure before you get that perfect yield. And, if you want to know more about how marijuana dispensaries are changing lives, consider to visit this article or you can click here if you are looking for smoking accessories.

Why Would You Grow Cannabis?

According to an article on Royal Seed Bank, one of the reasons you’d want to know how to grow cannabis is because it allows you to control the outcome. It gives you autonomy over almost every part of the cultivation process. That being said there are so many ways to become a successful cannabis grower and it happens to be an extremely rewarding process. Once you have a bit of experience, it is possible to then come up with a system that works well for you based on the environment you’re living in. Whether you want to cultivate weed organically, use soil containers or hydroponically or perhaps even raised beds, there is a system that will work best for you while making the process fun and rewarding.

Being able to control the growing process also gives people the opportunity to ensure excellent safety from the time they embed seeds into the ground to the final product. Growing marijuana yourself means that you can choose to avoid using fungicides, pesticides, fertilizers, miticides and various other stuff which is deemed harmful to the product and can compromise your immune system in one way or the other.

As far as growing for personal medicinal purposes goes there is little transparency regarding growing technique in some states which can make the product unsafe for medicinal purposes. When you grow it at home, it is possible to take control of the medicine and how it works for you. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of a prescription!

Cannabis Growing Tools of the Trade

Get a Growing Tent: Now the commonsense thing that you should first consider is space. You need a space, and it should be enough for the amount of weed that you intend on growing. I’d personally recommend that you invest in a decent size and quality tent. Tents are generally cheap, and they can be put up as well as taken down by a single person.

There are also some tents that come with all types of hydroponic equipment. However, you’d only want to purchase the size and type needed, so there is no need to go all out on the most expensive tent to grow weed. You’d want to consider a tent that has separate chambers for cloning, vegetable growth, etc. especially if you are living in a one bed and are still learning how to grow cannabis.

Best Grow Lights For Cannabis aka A Glowlight: You’d also want to invest in a HID glow light or an MH system with reflectors, bulbs, and ballasts or an HPS light. If you don’t want the lights to generate too much heat because you’re already living in Texas or some other desert on the North American continent then use LED lights. Ideally, the light you invest in should cover the entirety of the tent and should be hooked up to a timer which controls turning them on and off.

Exhaust Fan as Well as an Activated Carbon Filter: The exhaust fan will help to dissipate the heat while the activated carbon filter will help to remove odors. However, for both items make sure to get ones that are large enough for a tent or room. Remember the fan is meant to circulate air which is essential because stagnant air is bad for growing weed or any other similar plant. Additionally, you’d also want to get a hygrometer or thermometer which helps to track humidity and temperature.

Cannabis Seeds: How to grow cannabis without cannabis seeds? Unfortunately, you can’t, which means that if you don’t have easy access to clones or seeds from any dispensary or perhaps a like-minded friend, then it is possible to get it via mail. If you are not growing legally (something we advise against) make sure it isn’t delivered to the same address where you intend on growing weed. Always grow weed lawfully or the consequences depending on where you live can be dire.

A Lot of Loose Soil: Get 3-5 gallons worth of organic, airy and loose soil which is great for any hydroponic growing system. If you’re going to use buckets cut holes in the bottom and add a saucer underneath them which catches any overflow. Additionally, it will be worth buying growing nutrients which all living things need to grow. Try to get the best quality nutrients by a popular brand.

The Simple Cannabis Grow Guide – Finally!

Once you have all the stuff mentioned above now comes the fun part if growing stuff is fun for you! After you have planted the seeds or perhaps rooted the clones (whichever may be the case), you need to get them to grow.

Growing will require giving the seeds or the rooted clones some light. The light will come when you turn it on, lower the reflector, so it is close to the plants so that they don’t have to stretch for the light. The light system can then be raised slowly as the plant starts to grow. The light should be set on an 18-hour timer each day which means that it is off for just 6 hours a day. During the vegetative state, your marijuana plant will start growing lots of branches and leaves but no flowers yet unless it is an auto-flowering variety.

Beware of Overfeeding and Overwatering

Whether you are growing cannabis outdoors or indoors, there is such a thing as overwatering and overfeeding. Its easier to add more nutrients a little later on or more water for that matter than to take it out if it’s too much. Marijuana roots as a whole prefer dry and wet cycles. To find out lift up the pot or bucket in which the plant is growing and check the roots. Signs of a plant with too many nutrients is burnt leaf tips. The rule of thumb is to stay off the water and nutrients when in doubt.

If you have limited space for cannabis growing make sure to adhere to a few basic rules: Since your space is limited, you need to make sure that the plants take full advantage of each inch you have. The choice may be down to growing Hashplant, or Afghani #1, or perhaps using training techniques if you are trying to grow Super Silver Haze, Kali Mist or Jack Herer.

Pruning Cannabis for a Higher Yield

One of the things that will help to improve the yield is pruning. It is essential to start early and do it often. Cut branches slightly above the node where you might see a couple of shoots emerge. If you prune on time, your marijuana plant will take the appearance of a bonsai bush which means lots of buds on the site but without the plant having to stretch out too much. Now this is the best way to get the most yield out of a very small space though the only drawback is an increase in vegetating time.

The big mistake many newbie growers make is pruning the plant once it has started flowering. If you do that it will decrease the harvest. If the branches look as though they are growing to reach the light; they can just as easily be bent and tied which keeps them from burning up. Alternatively, you could use chicken wire to construct a trellis system which should help to further spread out the buds on site and increase the yield too. Take the time to train all the growing shoots so that they grow along the bottom of your screen to fill all the empty spots.

Inducing Flowering

One of the most important cannabis growing stages is flowering. So, deciding when you should introduce flowering in the plant is a personal one. As mentioned above the key to growing weed successfully is knowing how much space you have to dedicate and then figure things out accordingly. Once flowering is induced, the plants will stretch for a couple of weeks. Generally, they stretch at one week per gallon size container, so a five-gallon bucket will give you around five to six weeks of vegetative space.

The lighting during the flowering stage should be set at just 12 hours for on and off. The 12-hour dark period shouldn’t be interrupted at any cost because it can cause many issues.

The other thing you’ll want to do is change the feeding regimen. Your plant’s nutrient needs will increase during the flowering phase and so it would be worth using a blooming solution. If you are currently growing a flower strain for 60 days, it is vital to flush down the growth medium with plain water at day 46-47 the latest.

Curing, Drying and Eventually Harvesting your Marijuana

When to harvest the buds is as essential as knowing how to grow cannabis. The easiest way to verify the right time to harvest is to use a large magnifying glass to look at the trichomes, which are the small glandular looking stalk sometimes called “crystals.” They resemble small glass mushrooms that have a stem with a round top. Inside this gland is the psychoactive compound that we all want, i.e. CBD and THC etc. When the glands become cloudy white in color just prior to turning amber, it is time to harvest them.

Once the buds are harvested they have to be trimmed and hung up to dry. It can take around a week for the these to dry mainly depending on the time of year and the humidity. Though you wouldn’t want to rush the process any sooner than 4 days because if you do, then be prepared to deal with a strange chlorophyll type taste.

You can further improve the drying process by using a humidifier in the drying room if you think the nuggets are drying too soon. A word of caution for those who use fans is never to allow it to blow directly on the buds but instead, the air should circulate adequately to avoid mold and also rot.

Once it has been established that the buds are dry enough, they can be put in a jar. One way to tell is that the stems will still have a bit of bend in them, but the flowers will be paper dry. However, even at this point, there is still water in the bud, but that will come out during the curing process.

Store the buds in an opaque jar and leave them in a cool, dry and dark place. You can later open up the jars and leave them open if you see condensation forming on the inside. Opening the closing the jars twice a day will help to replenish the air inside. It takes around a month for the curing process to complete at this point the buds will taste perfectly and burn readily.

Conclusion

Generally speaking growing cannabis outdoors as well as indoors is about the same. All you need to be careful of outdoors is the elements like birds, rats, worms, etc. Plus, it is also important to always use the right tools. Take detailed notes and don’t let initial failures turn you off, it is part of the learning process. Plus, it could also lead to you coming up with the right method of growing marijuana which works best where you live and what you want to achieve regarding the final yield.

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What to expect from Apple’s September 12 event?

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We’re a day away from another Apple event, where the trillion-dollar company will unveil the latest drool-worthy gadgets and gear. Apple sent out invitations for its annual September gathering earlier this month, where we’ll likely see a new set of iPhone devices, a new Apple Watch, and possibly a range of other devices too. The event itself is set to take place on September 12 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time, though no matter where you live you should be able to live-stream it for yourself. Here’s

What exactly will Apple announce? We’ve been following rumors surrounding all the upcoming products for the past year, and we’ve rounded them up into this short, handy guide. Here’s everything we expect to see at Apple’s “Gather Round” event. Christian de Looper reports on digitaltrends.com

THREE IPHONES

Last year, Apple unveiled the iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone 8 Plus. This year, rumors suggest it will announce three different models again. Apple is expected to fully adopt the edge-to-edge design (including the notch) seen on the iPhone X for all models of the iPhone. Thankfully, they won’t all cost $1,000. Apple will reportedly release two successors to the iPhone X, dubbed the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, and they will be sized at 5.8 inches and 6.5 inches. Apple will also release a 6.1-inch model, which is expected to be the cheapest of the lot. It will also have an edge-to-edge display with a notch, but the main difference will stem from the use of a LCD screen instead of OLED used on the other two.

The new iPhone XS devices are expected to arrive in a new gold color model, alongside an updated processor, eSIM support, a potential Lightning to USB Type-C cable, and more. The prices are rumored to range from $650 to $1,000.

APPLE WATCH SERIES 4

Just like it did last year, Apple is expected to release a new Apple Watch alongside the new series of iPhones. The Apple Watch Series 4 will retain many of the features of the Apple Watch Series 3, but it’s expected to include a display that’s larger by as much as 15 percent — making it an edge-to-edge display, like that on the iPhone X.

Other rumors about the watch indicate Apple may do away with the Wi-Fi model altogether — leaving only the LTE model (you will likely still be able to use Wi-Fi without paying for LTE with this model). It may also feature a UV sensor, and will run Apple’s latest version of watchOS 5.0.

MACBOOK AIR

Apple has long been expected to release a new low-cost MacBook, and rumors indicate the company will introduce a refresh of the MacBook Air. The new device is expected to feature Intel’s 8th-generation processors, along with a larger display. The updated computer will reportedly get a 13-inch Retina display, and will likely feature modern ports, like USB-C.

Not much else is known about the new laptop, except for the fact that it will most likely come at a starting price of around $1,000. It’s also not totally certain the new MacBook Air will be released at this September event. Instead, it could show up in October.

For some devices, the usb connector is needed if a user is planning to transfer files to a laptop or desktop to get more free storage space.

MAC MINI

Apple may also be planning a long-awaited refresh of the Mac Mini — and it’s about time, considering the computer was last updated in 2014. There will likely be quite a few performance upgrades. Apple will probably adopt Intel’s eighth-generation chips for the computer, and may do away with outdated hard drives in favor of only solid-state options. On top of that, while Apple may not completely revamp the design, it will likely at least update the port selection on the computer to include a few USB-C ports.

When it comes to pricing, the new Mac Mini may start in the $1,000 price range, and will range up from there. Like the MacBook Air, however, there’s no certainty that the Mac Mini will show up at the September 12 event — it may well instead be released later in the year.

IPAD PRO 2018

Another rumor to have popped up in recent days is that Apple will update the iPad Pro. It’ll be more than just a spec-bump too — rumors indicate Apple will give the iPad Pro the iPhone X treatment, with slimmer bezels around the screen, as well an updated A-series processor, and perhaps even a little more RAM.

With the new design, there may be no more home button, which means Face ID may replace Touch ID. That may be a double-edged sword, though, as rumors suggest Face ID might only work in vertical mode — meaning you won’t be able to dock the iPad to a keyboard and unlock it with your face. Apple may move the Smart Connector to the bottom of the iPad, so manufacturers may need to build new keyboards.

AIRPOWER

Apple officially announced the AirPower charger almost a full year ago, but the charger has yet to be released. When it is, AirPower will be able to charge up to three devices at a time — meaning in the evening you can plop down your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods to charger — and they’ll be good to go in the morning. It’s using unique technology that will be able to identify the products and provide the correct amount of energy needed. And will we see a new version of Apple’s wireless earphones too … the AirPods 2?

While we’re not completely certain AirPower will see the light of day at Apple’s upcoming event, we certainly wouldn’t be surprised to see it.

OPERATING SYSTEM RELEASES

Alongside new hardware, Apple will also release new software to the public. A few of those releases are all but definite. There’s iOS 12, which will be released likely on September 12 itself. You can check out our hands-on review for all the details on what’s new.

Next up is watchOS 5, which is also likely to be pushed to Apple Watch users on September 12 or soon after. The new operating system boasts a few improvements to watchOS and how it works, including better health and fitness tracking, Walkie Talkie mode, Siri Shortcuts, and more. On top of that, Siri will be better at listening to your needs — you’ll no longer need to say “Hey Siri” to activate her. Instead, simply hold your wrist up to your mouth, and Siri should be listening.

Last but not last is macOS, which is being updated to macOS Mojave. It’s expected that the new macOS will be released alongside new Apple computers — meaning it’s not a certainty that the new operating system will be released at this event. Still, if it is, macOS users will enjoy a number of new features, including a new Dark Mode, a revamped App Store, and Stacks, which are automatically arranged groups of files on the desktop.

VinFast to debut sedan and SUV at the Paris Motor Show this October

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VinFast, Vietnam’s new (and only) automaker, turned to its citizens to decide what its inaugural vehicles should look like. Now, VinFast is sharing the first images of the final product — a sedan and SUV that will debut October 2 at the Paris Motor Show.

The vehicles were officially designed by Italian company Pininfarina, which collaborated with VinFast. Before the design process started in earnest, VinFast took 20 sketches from four Italian car design houses and let the public vote on their favorite in a nationwide poll that attracted 62,000 people. The images below are the ultimate fruits of that early voting on what styling direction VinFast should take.

Both vehicles have a prominent chrome “V” in the center of the grille and LED daytime running lights that create an italicized F-motif. The premium sedan has a long hood and horizontal body lines, while the SUV has a more muscular-looking hood.

Vietnamese singer to perform at Asia Song Festival

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Vu Cat Tuong, a Vietnamese singer is famous among young Vietnamese music fans with hit songs like Don’t You Go, Trace of Rain or Yesterday, will perform at the Asia Song Festival to be held at Busan ASIAD Main Stadium in the Republic of Korea on October 2-3.

The musical event will gather artists from various countries and territories within the region as well as famed K-Pop stars including Wanna One, Red Velvet and Seventeen. Singer Lee Teuk of Korean boyband Super junior will be the MC of the event. VNA reports.

Tuong revealed that she would perform two songs that she had recently composed on the main day of the festival on October 3.

Asia Song Festival has been held annually in the Republic of Korea since 2004. The festival has been aired in many Asian countries and territories like the Republic of Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

The participating singers are invited by the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Chairman of the Korea Foundation for International Culture Exchange.

During previous festivals, Vietnamese singers Noo Phuoc Thinh and Dong Nhi were invited to perform at the event

Hanoi urges residents to stop eating dog meat as three die of rabies

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On Tuesday, Hanoi officials urged residents to ease off eating dog meat, saying the popular dish is tarnishing the city’s image and risks spreading rabies.

Roasted, boiled or steamed, dog meat can be found in markets and food shops across the capital city famed for its tasty street food, and the meat is traditionally eaten with rice wine or beer. But Hanoi People’s Committee has warned residents to lay off canine meat to prevent the spread of rabies and other animal-borne diseases.

It also urged them to stop eating cat meat, often dubbed “little tiger” on Vietnamese menus, which is less popular than dog but still readily available in rural areas.

The practice of killing the animals is often cruel and the city government hopes it can be gradually phased out, it said in a statement, adding that it was a matter of preserving Hanoi’s reputation as a “civilised and modern capital” among foreigners, many of which consider eating the meat of animals commonly kept as pets taboo.

“The trading, killing and use of dog and cat meat has brought on a negative reaction from tourists and expatriates living in Hanoi,” the statement said.

There are about 493,000 dogs and cats in the city, the vast majority of which are kept as domesticated pets, and about 1,000 shops open for selling the animal meat.

Three people have died from rabies in Hanoi since the beginning of this year, and two others were confirmed infected with the disease, according to official figures.

Vietnam’s capital city is renowned globally for its street food, and its culinary staples such as pho noodle soup and pate banh mi sandwiches have reached menus around the world from Paris to Pittsburgh. Hanoi city is also a playground for more adventurous diners who can sample fried frog meat, fertilised duck embryo or hot-pot turtle meat.

According to a report on Businesslive

Asking the difficult questions at World Economic Forum on ASEAN

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Southeast Asia has come a long way. ASEAN has evolved from an agrarian backwater that has been stricken by war and ravaged by colonialism to become a global economic powerhouse. The 10 members that make up ASEAN now have a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of US$2.4 trillion, and is the third fastest growing major Asian economy after China and India.

“Looking back, ASEAN helped transform Southeast Asia from an area of enmity into a region of amity; from a pocket of poverty into a land of opportunities, and; from a zone of instability into an ecosystem of peace, stability, and prosperity,” said Retno Marsudi, Foreign Minister of Indonesia succinctly of ASEAN’s transformation. The Asian Post reports.

While ASEAN as a bloc may still be behind some of the world’s major players such as the United States (US), China and the European Union (EU), the region is quickly catching up. ASEAN has embraced with open arms the Fourth Industrial Revolution by quickly establishing itself as a tech hub with a robust tech start-up scene. ASEAN is already home to a number of unicorns – start-ups valued at US$1 billion and above – such as Grab, Sea and Go-Jek.

With the Fourth Industrial Revolution heralding new technology to the region, mixed feelings arise. On one hand, there is genuine excitement that these new technologies could make the lives of millions of people in the region easier. However, on the other hand, many observers fear that automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) could cause eventually result in widespread unemployment.

As ASEAN’s global impact increases so does its geopolitical importance and influence. Also due to the region’s strategic location on the map, Southeast Asia has received unprecedented attention from global powers, namely the US and China. Over the past five years, China has been making inroads in the region. The world’s second largest economy has been pouring in billions of dollars in investments for various infrastructure projects in virtually every ASEAN country. Furthermore, China is carving out its own territory in the waters of the South China Sea despite the ruling against them at the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Meanwhile, the US is looking to counter the influence of China by way of its allies in the Quad – Australia, Japan and India.

ASEAN also faces a number of internal challenges too. At the moment, Myanmar is facing a humanitarian crisis with the Rohingya Muslims and democracy is fast eroding in other neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Cambodia.

As the region fast forwards into the 21st century at lightning pace, important and difficult questions about the future of ASEAN are being raised. Will automation lead to mass unemployment? Can ASEAN become the next global hub for technology? What is the future of democracy in the region?

Where To Go in Vietnam Based On Your Personality

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Are you a lazy beach bum looking for the perfect strip of white sand? An adventurer looking for a mountainous trek? Or simply someone that loves urban cities? Vietnam seems to have a place for every personality.

The partygoer:

Ha Long Bay, Castaway Island

Ha Long Bay is the quintessential must-visit place in Vietnam for any and all types of travellers, as it is ideal for a quiet getaway, a romantic holiday or even for someone looking to explore some culture. However, the parties held at Castaway Island, one of the many islands scattered within the bay, are notorious and infamously known to be some of the best in all of Vietnam.

Getting around the bay requires you to book some sort of tour as it is almost impossible to do it yourself. If you’re there looking to party, then look no further than Ha Long Bay Castaway Tour. For over 10 years, they have been offering an all-inclusive two-day or three-day tour of some of the must-see stunning sights of the region. These include activities like sailing around stunning karsts, exploring fishing villages, dining in caves, kayaking, etc. – all the while letting you party your trunks off at the beach in the evening till the wee hours of the morning.

The wanderer:

Sapa

Sapa is a picturesque little town in the northwest of Vietnam and is the country’s premier trekking base. There are plenty of mountains, valleys and ethnic villages for you to explore and get lost in nature.

Over in Sapa you will find the highest mountain in Indochina, Mount Fansipan, which is a beast to conquer. You can opt to do this yourself, but due to recent deaths, this is not recommended. The best way is by taking a group tour, since everything is arranged for you — food, hiking gear, the route, and awesome local homestays where you can mingle with the tribes people. The best ones span over two days and you can check out the tours offered by Sapa O’Chau, a social enterprise that does responsible treks.

Another must-do trek is Muong Hoa Valley, and the best treks will take you days. Hike your way through terraced rice fields, streams and waterfalls and spend your time meeting the locals and crashing over at their homes. They are extremely welcoming. Expect to sleep on the floor in traditional long tail houses, shower in cold water, wake up to roosters around 03.00 a.m., and of course, lots and lots of homemade happy water (rice wine). A good route to take is from Sapa Town to Ta Van Village through Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai. On the second day you can carry on to Ban Ho through Giang Ta Chai. This three-day, two-night tour offered by Central Backpackers Hostel in Hanoi does just that.

The adventurer seeker:

Phong Nha Ke Bang

What’s more adventurous than going on a five-day expedition underground and exploring the world’s largest cave? Phong Nha Ke Bang in Vietnam houses Hang Son Doong, formed during the Carboniferous/Permian geological periods, putting it at a date between two to five million years old. This cave was founded by a curious local by the name of Ho Khanh in 1991, and inside, the cave has its own climate, forests, rivers, and waterfalls – most of which you can enjoy. The cave is used mostly for scientific exploration since it is virtually untouched by man, so imagine going into a place that has been almost free of human involvement for millions of years. It will be like A Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne.

Camping in Son Doong cave | © Doug Knuth/Flickr

Oxalis Adventure Tours, the only company allowed to offer tours to the cave, organised the first tourist expedition inside in 2013, at a cost of USD$3,000. You need to be fit to partake in this, as there is a lot of trekking, rappelling down on ropes, climbing, sleeping under stars in a hammock in the jungle, swimming in underground river caves, etc. The waiting list is also rather long as the government only creates about 500 permits a year.

If this got your adventure senses tingling but you ultimately realise you cannot wait so long, opt to explore Hang En cave, the world’s third largest. Other caves to explore are Tu Lan, Hang Va, and Hang Tien. Oxalis has expeditions to all of these.

Social media butterfly:

Hoi An

Just south of Da Nang lies the magical little town of Hoi An, a perfect candidate of what the Vietnam tourism industry is aiming to show the world.

Once a very popular trading port in the silk route, it is now one of the most touristy cities of Vietnam — but despite the crowd, the enchanting charm of the place remains. There are plenty of historical spots to explore in Hoi An, but that’s not all. Tra Que Organic Vegetable Garden where you can try your hand at farming and fishing, and An Bang/Cua Dai beach is within minutes reach as well, providing plenty of opportunity for you to explore, and take a few Instagram-perfect shots. On the outskirts of the city are specialty villages you can reach by cycling such as Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Kim Bong Carpentry Village, Tra Nhieu Fishing Village, and Duy Vinh Sleeping Mat Village, etc.

In 1999, UNESCO formally recognised Hoi An Ancient Town as a World Heritage Site. The town itself is also beautiful to explore, with charming yellow tea houses and lantern-lit alleyways. On full moon days, it gets extra special as the whole city will be full of lanterns. Hoi An is one of the most picturesque cities you can visit in Vietnam, and one day is enough to snap a month’s worth of pictures. It is guaranteed to get you a couple hundred followers quickly — that is, if you are pro at the hashtag game.

The spoiled beach bum:

Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is a fantastic island getaway in the south-west of Vietnam. It is the ideal destination for those seeking fancy resorts and clean beaches. The island is surrounded on all sides by gorgeous beaches, some of which are yet to be explored, and in the north, there is the ginormous Phu Quoc National Park — with plenty of mountains, jungle, streams and waterfalls, perfect for hiking, camping and getting in touch with nature.

Phu Quoc refers to an archipelago of 22 islands so you really have a lot of beach to explore. However, it’s hard to access many of these if you do not know what you are doing. In the main island of Phu Quoc, the popular ones are Bai Sao (Star beach) and Bai Dai (Long beach). Along Long beach is where you’ll find most of the high-end resorts, whereas Sao beach is at the opposite side of the island (east coast) and is very quiet from sunset onward. If you want even lesser known beaches that are also easily accessible, try May Rut islet, Mui Ong Doi, Ong Lang, Bai Thom, and Ganh Dau beach. Find one for yourself, spread out a beach blanket and spend the day working on your tan while you dive into a good, nail-biting book.

The workaholic:

Ho Chi Minh City

Last but not least is Ho Chi Minh City, the commercial capital of Vietnam and the most Westernised city. With so many sprawling high rises, office spaces, high-end residential areas, and awesome alley cafes, this city is perfect for the workaholic that loves urban cities, and spending their day working on their laptop. When you are done with work, head out to one of the many rooftop bars dotted around the city and contemplate the amazing opportunity you are taking advantage of. The city never sleeps, just like you.

The city that never sleeps | © dronepicr/Flickr

By Piumi Rajapaksha, The Culture Trip

How will control of alcohol consumption affect Vietnam’s economy?

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The liquor and beer industry contributed VND50 trillion to the national economy in 2017, but the total damages to society might be up to 1.3-3.3 percent of GDP, equal to VND65 trillion.

According to Vietnamnet, The World Health Organization (WHO) has sent a letter to Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien, about a draft of a law on preventing the damaging effects of alcohol and beer for consideration by the National Assembly in October

WHO has recommended three policies, on liquor & beer pricing, restricting the availability of liquor and beer, and controlling ads for the products.

Experts are still divided on how tight the control over alcohol and beer should be. Some of them emphasize that the industry is a big taxpayer.

The reports of the General Statistics Office (GSO) show steady year-on-year increase in tax amounts collected from the industry.

The liquor and beer industry contributed VND50 trillion to the national economy in 2017, but the total damages to society might be up to 1.3-3.3 percent of GDP, equal to VND65 trillion.

In 2014, the enterprises in the industry paid VND23.57 trillion to the state budget. The figure rose to VND28.878 trillion in 2015. By the end of 2017, they had paid nearly VND50 trillion.

Heineken Vietnam ranked seventh in the list of 1,000 biggest corporate income tax payers in 2017.

The list, released by the General Department of Taxation (GDT), comprises alcohol and brewery enterprises, such as Sabeco, which holds the largest domestic market share, and Habeco.

Heineken Vietnam reported that the total amount of money that member companies contributed to the national economy had reached VND42.3 trillion, or 0.88 percent of GDP.

The 2017 combined financial reports showed that the corporate income tax Sabeco paid was VND1.14 trillion, while Habeco paid VND199 billion.

Nguyen Van Viet, chair of the Vietnam Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Association (VBA), has asked state agencies to carefully consider new policies, warning that if the new regulations cause difficulties for domestic producers, they will pave the way for foreign products to conquer the market.

VBA affirmed that Vietnamese alcohol and beer consumption is at a medium level.

Regarding beer consumption, each Vietnamese consumes 40.8 liters a year, according to a report released by a Japanese university in 2016.

With the figure, Vietnam is behind South Korea and Japan. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic, which has topped the list of drinkers for 24 years, has consumption level of 143.3 liters per head per annum.

WHO reported that Vietnamese consumed an average of 8.3 liters of pure alcohol in 2015, a very high level in the region.

US$1=VND22,000

Apple reseller to open in Ho Chi Minh City

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The store, named eDiGi, is the first authorised store to meet the standards of both Apple Premium Reseller (APR) and Apple Service Provider (ASP) in Viet Na

APR is a higher level than Apple Authorised Reseller (AAR), represented in Viet Nam by stores like FutureWorld and iCenter. Currently, only FPT’s F.Studio is at APR level.

Besides selling Apple products, eDiGi store will also be an authorised warranty centre. Users of genuine Apple products and some models purchased from other countries can also come here for warranty support.

According to statistics, the number of authorised Apple resellers in Viet Nam is only 15. Singapore has 527 and Thailand 480. FPT Retail and Mobile World currently account for 80 per cent of genuine Apple product sales in Viet Nam, with the rest coming from network operators and small retailers.

The eDiGi will be located near HCM City Central Post Office, District 1

According to a report on VNS

Hanoi’s Mayor tells residents to stop eating cats, dogs

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Residents in Vietnam’s capital have been told to stop eating dog meat because it hurts the city’s image and improper slaughtering of the animals could spread rabies.

For many Vietnamese, dog meat is a delicacy that is thought to increase stamina.

Hanoi Vice Mayor Nguyen Van Suu said in a message on the city’s website that slaughtering and consuming dog and cat meat are disturbing to foreigners and “negatively impact the image of a civilised and modern capital.”

Nguyen instructed local governments to raise awareness of the risk of rabies when raising dog and cat meat.

Around 493,000 dogs and cats are in the Vietnam’s capital city.

Some 87.5 per cent are kept as pets and the rest used for “other purposes’’ namely for their meat, according to city statistics.

Dog and cat meat is considered a delicacy by some Vietnamese, although others have shunned the practice as house pets become increasingly popular among the growing middle class.

“Slaughtering, using dog and cat meat has created objections among tourists and international visitors living in Hanoi, affecting the image of a civilized capital,’’ said a directive issued by Nguyen.

Three people died this year from rabies, possibly transmitted via meat, the official said.

“People need to abandon the habit of using dog and cat meat,’’ the document said.

Ha Noi FC takes early V.League 2018 title five games

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Ha Noi FC have been crowned champions of V.League 1 with five games to spare after claiming an unassailable 16-point lead following Sunday’s 2-0 triumph over Song Lam Nghe An.

Following a goalless first half at the Hang Day Stadium, Hoang Vu Samson opened the scoring for the hosts in the 61st minute before adding a second in the third minute of injury-time to put the result beyond doubt.

The win means that there is now no way second-placed Sanna Khanh Hoa BVN can catch Ha Noi despite them also winning on Sunday, as they beat Nam Dinh 2-1.

By wrapping up the title, Ha Noi are also guaranteed a return to continental football following a year’s absence and should be entering the AFC Champions League at the second preliminary round of qualifying, with a spot in the AFC Cup their consolation should they fail to qualify for Asia’s premier club competition.

Goals from Lam Ti Phong and Nguyen Hoang Quoc Chi put Sanna Khanh Hoa firmly in control of proceedings, although they did have to endure a nervy finish to the contest as Pham Van Quy pulled one back for the hosts just after the hour mark.

Elsewhere, Rimario Gordon hit a hat-trick to help FLC Thanh Hoa beat Hoang Anh Gia Lai 3-0, SHB Da Nang recorded a 2-1 win over XSKT Can Tho, while Nguyen Van Ngo and Dominique Da Sylva were both on target in the second half as Sai Gon beat Becamex Binh Duong 2-0.

According to a report on FourFourTwo

Communities pioneer new HIV testing approach in Vietnam

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A community-based HIV testing pilot set up in Vietnam in 2016 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Viet Nam Authority for HIV/AIDS Control is empowering communities and changing lives.

On Tuesday nights, Dang Quoc Phong and his friends get together at a café in Can Tho, Vietnam. They’re not just there to drink coffee and catch up – some are getting tested for HIV. “Guys like coming here because they feel more comfortable, and it’s convenient to be able to pass by after work or classes,” says Phong, a peer leader among men who have sex with men.

A few blocks away, on Wednesday mornings, female sex workers Le Thi Phung and Duong Ho Hue Tam welcome other FSW to their house to drink tea, talk and, if they want, test for HIV.

Duong Ho Hue Tam does an HIV test for a female sex worker in Can Tho, Vietnam.

Free HIV testing has been available in hospitals and clinics across Vietnam for some time, but getting those at highest risk of infection to come to a facility has proven difficult.

Data from 2016 revealed that just 36% of people who inject drugs, 41% of men who have sex with men, and 43% of female sex workers had ever tested for HIV. But as Vietnam focuses on reaching the global target of 90% of people living with HIV knowing their status by 2020, getting people the health services they need, where and when they need them, and without financial hardship is now a priority.

To help with this goal, the Vietnam Authority for HIV/AIDS Control partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2016/17 to pilot community-based HIV testing in two provinces. This makes Vietnam one of the first countries to adopt WHO recommendations targeting those not testing in traditional facilities.

In the pilot, people from the men who have sex with me, female sex workers and people who inject drug communities were trained to use HIV test kits and to counsel their peers to take a test. Last year, 2520 people at risk of HIV in Thai Nguyen and Can Tho provinces were supported by a peer to get tested. Among those, 140 people were found to be HIV-positive and 94% (131/140) started antiretroviral therapy.

The community-led approach has enabled more people with HIV to be diagnosed and start lifesaving treatment. This is important both for their health and for preventing others from becoming infected, as treatment reduces the amount of virus in a person’s body, dramatically cutting the risk that they will pass it on.

In 2017, peer testing identified 60% of all new HIV cases in Thai Nguyen and 30% of new cases in Can Tho. Nearly 70% of those who took an HIV test in the pilot were first-time testers, suggesting that this community-based approach is achieving its goal of “reaching the unreached”.

As a result of the pilot success, partner testing is now also being implemented – where partners of people who test positive are encouraged to also get tested. Of the 68 partners tested, 27 (40%) were also confirmed to be HIV-positive and 93% (25/27) started treatment.

“The peer leaders in Thai Nguyen and Can Tho are helping people within their communities to find out their HIV status and get started on treatment when necessary. They’re also helping gather evidence for the development of national guidelines on community-based HIV testing,” said Dr Kidong Park, WHO Representative in Vietnam. “This innovative approach is essential to ensuring the people who really need access to HIV testing get it.”

WHO has worked closely with the government to support provincial AIDS centres in training, monitoring and supporting peer educators so that they can provide high-quality services. Financial support from the local government has been mobilized to ensure peer educators receive an allowance to cover their costs. This is essential to the sustainability of community-based HIV testing, ensuring it can continue after the pilot is completed.

Vietnam is aiming to end transmission of HIV, in line with global goals. While there is still a long way to go, the commitment of peer leaders like Phong, Phung and Tam is changing lives, and showing how enabling communities to take the lead can make a difference.

According to a report on Avert