Symposium on attracting Japanese SMEs

On 22 Mar 2012,VDF, JICA and MPI co-hosted a symposium on "Attracting Japanese SMEs into IPs and IZs for developing Vietnam's supporting industry" at Nikko Hotel, Hanoi. More than hundred people participated with media coverage. Opening remarks were given by MPI Vice Minister Nguyen Van Trung, Japanese Ambassador Yasuaki Tanizaki, and NEU President Nguyen Van Nam. Mr. Tsuno (JICA Vietnam Representative) explained a broad menu of JICA support for Vietnam’s industrial development. Prof. Ohno (VDF/GRIPS) argued ways to attract a large number of Japanese SMEs for mutual benefit of Vietnam and Japan. Mr. Ryouke and Mr. Hotta, two SME officials from Osaka and Tokyo, explained the situation of Japanese manufacturing SMEs, how local governments assist their overseas operation, and possibility of their investment in Vietnam. The lack of mutual information should be solved by increased exchange and learning. Vietnam should strengthen local industrial parks as receivers of Japanese investment, enhance planning and FDI marketing capabilities at host provinces and cities, and build efficient logistics. KOslide Ryoukeslide Hottaslide
 

  Inviting SME officials from Osaka and Ota City to Vietnam

From 20 to 23 Mar 2012, VDF/GRIPS invited Mr. Makoto Ryouke (MOBIO, Osaka) and Mr. Yuichi Hotta (Overseas Business Enhancement Unit, Ota City, Tokyo) to Northern Vietnam. Osaka Prefecture and Ota City are the two largest hubs of high-tech manufacturing SMEs in Japan. Under the pressure of yen appreciation and domestic business conditions, an increasing number of Japanese SMEs are looking for overseas production bases. Osaka and Ota City are strengthening support through information seminars, foreign missions and business matching. Mr. Ryouke and Mr. Hotta visited industrial parks and management companies in Hai Phong, Bac Ninh, Vinh Phuc and Ha Noi. They also met PC Chairmen of Hai Phong and Vinh Phuc as well as DPI of Hanoi. They felt strong enthusiasm on the Vietnamese side but realized that the level of preparation varied across industrial parks. In the future, VDF/GRIPS will continue to connect Japanese investors with Vietnam’s potential provinces through policy research and projects.

  VDF Finance Group worked in Taiwan

From 11 March to 17 March 2012, a VDF delegation including VDF-NEU researchers and experts, led by Ms. Nguyen Thi Minh Hue, visited Taiwan and worked with Taiwanese organizations under the arrangements of the Central Deposit Insurance Coporation (CDIC). The purpose of the visit is to exchange experiences in managing and developing Taiwan Futures Exchange. In addition, the trip also aims at learning experiences on the Financial Safety Net in Taiwan with the role of related stakeholders such as Central Bank, Deposit Insurer and Financial Supervision Commission in supervising and assessing financial sectors

Industrialization Strategy update

On 16 Feb 2012 the 5th Working Group session of Vietnam Industrialization Strategy was held in Hanoi. This is a Vietnam-Japan bilateral program to upgrade and implement industrial policies (see below). The short list of sectors to be targeted will soon be decided. In preparation, the meeting discussed opinions gathered from Japanese companies and business associations. MPI Minister Bui Quang Vinh attended the whole session, showing strong commitment and giving clear instructions on how to proceed. Even if our effort focuses on sectors that can be strengthened by Japanese cooperation, its content and method should also guide and improve the entire industrial policy of Vietnam, Mr. Vinh said. Mr. Tanizaki, the Japanese ambassador, agreed.

The discussion of “Vietnam’s Financial Sector Assessment Program - Necessities and Conditions”

On 6 Jan 2012, Ms. Nguyen Thi Minh Hue, PhD, held a discussion of “Vietnam’s Financial Sector Assessment Program(FSAP) - Necessities and Conditions” at VDF office. The participants included VDF researchers, experts from National Financial Supervisory Commission – NFSC, Deposit Insurance of Vietnam and a group of NEU’s students. In the discussion, Ms. Hue, researchers and experts analyzed, discussed about necessities, requisite as well as steps for implementation of FSAP in Vietnam. Besides, participants discussed methods for implementing a pilot study of financial soundness indicators in Vietnam banking sector.