Vinamilk to Build a Plant in Myanmar
Vinamilk, the largest dairy firm from Vietnam, plans to build a plant in Myanmar this year as part of its expansion strategy abroad, according to Do Thanh Tuan, Public Relations Director of the company on January 25.
“Vinamilk will build a dairy plant in Myanmar and an organic cattle farm on several thousand hectares in Laos this year,” said Do Thanh Tuan at a press conference in Ho Chi Minh City on that day.
Vinamilk collects 750 tonnes of fresh milk from its 10 farms and 8,000 farming households daily in Vietnam, and it is enough to meet the national demand for pasteurised milk, according to Do Thanh Tuan. The firm’s principal business activities are to produce and distribute condensed milk, powdered milk, fresh milk, soya milk, yogurts, ice-cream, cheese, fruit juice, coffee and other products derived from milk. The company exports its products to the Middle East, the United States, Cambodia, the Philippines and Australia.
New Minimum Wage Proposed
The National Committee for Minimum Wage (the “ Committee ”) kicked – off 2018 by announcing under Notification 1/2018 the proposed revision to the minimum wage. On the doorstep of finalization , the new minimum wage will apply nationwide .
The newly proposed minimum wage is set at 4,800 Kyats per 8 – hour working day or 600 Kyats per hour. The current minimum wage, set by the previous regime in August 2015, is 3,600 Kyats per working day or 450 Kyats per hour , making the revised rate effectively a 33.3% increase.
The hourly minimum wage will also apply to part – time workers. Probationary and trainee employees are entitled to a 75% and 50% portion of the minimum wage, respectively. Workers earning wages above the revised minimum will be entitled to retain their higher rate once the new minimum is in effect. Small enterprises and family businesses with fewer than 10 employees will be exempted, which is down from 15 employees under the current exemption.
The Notification provides that Management Committees of Special Economic Zones will be able to propose to the Committee their desired minimum wage according to the type of investment. T he National Committee will ultimately prescribe different minimum wages in SEZs upon consideration of the proposals. Now in a period of public consultation, the Committee will al low up to 60 days for further discussion and amendments.
Lunar New YearCuisines at Du Fu Restaurant, Sedona Hotel
As the Chinese New Year is just round the corner to fall on February 16, 2018, it is customary for families, friends and business groups to host reunion dinners to wish each other good luck, good health and prosperity. From February 1 to 28, Du Fu offers two dinner menus that feature Chinese favourites specially-crafted by Du Fu’s Master Chef Edmund Ng and his team. Guests can select either Spring Festival “Fortune” Menu ($48 per pax, minimum of 6 pax) can indulge in a special 9-course dinner or the 8-course Spring Festival “Longevity” Menu ($38 per pax, minimum of 6 pax).
