The Use of “Issued or Endorsed” vs. “Made Out or Endorsed” in Bills of Lading under Letters of Credit” QUESTION Dear Mr. Old Man Hope you are doing well. I would like to seek your advice for the following: I am quite confused with “Issued or Endorsed” and “Made Out or Endorsed” both are the same meaning? One of my bank prefer the wording to mention as “made out or endorse”. I prefer to be mentioned “Issued or Endorsed” … Read More
Gazing Toward Hon Kem Da Dung A Journey That Didn’t Quite Go as Planned The Call of an Old Folk Song “Gazing up at Hon Kem Da Dung, Missing my father, longing for my mother, dear darling. If you miss your parents, go home, But if it’s just longing for trees and the old hometown, best stay away.” The old folk song echoed in my mind … Read More
A Day Wandering Through the Catholic Heartland of Hoa Son Tracing Memories at An Ngai Parish Church Hoa Son – A Quiet Land Where Faith Runs Deep There are journeys you plan, and then there are journeys that find you. That morning, with no map and no real destination, I set off on my bike, following the call of the open road. It led me to Hoa Son — a … Read More
SHOULD YOU BUY A ROAD BIKE OR A MOUNTAIN BIKE? Lately, a bunch of cycling newbies have been pulling me aside asking the classic question: “Should I buy a Road Bike or a Mountain Bike (MTB)?” To give a proper answer, I usually fire back with a few simple — but critical — questions: Where do you live? What’s your purpose for cycling? (fitness, exploration, speed?) How much are you … Read More
When AI Knocks on the Door of International Payments – Worries, Hopes, and the Big Question Photo: Internet As someone who spent many years working in the field of International Payments (TTQT) and Trade Finance (TTTM) at a bank—and though now retired—I continue to accompany the profession in a new role: as a consultant, supporting younger colleagues working in banks and export-import companies. In recent years, I’ve clearly felt a quiet yet profound shift—a moment when … Read More
Khi AI Gõ Cửa Bộ phận Thanh Toán Quốc Tế – Nỗi Lo, Niềm Hy Vọng và Câu Hỏi Lớn Là người từng nhiều năm làm việc trong lĩnh vực Thanh toán quốc tế (TTQT – International Payments) và Tài trợ thương mại (TTTM – Trade Finance) tại ngân hàng, nay đã nghỉ hưu, tôi vẫn tiếp tục đồng hành với nghề dưới vai trò tư vấn – hỗ trợ các bạn trẻ đang làm việc tại ngân hàng và … Read More
BACK TO GÒ NỔI AGAIN By Mr. Old Man It’s been just over a month, and yet I’ve found myself back in Gò Nổi for the third time — each visit with a few good friends and a fresh sense of curiosity. This time, the plan was to head straight out to the “cow prairie” in Điện Quang, but the weather had its own ideas. … Read More
HÒA BẮC – A PEACEFUL COUNTRYSIDE PAINTED BY NATURE ITSELF By Mr. Old Man Just 25 km west of Đà Nẵng lies Hòa Bắc — a tranquil slice of countryside so beautiful, it looks like it was brushed into existence by an artist’s hand. From the hillside road, you can look down and see the small villages of Trường Định, An Định, Nam Yên, and Phò Nam nestling together in … Read More
DISCOUNTING VS. NEGOTIATION UNDER LCs: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? QUESTION: What is the difference between discounting and negotiation in the context of letters of credit? Could you clarify? ——- ANSWER: Hi, Great question — it’s one that often comes up in trade finance. Under UCP 600, the term officially used is “negotiation”, not “discounting.” According to Article 2 of UCP 600, negotiation refers to: “The purchase by the … Read More
Cycling Back to the Ancient Banyan Tree This morning, I took on the climb up Sơn Trà to test my mountain biking legs — part of my plan to requalify for my long-expired Class FE cycling license (*). Along the way, I made a nostalgic stop at the old Tiên Sa Lighthouse, still standing proud above the sea. I also dropped by the legendary Cây Đa Ngàn … Read More