Investors at the “Thinking Prosperously” conference orgsnised by Manulife in HCM City last week. — VNS Photo

How to grow one’s assets and also be fully protected were discussed at an investment conference organised by insurer Manulife in HCM City last week.

“Thinking Prosperously” attracted nearly 400 people who had a chance to speak with finance expert Dr Le Tham Duong and experienced Manulife advisors.

Duong said: “A crisis can occur at any time. Therefore, families need to think about long-term investment to ensure safety but can still increase the efficiency of their investments.”

He advised investors to follow the six-jar rule in personal financial planning, with two jars accounting for 20 per cent of income allotted for investment and long-term savings.

Nguyen Duc Hai, Manulife’s director of securities investment with stable income, said the economy is forecast to continue growing at a high rate thanks to the influx of foreign direct investment.

The improvement in domestic demand due to the rapid increase in per capita income and urbanisation, streamlining of processes and regulations to support businesses and active participation in international economic integration would also sustain the economy, he said.

The stock market would continue to grow because the economic outlook is good, the Government is speeding up equitisation of SOEs and foreign investors are keen on the country, he said.

Tran Thi Kim Cuong, CEO and managing director of investment, Manulife Asset Management Vietnam, said her company has achieved impressive growth with assets under management increasing by 15 times in 13 years from VND2.2 trillion in 2005 to VND33 trillion now.

It currently manages two open funds, six investment mutual funds, a pension fund, and portfolio trusts from corporations and organisations. — VNS