Hapro and Protrade Corp. report successful IPOs Both state-owned Hanoi Trade Corporation (Hapro) and Binh Duong Producing and Trading Goods Corporation (Protrade Corp.), the owners of several golden land plots and industrial parks, conducted successful IPOs. On March 28, Protrade, the third largest state-owned firm in the southern province of Binh Duong, offered 30 million shares for sale, equalling 10 per cent of its stakes, at its IPO with the initial price of VND12,000 ($0.53). As a result, 63 investors joined the auction, four of whom won with the highest bid of VND21,000 and the lowest bid of VND16,600. The average selling price was VND17,474, which was 46 per cent higher than the initial price. After the IPO, the state’s holding in Protrade decreased to 50 per cent, equalling 150 million shares. Besides, Protrade Corp. will put 119.7 million shares, equalling 39.91 per cent of the stakes, on sale to strategic investors. Previously, Protrade Corp. also published the … [Read more...] about BUSINESS IN BRIEF 4/4
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Kon Tum midwife changes minds, saves lives
Village midwives honoured at the ceremony on March 7 for excellence achievements in protecting and caring for mother and children’s health. (Photo: VNA) Kon Tum (VNS/VNA) - Old habits die hard, but Y Ngoc, 38, from Dak Sao commune in the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum’s Tu Mo Rong district is determined to make a difference in reproductive healthcare for women in her village’s. “Being a woman, I understand how pained and worried women may be when they give birth. During this period, we need care and sympathy from relatives and experienced people. But most of the people believe in giving birth naturally without assistance," she said. Lack of access to healthcare during childbirth results in frequent deaths of both mothers and children. An opportunity to bring change came to Ngoc in 2009 when she was sent to attend a training course under the "Midwife in the Village" programme implemented by Ho Chi Minh City-based Tu Du Hospital. The popular … [Read more...] about Kon Tum midwife changes minds, saves lives
BUSINESS IN BRIEF 23/1
Vietnam promotes trade, tourism in ChileVietnamese Chargé d'affaires a.i. in Chile Nguyen Minh Anh introduced the potential for cooperation between Vietnam and Chile in trade and tourism at a seminar in Chile on January 19.Anh highlighted the remarkable growth in bilateral trade exchange recently, with value reaching 1.28 billion USD. He noted that Vietnam is the 10th biggest foreign trade partner and the second largest Southeast Asian market of Chile.The diplomat underlined the trend among young Chilean entrepreneurs to seek investment opportunities in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam.A representative of the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Vietnam – Chile free trade agreement, effective in 2014, has made significant contributions to increasing trade exchanges between the two nations.Vietnam can serve as a gateway for Chilean products to enter ASEAN markets, while Chile as a bridge connecting Vietnam and Latin America.The seminar, jointly hosted by the Embassy … [Read more...] about BUSINESS IN BRIEF 23/1