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% CONTENTS | ISSUE 317, April 2021 Congratulations on South Africa Freedom Day

COVER STORY: (6-23)

While foreign investment has tumbled
around the world over the last 12 months,
Vietnam’s rapid and successful contain-
ment of Covid-19 allowed businesses in
the country to operate at something ap-
proximating normal. Its efforts bolstered
its reputation as a safe and secure coun-
try, while it posting positive growth amid
a global recession was yet another factor
encouraging investors to take a closer
look at its investment environment. Of
special significance are the many free
trade agreements (FTAs) Vietnam has now
signed, which will facilitate trade with and
investment from some of the world’s
largest economies.

sTArTUps
Editor’s letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
The latest from the world of startups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
AT A GLANCe
Leading news from the month at a glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 BANKING & FINANCe
Into calmer waters Banks set high targets for 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
ANALysIs
Matters to consider IMF wraps up Article IV consultation . . . . . . . . . .24
properTy
Space race Co-working spaces look to retain potential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
BUsINess reporTs
A partner of potential; Differing dining options; Cooking up a
CorporATe NeWs
storm; Glass half full . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
What’s happening in the world of business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
DIGITAL BIZ
Bursting with appeal Local startups on radar of venture funds .34

StatisticsUpdated economic figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

P I C T U R E S B Y T R A N V I E T T U A N , D E S I G N B Y D Z U N G N G U Y E N

V I E T N A M E C O N O M I C T I M E S

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFDr. Chu Van Lam COMMERCIAL OFFICES DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS • Embassies in Vietnam, cultural centers EMAIL
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We would like to sincerely thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all overseas embassies and representative offices of Vietnam for their support and cooperation in the worldwide circulation of our magazine.
ISSN 0868 - 3700 - LICENCE No. 272/GP-BTTTT ON JUNE 26, 2020, PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE VIETNAM ECONOMIC ASSOCIATION, PRODUCED IN VIETNAM AND PRINTED AT TIEN PHONG PRINTING AND COMMERCE JOINT STOCK COMPANY.© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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