AEC Feed

The Vietnamese government has approved a plan to help businesses directly participate in foreign distribution networks through 2020 to help Vietnamese goods penetrate international markets.

The project aims to promote exports by ensuring that Vietnamese products are directly sold into major distribution systems of countries in Europe, North America, Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia that recently signed free trade agreements with Vietnam.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Ho Thi Kim Thoa said recently that the integration process from the free trade pacts required enterprises to enhance their competitiveness.

Local businesses have made great efforts to expand their markets.

Many Vietnamese products with high quality and reasonable prices were favoured by consumers, he added. – Viet Nam News

Growth tipped in H2

Asian markets could stabilise and grow in the second half of the year, according to global asset manager PineBridge Investments.

Wilfred Son, manager for Asia ex-Japan equities, said in a recent report that he remains “bullish” on Asia from a medium- to long-term perspective due to the region’s inherent strengths emanating from its huge consumer base, the investments required to service this base and the regional drive to innovate.

Domestic demand in Asia-Pacific should continue to improve and help lift consumption and investments, especially in China and Southeast Asia.

“This will also further insulate growing Asia economies from global volatility.”

Industries such as renewable energy, the Internet of Things and high-quality Asian manufacturing will offer opportunities as long-term trends come into play.

Renewable energies like solar, wind and hydropower are gaining prominence in line with the anticipated growth in domestic demand and the rise of the Asian middle class. – The Straits Times

Boost for Thai Life

Thai Life Insurance has appointed two “new generation” executives to help strengthen the company.

Winyou Chaiyawan, now CEO of Thai Credit Retail Bank, will be its first senior executive vice president overseeing the partnership solution branch and bancassurance businesses.

Kris Chantanotoke, former EVP of Bank of Ayudhya, will be another senior EVP and partnership solutions branch manager.