National economy on road to recovery: commission

Vietnam’s economic outlook has brightened since the third quarter of 2013 thanks to improvements in production, according to the National Financial Supervisory Commission (NFSC).
Vietnam’seconomic outlook has brightened since the third quarter of 2013 thanksto improvements in production, according to the National FinancialSupervisory Commission (NFSC).

A report onVietnam ’s macro economy in 2013 and prospects in 2014 released by theNFSC on April 24 revealed that the economy has been stablised with lowinflation and a stable forex rate.

Investorconfidence has been consolidated, the report said, noting that thetarget of a 5.8 percent growth rate is within reach.

The commission forecast that inflation rate will stand at 5 percent in2014. However, the reliance on foreign-invested enterprises remains anobstacle to the country’s economic growth.

Inanother report on the financial market in 2013, the commission uncovereda bright picture of the banking sector, with increased liquidity andthe outstanding credit balance rising by 12.5 percent.

Bad debt has been tamed, hovering at around 9-10 percent, the report said.

Credit growth climbed from 9.8 percent in 2012 to 12.5 percent in2013. Meanwhile, the average interest rate was brought down from 20percent in 2011 to about 12 percent last year.

Despite good assessments of the stock and Government bond markets, thecommission pointed out a range of economic challenges. These includelimited credit absorption and prolonged bad debt settlements.

In general, the report said, economic policies are making it easier for credit growth.-VNA

See more

President of the Vietnam-Canada Business Association (VCBA) Eastern Chapter Chung Vinh. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam-Canada Business Association expands operation

The establishment of the Eastern Chapter not only marks a significant step in the Vietnam-Canada Business Association's growth but also addresses the rising demand for networking and collaboration among Vietnamese and Canadian entrepreneurs in the region.

An overview of the discussion on developing financial centres in Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)

Int’l financial centre ensures Vietnam’s sustainable financial growth: Experts

Financial experts expressed their willingness to share knowledge, expertise, and support Vietnam’s access to vital capital, while as assisting Vietnam in training and recruitment of highly skilled financial professionals to ensure the swift and effective development of the financial centres. Additionally, they committed to connecting Vietnamese businesses with German and international investors.

A port in California of the US (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Vietnam attends WTO session on removing technical barriers to trade

The Vietnamese delegation is closely tracking all Specific Trade Concerns, with a keen interest on rules impacting Vietnam’s key and potential exports at the regular session of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Committee) in Geneva, Switzerland from March 25-28.

The ICON e: (Photo: Honda Vietnam)

Honda Vietnam rolls out first domestically produced electric scooter

The ICON e: is specifically designed for high school students, a young and dynamic demographic seeking safe and convenient mobility. The scooter comes equipped with advanced safety features, including a fire- and water-resistant lithium-ion battery, a combined braking system (CBS), LED lighting for enhanced visibility, and a spacious storage compartment. It is expected to launch in the Vietnamese market in April.

A buyer searches for food products at the fair. (Photo: VNA)

Third Vietnam Outstanding Export Products Fair opens in HCM City

It features nearly 750 booths showcasing a wide range of goods and services like agricultural products, foods and seafood, handicrafts, souvenirs, regionally distinctive goods, textiles, footwear, supporting industries, and food processing, packaging, and preserving technologies.

Fillet catfish for export (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, US boost agricultural trade

The key agricultural products of the two countries complement each other rather than compete. Therefore, Vietnam is willing to open its market to US agricultural products.