Vietnam Morning News For February 13

Gov’t to allow food importers to self declare
In a policy turnaround, the Government has said it is determined to assist food and beverage importers and producers by reducing inspection times, costs and criteria, opting for businesses to make self declarations instead of being constantly watchdogged by officials.
— Bizhub

Textile exports to China growing
Though Vietnam remains a big importer of textile feedstock and accessories from China, its rising exports to China is a promising sign, according to the Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group.
— VietnamPlus

Seven investors registered to buy all Vinasugar II shares at auction
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) estimates to earn VND664 billion ($29.25 million) after the auction of Vietnam Sugarcane and Sugar Corporation II JSC (Vinasugar II).
— VietnamNet Bridge

Vietnam can export longans to Australia in 2019
Longans from Vietnam may be exported to Australia in 2019, according to a delegation of the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.
— Fresh Plaza

Vietnamese startups receive $291m funding in 2017 led by handful of big deals
Vietnamese startups raised $290 million in 2017, 42 per cent higher than $205 million last year, on the back of a couple of bigger ticket-sized deals including investments into gourmet media platform Foody Corporation and e-commerce player Tiki, according to data collated by Hanoi-based edtech group and accelerator Topica Founder Institute (TFI).
— DealStreetAsia

SBV requested to supervise cryptocurrency transactions
In the resolution brought at its monthly meeting, in January the government urged the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) to closely supervise transactions related to cryptocurrencies.
— The Hanoi Times

Gold prices rise significantly before Tet
The gold prices of two Vietnamese gold bars on Monday saw significant increases of from VND70,000 (US$3.07) to VND110,000 per tael, in line with the global trend.
— Bizhub

State budget revenue in January up 5.2 percent on year
Total revenue of the State budget in January was estimated at 114.2 trillion VND (5 billion USD), equivalent to 8.7 percent of the year’s estimate and up 5.2 percent from the same period last year, according to the Finance Ministry.
— VietnamPlus

Malaysia’s RHB Bank to acquire remaining 51% of Vietnam Securities Corporation
RHB Bank Bhd, Malaysia’s fourth-largest lender by assets, has announced that it plans to acquire the 51 per cent stake in Vietnam Securities Corporation (VNSEC) it does not currently own for VND121.63 million ($5.37 million) in cash.
— DealStreetAsia

Hanoi targets 7.5-8 percent export growth in 2018
Hanoi has set a target of 7.5-8 percent in export growth in 2018 as compared to last year, which requires stronger efforts from both the industry-trade sector and businesses.
— VietnamPlus

Vietnam’s socio-economic situation continues positive trend
Following the success of 2017, Vietnam`s socio-economic situation continues its growing trend in January 2018, stated in the government`s monthly press briefing on January.
— The Hanoi Times

Vietnamese stocks bounce back after harrowing week for investors
Just one more day of trading is left before the Lunar New Year, and investors are pinning their hopes on it being green.
— VnExpress

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