The 6th International Processing, Filling and Packaging Exhibition and Conference for Vietnam (ProPak Vietnam 2011) and International Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Processing, Filling, Packaging and Ingredients Exhibition (PIA/Vietnam) are being held in Ho Chi Minh City from March 23-25.

  Around 500 businesses from 18 countries are attending Vietbuild Hanoi 2011, an international exhibition of construction, building materials, housing and interior/exterior decorations, being held from March 23-27.

The World Bank (WB) reported on March 21 that Vietnam announcing policies to stabilize the macroeconomy is an important step toward restoring the country’s image as one of the most attractive destinations in the region.

 The Ho Chi Minh City Statistical Office reported a growth of 2.2 percent in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in March over February, representing a year on year increase of 10.76 percent.

To uphold youths’ role in spurring rural industrialization and modernization, Binh Duong provincial Youth Union and the local Department of Agriculture and Rural Development have implemented a concerted program for the 2010-2012 period. After nearly one year of cooperation, the program has showed remarkable results in helping rural youths apply and transfer advanced techniques to improve productivity and quality of animal and plant species.

Sacombank Finance Leasing Company (Sacombank-SBL) has just signed a credit agreement worth US$5mln with Norfund (the Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries) to provide medium and long-term loans for small and middle-sized businesses in Vietnam.

Truong Thanh Furniture (TTF) just opened a training course on timber processing technique for 21 South African learners. The 3-month course will be divided into 2 phases including the first 2 months learners will study at TTF Dac Lac Center for timber processing and the last month they will practice at TTF Binh Duong.

Upon the province’s policy to promote the industrial development of the northern region, Becamex IDC has invested and built the My Phuoc industrial parks (IPs) in Ben Cat district since 2002. After 9 year-operation, they have not only changed the economic face of Ben Cat district, but also become attractive destinations for FDI businesses.

 The European Union (EU) will officially remove anti-dumping duties on leather-capped shoes imported from Vietnam as of March 31, 2011.

The local leaders worked with reps of local department of Agriculture and Rural Development at all levels to launch hi-tech agriculture projects in the locality.

Thanh Le Trade – Import-Export Company yesterday held the 10th congress for employees 2011 with the participation of the provincial People’s Committee chairman Le Thanh Cung.

The 2010 Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) was released on March 16 by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

A seminar was held in Hanoi on March 15 to boost economic, trade and investment cooperation between Vietnam and Israel , especially in hi-tech agriculture.

The consumers themselves can protect their rights better than any other people or agencies.

Implementing the goal of curbing inflation, the State Bank of Vietnam just decided to adjust 2011’s credit growth plan at the level of 20%, of which credit rating for non-production field was under 16%. At present, many credit bodies are anxious because credit growth in non-production field accounts for 26% of total outstanding loan.