The food and farming industry wants assurances from the government that it will still be able to recruit enough staff from the EU after Brexit. The demand came as part of a manifesto drawn up by more than 100 organisations across the industry and sent to the PM. It urges the government to publish a white paper setting out its immigration plans "as a matter of priority". A government spokesperson said those in the sector would be able to recruit EU citizens until December 2020. Those in the farming industry have previously raised concerns about the impact of leaving the European Union on agricultural labour, which is often short-term, flexible and seasonal. Environment Secretary Michael Gove said earlier this year that the case for a seasonal agricultural workers scheme after the UK leaves the EU in 2019 was "compelling." It said the "significant number" of EU nationals the sector employed meant it was vital the government "ensures a continuing, adequate supply of permanent and seasonal … [Read more...] about Food and farming sector makes post-Brexit demands
Students and lecturers unite against illegal wildlife medicine
On May 25, students, lecturers, and faculty staff from five of Vietnam’s traditional medicine (TM) universities developed communications strategies to combat the use of illegal wildlife products in traditional medicinal treatments as part of a two-day workshop that was concluded today in Cuc Phuong National Park. Sarah Fergusson, head of TRAFFIC's Vietnam office Thirty students and lecturers from Tue Tinh Medical College, Thanh Tay University, Pham Ngoc Thach Medical University, Hanoi Medical University, and Hanoi Medical College joined the workshop, which was funded by WWF Germany and organised by TRAFFIC, Vietnam Oriental Traditional Medicine Association (VOTMA), and behaviour change communication orginisation Intelligentmedia as part of their efforts to reduce demand for illegal wildlife products. “We are committed to ensuring that traditional medicine continues to be practiced in Vietnam in accordance with the law and sustainable principles. As the tide turns … [Read more...] about Students and lecturers unite against illegal wildlife medicine
Sony might stop making phones
Sony’s new CEO has just revealed plans for the company to focus on services and other core areas of Sony profitability, such as streaming services. Smart phone manufacturing was not mentioned in Sony Corporation's three-year plan Sony has a new chief executive officer who replaces CEO Kaz Hirai which means a new strategic direction for the company's future, which might include a move away from consumer gadgets. This might well mean that the company is stepping away from making not only phones, but also the popular PlayStation and Sony cameras, according to Reuters. This move takes place only two years after Sony’s new smart phone factory in Thailand started operations. This was the first smart phone manufacturing plant in 20 years, replacing the old manufacturing line of the struggling smart phone maker. New Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida has just unveiled a new three-year plan for the company, with a focus on services and other core areas of Sony profitability. Sony … [Read more...] about Sony might stop making phones
Consumer finance firms rake in cash
The roundtable talk on consumer finance held by VIR in Hanoi on May 22, 2018, Photo: Dung Minh Data from StoxPlus and the National Financial Supervisory Commission shows that Vietnam’s total outstanding consumer credit reached a size of roughly $26.5 billion by the end of 2017, a surge of 65 per cent on-year. The growth of consumer credit reportedly outshined the growth of total outstanding credit, which was recorded at 19 per cent for the same period. With such growth, consumer credit has risen to account for some 18 per cent of total credit in 2017, up 12.3 per cent on-year. Recent research carried out by Viet Capital Securities reveals that Vietnam’s consumer finance market could soar by 30 per cent per year over the next two years, to reach some VND1 quadrillion ($44 billion) by 2019. Bulk financial resources Given the development of the consumer finance market over the years and its potential for the future, there is an immense demand for financial resources at … [Read more...] about Consumer finance firms rake in cash
State President Tran Dai Quang and spouse to pay state visit to Japan
Vietnamese State President Tran Dai Quang and his spouse will pay a state visit to Japan from May 29 to June 2, 2018 at the invitation of the Japanese government. State President Tran Dai Quang Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko will meet and hold a state banquet to welcome Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang and his spouse. President Quang will also hold talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The visit takes place as Japanese-Vietnamese relations are at their historical strongest. The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1973 and upgraded ties to an Extensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia in 2014. The two nations have maintained high-level visits and meetings at international and regional multilateral forums. Japan is one of the leading economic partners of Vietnam and the first country among the G7 to recognise the market economy status of Vietnam (October 2011). Currently, Japan is the largest official development … [Read more...] about State President Tran Dai Quang and spouse to pay state visit to Japan