takashimaya will be the first to open a store in vietnam. the department store plans to open its outlet in 2015. it will be located in a large commercial and office complex to be built in ho chi minh city. it will offer western luxury brands as well as clothes and food made by japanese companies. takashimaya is expecting personal spending to grow in vietnam due to a rise in its affluent population. another japanese department store is also considering setting up in the vietnamese market. >>> south korean and singaporean markets are also open this hour. let's take a look at those levels. >> that's the latest in business. back to catherine. >> thanks very much, ai. >>> next we continue our series of special reports from vietnam. patchari raksawong is in the capital of hanoi. >> this week we're reporting on the challenges and opportunities facing central vietnam. we'll have a report on the burgeoning tourism market in just a moment, but first some other news from the region. >>> the trial has begun in manila of the former president of the phili