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“I always tell others, once you step out of the country, you are no longer just an engineer, you are a Chinese engineer, representative of the country,” said the China Railway Limited Branch Director and Vietnam Hanoi Light Rail Project Vice-Manager, Mr. Suen Tak Chi, during his interview in Hanoi.

In the capital of Hanoi, more than 5 million motorcycles roam the roads of the city. There are as many as 2500 motorcycles per every mile of the city. Motorcycles simply fill the roads resulting in traffic congestion and road accidents. With the government’s future plan, motorcycles are to be banned from the roads by 2030. The construction of China’s overseas light rail project in Hanoi is the golden key to this issue in providing a new type of transportation to the city.

Mr. Suen stands on the construction grounds of the light rail project linking Ji Ling and He Dong, as the interview was being conducted. Heavy-weighted steel frames and concrete supports the newly built infrastructure above, weaving through buildings and residences in the area. Back on the roads, motorcycles and trucks fill the roads of busy Hanoi; sounding much like an orchestra with their honking.

The Ji Ling and He Dong link, is not only the first light rail in Hanoi, but the first in Vietnam. The project thrives under ‘Chinese characteristics,’ and is developed under China’s management, material, standards, investments, and is their largest infrastructure project overseas. The light rail totals to 13 kilometers built along 12 stations and costs $850 million USD in investment. Construction began in 2011: 7 years later, it is 95% finished. It is a ‘one road, one initiative’ project China has introduced to Vietnam, and a ‘two corridors, one circle’ creation, curating a friendship link between the two nations.

Issues that arise from the light rail project includes the high humidity of the country and the difficulty in planning the project around residences. Certain families and businesses have relocated. The light rail will be a new idea to the Vietnamese. Heavily relying on motorcycles, the Chinese company has been hosting railway exhibition, in order to gain the nation’s confidence in accepting this new ‘made in China’ technology. Many, now, are awaiting the rail project on increasing the efficiency and reducing the congestion in the city.

On the other hand, to liaise with the Vietnamese developers and landlords for an in-depth understanding of the technology and mindset of the project, the company’s motto is ‘ability to do and the ability to discuss.’ To promise the best quality of the light rail project, the China Railway Group Limited sent professionals ranging from specialists in engineering, specialist in building materials (concrete), and consultants to overlook the project In Vietnam, to ensure the project runs smoothly and without error by revising issues repeatedly.

The installation of the final frame beam, numbered 806, took place last year October, finalizing the construction phase of the country’s first light rail project. In 2018, the light rail project is to undergo its first trial operation. Project workers like Mr. Suen are finally able to travel home to spend the new years with his family, after three years living in Hanoi.

Source: Xinhua Net, China Go Abroad, China Daily

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.

The capital city raked in 1.04 billion USD from exports in January, up 24 percent from the same period last year.

The revenue included 139 million USD contributed by the State sector (up 9.8 percent), 352 million USD from the non-State sector (up 16.6 percent), and 556 million USD from FDI firms (up 33.6 percent), according to the municipal Department of Industry and Trade.

All key groups of commodities posted strong year-on-year export growth in January such as agricultural products (13.6 percent), computer components and peripheral devices (68.1 percent), transport vehicles and spare parts (12.7 percent), machinery and spare parts (21.8 percent), glass and glass products (25 percent).

However, the sale of agricultural products to China is facing obstacles since this market is tightening plant quarantine. It has also encountered strict quality and food safety requirements from the US, the EU and Japan.

Meanwhile, Hanoi’s export still depends on FDI companies which dominate the production of processed and manufactured products with high added value.

Nguyen Gia Phuong, Director of the Hanoi Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion Agency, said to help businesses expand the export market and advertise their products, the agency has continually organised overseas promotion campaigns, especially the countries that Vietnam has inked free trade agreements with.

It has also worked to receive foreign business delegations so as to help local craft villages and companies to seek partners, he added.

Nguyen Thanh Hai, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Industry and Trade, noted the department and the Hanoi People’s Committee will support enterprises in terms of access to loans and markets, increase trade promotion in such markets as Japan, China, Hong Kong (China), and Germany, help local companies to diversify export markets.

The department also plans to push ahead with administrative reforms, abolish unnecessary business conditions, and improve online public services, Hai said, adding that Hanoi will pay attention to promoting products’ competitiveness, investment effectiveness, and businesses’ engagement in global value chains.

Source: Vietnam+

Have you ever dreamed about a romantic scenery of Japan, where you can walk back home on a street under pink flying cherry blossom petals? If yes, good news cause you don’t need to spend that much money on travelling. Now is Japanese cherry blossom festival kicks off in Dalat and Hanoi.

Unlike Japan or Korea, cherry blossoms in Dalat has the shape of plum trees and the five-petal of apricot flowers. This is why local people consider Dalat cherry flowers as something really special and unique of the city.

The most ideal time to see Dalat cherry blossoms is between January and March. For those who loves to capture the beauty of these flowers, the best time to take photo is in the early morning. Sunlight in Dalat gives the best photo effect between 6am to 9am. For those who find it too difficult to wake up early, you can get the best light again between 3:30pm to 5pm. The soft sunlight of Dalat not only clarifies the pink colour of cherry blossoms but whitenings people’s skin also. Up till now, there are approximate 3,000 cherry blossom trees in Dalat. There are many trees on some areas, including: Tran Hung Dao street along Casada villa, Da Quy street, Le Dai Hanh street (in city center near Xuan Huong lake) and those around Truc Lam Temple.

Cherry trees in blossom are showcased in downtown Hanoi as part of activities for the upcoming 2018 Cherry Blossom Festival.

A cherry blossom festival will take place in Ha Noi from March 23-26 as part of a cultural exchange to mark the 45th anniversary of Viet Nam-Japan diplomatic ties.

Nearly 30 cherry trees and 10,000 blossom branches will be displayed at Ly Thai To Park in Hoan Kiem District, along with various types of flowers planted in Viet Nam.

The event will feature 20 food pavilions and multi-cultural dances, including Yosakoi – a unique style of dance in Japan performed by large teams, and Vietnamese traditional art forms such as “xam” (blind wanderers’ music) and “ca tru” (ceremonial singing) as well as a conference to promote bilateral tourism and investment cooperation.

The Japanese side will present some cherry trees to grow in Ha Noi.

The festival is expected to help Vietnamese people to understand better about Japanese land, culture and people in addition to boosting collaboration in culture, tourism and economy.

Source: Vietnam Track , Hanoi Journey

As the year of the Earth Dog approaches, Golden Emperor Properties will launch a referral program to celebrate this joyful holiday with our valued clients.

For Golden Emperor Properties valued clients, from today until March 31^st 2018, if you successfully refer a friend or a family member to purchase any of the properties Golden Emperor Properties is promoting, you, as the referrer and the new client may each receive a cash rebate of HKD $3,888, totaling in HKD $7,776.

If you would like more information, please contact us:
contact@goldenemperor.com
(852) 3998 3003

Terms and Conditions:

• As this is a special offer, the new client must be referred to Golden Emperor Properties before March 31^st 2018 by the referrer. However, the new client may finalize a purchase of a property or properties after the said date.
• The offer is only valid after the new client has signed the buy and sell contract and after the first payment has been received successfully.
• Cash rebate will be distributed to the new client and the referrer one week after the first payment has been made by the new client and received by the company.
• Should any conflict or dispute arise, the decision of Golden Emperor shall be final.

The concept of sustainability has emerged as one of the most sought-after issues in the 21st century since researchers have identified problems related to climate change. The definition of sustainability has been revised repeatedly to provide a guideline for global leaders to re-access their approach and solutions to the worldwide issue. As Vietnam emerges as an oncoming global leader, its developers are implementing new strategies and architectural designs into their projects.

Sustainability not only consists of environmental protection but also economic and social development. Together, the three make up the pillars of sustainability. Challenges and implementation are critical for the government to assess. Likewise, developers will need to respond to such issues.

Building designs in nowadays Vietnam, have provided some pioneering examples in sustainable architecture in the country. Recreational, commercial and residential projects have contributed to the overall sustainable emergence in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, and Nha Trang.

As one of the pioneering resort group in sustainable practices, Six Senses near Nha Trang and Ninh Van Bay, have contributed in the region’s environmental protection projects. The hotel discards all uses of plastic bottles, bottles their water on site and established a water purification system. The resort group partners with its local community to protect the nearby marine ecosystem and provides education on conserving the environment, actively participating in the world of sustainability.

Above: The eco-friendly Six Senses Hotel and Resort near Nha Trang.

Above: The exterior designs of Atlas Hotel in Hoi An.

Green buildings are also becoming a trend in Vietnam. Atlas Hotel is the finest example in the city of Hoi An. Its exterior walls are covered with hanging lush greenery used to reflect sunlight and sustains a CO2-free microclimate. Proliferating walls made from locally sourced sandstone, are used in corridors to allow sunlight into the space and at the same time reduce heat buildup. The spacial quality provides its visitors and workers a relaxed atmosphere in the midst of the chaotic environment of the city.

Above: Children playing in the open space of Pou Chen Little Flowers Kindergarten.

Fast forwarding to Ho Chi Minh City, the city is moving quickly to reform itself into a sustainable metropolitan. The completion of the Pou Chen Little Flowers Kindergarten consulted by the Vietnam Green Building Council, is the first pioneering example of sustainable building. The kindergarten shows an environmentally conscious design and provides a social space for children of the 20,000 factory workers next-door. Architecturally, the gaps in the building’s open structure is able to generate cross breezes to maintain a cool temperature in the lower floor. Structures of the building are made from recycled material from the factory’s waste. Solar water heaters and insulating rooftops are installed, decreasing the amount of energy needed to operate the building. The design of interconnecting gardens and a rooftop farm provide a continuous social space for the children.

Vietnam’s emerging residential developers have in fact, utilize design concepts in sustainable architecture to minimize negative environmental impact. Such concepts include increasing efficiency, decreasing uses of energy source, utilizing recycled materials in the building process, and developing a living space that can coexist with its ecosystem. Developers and architects may use different types of techniques and concepts in order to achieve the three pillars of sustainability.

Above: Exterior designs of Waterina Suites by Maeda Corporations.

With innovative design concepts, residential developments represent architectural art pieces. Waterina Suites, a project in Ho Chi Minh City developed by Maeda Corporation, flaunts the mix of elegancy and sustainability. Designed by architect Kengo Kuma, bold curvatures outline each floor of the building. Inspired by the elevating rice terraces and the organic curvature of the Saigon river, the building is designed to optimize the use of wind circulation to naturally cool the apartments. The use of large glass panels diffuses the lighting and energy into each apartment and introduces a new level of modernity.  The development is a ‘unique space where light and air meet.’

Maeda Corporation is a renowned developer worldwide and is one of the leading corporations to focus on environmental sustainability. The corporation has undertaken actions in contributing to the environment by using recycled materials in their developments, introducing natural energy by constructing natural power plants in Japan, and launching habitat protection programs in Cambodia and Sri Lanka. It may be exciting to see how Maeda may work with Vietnam in its sustainability movement.

Above: Mulberry Lane’s lush greenery in its surrounding gardens, developed by CapitaLand.

Another renowned developer, CapitaLand, recently launched its project, Mulberry Lane in Hanoi. The design of this residential project is to incorporate as many natural elements into the homes as possible: optimizing light penetration into the apartments and reinventing an efficient air ventilation system. The property is designed to have a 60% green coverage, a transformative green podium parking concept and a water purification system in the apartments.

CapitaLand ranked sixth in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and ranks first in Asia with its social and economic sustainability contribution. The company provides a strong team of analysts, investors and media specialist to respond to sustainability surveys. Moreover, it has a strong employee engagement with volunteer programs: building new schools for impoverished regions of Vietnam. CapitaLand is successful in contributing to Vietnam’s sustainable development in all three pillars.

Much of the developments in Vietnam are moving towards providing a sustainable environment into the city. In architectural designs, developers mainly work with architects to improve on air conditioning systems, incorporating natural and recycled materials, increasing light and energy optimization and implementing a dynamic social living space. Besides the projects by Maeda Corporation and CapitaLand, developments like REFICO’s City Garden and Thuan Viet’s New City, are also designed to implement sustainable development.

Above: Vietnam’s future sustainability and eco-developments includes the proposed Green Tech City by SOM in the hills of Da Nang.

Urbanization provides the city increased living space and decreases the need for energy and resources by using new technology and design concepts. It does, however, result in negative butterfly effects: traffic congestion, management of waste, and providing an economic balance. With such, city improvements are needed to maintain this modern trajectory.

As Vietnam emerges into the global investment market, it may need to overcome its challenges towards a sustainable future. The country is expected to transform dramatically from its original state once many of its developments complete. Sustainability is, moreover, about preserving and protecting the places we love and providing a durable future for generations to come. With time, Vietnam will hopefully remain on track and provide a sustainable environment for its newcomers worldwide.

Source: CapitaLand, Maeda Corporation, Waterina Suites, Six Senses, Atlas Hotel, Vietnam Green Building Council