Countryloves

 Recently, the U.S. government announced a 46% countervailing duty on certain Vietnamese goods — a move that feels less like a policy update and more like a blaring alarm for Vietnamese businesses. While America has long been Vietnam’s largest export market, accounting for nearly 29.5% of total export turnover in 2024 (according to Vietnam Customs), this decision has highlighted just how precariously dependent Vietnam has become on a single trade partner.

The tariff doesn’t just bring higher costs. It signals a deeper shift in U.S. trade policy: increasing scrutiny on origin, environmental, and labor standards. The textile, seafood, electronics, and wood processing sectors are among the most affected — industries that already face growing pressure to prove transparent supply chains and compliance with global ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards.

Facing such sweeping trade actions, Vietnamese enterprises now find themselves at a strategic crossroads. At a recent “HUBA Business Café” seminar on May 10, Pham Binh An, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Studies, warned that companies must re-structure and de-risk their export strategies. “If businesses fail to diversify and adjust now, they will become vulnerable the moment any partner changes its policy,” he cautioned.

One promising path lies in tapping into the vast network of free trade agreements (FTAs) that Vietnam has signed. Countries like Japan, Australia, those in the EU and ASEAN offer more stable trade frameworks with lower technical barriers and preferential tax rates. At the same time, experts emphasize the untapped potential of the domestic market as a long-term anchor — especially in urban hubs like Ho Chi Minh City, which boasts growing logistics, finance, and industrial support infrastructure.

Some industries are already taking action. For instance, Vietnam’s textile sector is working to raise its domestic material sourcing ratio from 40% to 60%, according to Pham Van Viet, Vice Chairman of the HCMC Association of Garment, Embroidery and Knitting. This shift is crucial to minimize risks of origin investigations and reduce reliance on foreign raw materials.

But the real challenge doesn’t stop at supply chains. Global trade is being reshaped by two irreversible trends: green transformation and digitalization. Vietnamese firms that don’t adapt risk being left out of international value chains entirely.

On a national level, economist Dr. Can Van Luc revealed that Vietnam is preparing for three potential scenarios in trade talks with the U.S.:

• Optimistic: Tariffs are reduced to around 10%.

• Neutral: Tariffs drop to 20–25%.

• Pessimistic: Tariffs remain at 46%.

The neutral scenario is considered the most likely — though it could still lead to a 1.2–1.5% decrease in exports and a 3–5% decline in foreign direct investment (FDI). If the worst-case scenario materializes, Vietnam’s GDP growth could slow to 5.5–6%, especially impacting high-value sectors like electronics, plastics, and seafood.

At the monthly government meeting on April 6, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed that the U.S. is indeed Vietnam’s top export market — but not its only one. He called this challenge an “opportunity in disguise” to restructure the economy toward speed, sustainability, and innovation. The directive to ministries? Help businesses upgrade quality, open new markets — especially in the Middle East, Latin America, India, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe — and reduce over-dependence on any single market.

In other words: the time for polite hesitation is over. Vietnamese businesses must either adapt — or be left behind.

 Over six decades of steering the Berkshire Hathaway empire, 94-year-old billionaire Warren Buffett made several investments that earned the company hundreds of billions of dollars—most famously in Apple, BYD, and Coca-Cola.

On May 3rd, Buffett officially announced he would step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway by the end of this year, marking the end of his 60-year reign at the helm of the investment conglomerate.

Often hailed as one of the greatest investors in modern history, Buffett took control of Berkshire Hathaway in 1965, back when it was a struggling textile mill. Over time, he reshaped it into a multi-sector powerhouse through acquisitions and strategic investments. Today, he owns approximately $169 billion in assets—$160 billion of which is in Berkshire stock. The company’s market cap has surpassed $1.16 trillion.

Buffett's remarkable track record has earned him legendary status on Wall Street and the nickname "The Oracle of Omaha"—a tribute to his hometown, where he was born, raised, and spent decades working.

Here are some of Buffett’s most successful and regretful investments throughout his storied career:

Profitable Investments

1. National Indemnity and National Fire & Marine

Insurance has always been a key pillar for Berkshire. In 1967, Buffett acquired National Indemnity and National Fire & Marine for $8.6 million—among his earliest ventures into the insurance industry.

The float (premium money collected before claims are paid) became a vital funding source for Berkshire’s other investments and helped drive the company’s growth. By Q1 of this year, Berkshire’s total float reached $173 billion.

2. American Express, Coca-Cola, and Bank of America

Buffett bought large stakes in these companies during times of turmoil—market crashes or corporate scandals. These holdings have grown by over $100 billion since acquisition, excluding the substantial dividends Berkshire has collected.

3. Apple

Despite his longstanding reluctance to invest in tech, Buffett began buying Apple shares in 2016, saying he viewed it as a consumer brand with exceptional customer loyalty. At its peak, the investment was worth over $174 billion, before Berkshire gradually began reducing its stake.

4. BYD

Following advice from Charlie Munger, Buffett bet big on Chinese EV company BYD in 2008 with a $232 million investment. At one point, this stake grew to over $9 billion. Berkshire has since trimmed its position and now holds $1.8 billion in BYD stock.

5. See’s Candies

The 1972 See’s Candies acquisition was a turning point in Buffett’s investment philosophy. Munger convinced him to focus on quality businesses with competitive advantages, not just cheap ones. Berkshire bought the company for $25 million and, by 2011, had earned $1.65 billion in pre-tax profits from it.

6. Berkshire Hathaway Energy

The energy sector has been a stable cash generator. In 2000, Berkshire bought MidAmerican Energy for $2.1 billion. It was later renamed and expanded to include PacifiCorp and NV Energy. In 2024 alone, this division brought in over $3.7 billion in profit.

Costly Mistakes

1. Berkshire Hathaway (the textile company)

Buffett has called his original 1962 purchase of the Berkshire textile firm his “worst investment.” The business struggled and ultimately shut down in 1985. Ironically, the stock has since soared from around $7–8 to over $800,000, making it a “bad decision that turned out well.”

2. Dexter Shoe Co

In 1993, Buffett paid $433 million in Berkshire stock to acquire Dexter Shoe. He later admitted this was a huge blunder—he gave away 1.6% of Berkshire’s equity for a company that turned out to be worthless.

Buffett has also expressed regret over missed opportunities. He passed on early investments in Amazon, Google, and Microsoft—costing Berkshire billions. He also abandoned plans to buy 100 million shares of Walmart, now worth nearly $10 billion.

Before the pandemic, Buffett soured on bank stocks, dumping 500 million shares of Wells Fargo amid ongoing scandals—many sold at around $30 each. He also sold JP Morgan shares for under $100. Both have more than doubled since.

1. "From the moment I met you, my heart knew it had found its missing piece."

2. "Every time I see you, my heart skips a beat and I can't help but smile."

3. "You're the sunshine that brightens up even the cloudiest days of my life."

4. "Being with you feels like a beautiful dream I never want to wake up from."

5. "I love the way your eyes light up when you smile; it's like they hold all the happiness in the world."

6. "You're the melody to my heart's song, and I want to listen to it for the rest of my life."

7. "You've captured my heart and I never want you to let go."

8. "I've fallen for you so deeply that I can't imagine a life without you in it."

9. "You're not just my crush, you're the reason my heart beats a little faster."

10. "Every moment spent with you is like a precious memory I want to treasure forever."

11. "I never believed in love at first sight until I saw you. Now, I can't imagine my life without you."

12. "You're not just beautiful on the outside, but your kindness and warmth make you even more amazing."

13. "Being around you makes me feel like I'm the best version of myself."

14. "I want to be the one who makes you laugh, smile, and feel loved every single day."

15. "You've brought colors to my world that I didn't even know existed."

16. "With you, I've found my best friend, my confidant, and the one who makes my heart skip a beat."

17. "Every thought of you makes my heart race, and I can't deny how much you mean to me."

18. "You're the reason I believe in the magic of love, and I'm so grateful to have you in my life."

19. "Your laughter is like music to my ears, and your presence is a constant source of happiness."

20. "I don't just like you; I've fallen head over heels in love with you."

Nhớ rằng, sự chân thành và từ trái tim luôn quan trọng khi tỏ tình. Hãy chọn những câu mà bạn cảm thấy thể hiện cảm xúc của mình một cách tốt nhất.

 Vietnam is not only a land of breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, but it also boasts an exquisite culinary tradition that will delight the taste buds of any traveler. Here are 10 delectable Vietnamese dishes that you simply must try:

1. **Pho**: A quintessential Vietnamese dish, pho is a flavorful noodle soup that combines aromatic broth, rice noodles, and tender slices of beef or chicken. It's often served with fresh herbs and lime for an unforgettable culinary experience.

2. **Banh Mi**: This iconic Vietnamese sandwich is a fusion of French and Vietnamese cuisines. A crispy baguette is filled with a delectable combination of ingredients such as pate, grilled meats, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.

3. **Goi Cuon**: Also known as Vietnamese spring rolls or fresh spring rolls, goi cuon features translucent rice paper wrapped around shrimp, herbs, rice vermicelli, and other ingredients. It's often served with a delightful dipping sauce.

4. **Bun Cha**: Originating from Hanoi, bun cha consists of grilled pork patties served over vermicelli noodles and a bowl of nuoc cham dipping sauce. The dish is often accompanied by fresh herbs and crispy spring rolls.

5. **Com Tam**: Translating to "broken rice," com tam is a popular dish in southern Vietnam. It features grilled pork, shredded pork skin, and a fried egg atop a bed of fragrant broken rice, often served with pickled vegetables.

6. **Cao Lau**: Hailing from Hoi An, Cao Lau is a unique noodle dish made with thick rice noodles, slices of pork, fresh herbs, and crispy croutons. The dish gets its distinctive flavor from being cooked with water from a specific ancient well in Hoi An.

7. **Bun Thit Nuong**: A delightful combination of grilled pork, vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and crushed peanuts, bun thit nuong is a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.

8. **Mi Quang**: Originating from Quang Nam province, this noodle dish features turmeric-infused rice noodles, shrimp, pork, herbs, and a flavorful broth. It's often garnished with roasted peanuts and sesame rice crackers.

9. **Cha Ca**: Hailing from Hanoi, cha ca is a fragrant and flavorful dish consisting of grilled fish (usually catfish) marinated in turmeric, dill, and other herbs. It's often served with vermicelli noodles and an assortment of toppings.

10. **Che**: Satisfy your sweet tooth with che, a variety of Vietnamese desserts that come in different colors and flavors. From coconut milk-based treats to bean-filled delights, che offers a delightful conclusion to any meal.

Exploring Vietnam's culinary landscape is a journey of sensory delight. From the heartwarming comfort of pho to the intriguing textures and flavors of banh mi, each dish tells a story of Vietnam's rich culture and history. Don't miss the chance to savor these mouthwatering delights that make Vietnamese cuisine truly exceptional.