Car assemblers’ collision course with ruling

Local automobile assemblers will again feel the pinch following last week’s decision to approve the import duty scheme for second hand cars, paving the way for the import of used cars into the domestic market.

ODA windfall in prospect

A stunning performance by the economy this year has given Vietnam high hopes of being granted higher official development assistance (ODA) commitments from the international donor community.
banks look to up security

Banks look to up security

The leading companies involved in automated teller machine (ATM) banking services last week met to find a more secure solution to protect card users from possible money losses due to illegal withdrawals from their accounts by criminals.
a close eye will still be kept on real estate deals

A close eye will still be kept on real estate deals

The real estate market is set to open up to foreigners and overseas Vietnamese following the release of the draft law on real estate business, which will result in a healthier market.
range of tax hikes loom

Range of tax hikes loom

Several National Assembly delegates have proposed higher taxes on automobiles and cigarettes in hopes of controlling the number of cars on the street and discouraging smoking.

Economic target in fine health despite flu fear

Though Vietnam could become a hotspot for a possible outbreak of avian flu, the World Bank insists the country will still reach its projected high growth rate this year because the flu, even if it does occur, will not have a large impact on the economy.
safe foreign debt level to fuel growth

Safe foreign debt level to fuel growth

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) last week announced that the nation’s foreign debt was still within safe limits, ensuring economic growth of around 8 per cent during the next five years.

State anti-corruption body comes step closer

The anti-corruption committee to reduce bribery may be established, but under the government instead of the National Assembly, as several deputies had originally planned.
gdp growth rate ignites national assembly debate

GDP growth rate ignites National Assembly debate

Several National Assembly delegates disagreed with the government’s planned growth rate for the gross domestic product (GDP) - 8 per cent for 2006 - and said that a higher level would help Vietnam catch up with developed countries.

Businesses to get fair deal

The majority of new laws to be approved by the National Assembly (NA) are expected to focus on creating a fair playing ground for all business and reinforce Vietnam’s commitment to global economic integration, claimed officials last week.

Hard hitting fines for firms which compete unfairly

The government has unveiled heavyweight fines on violators of monopoly and competition regulations last week, a bold move meant to stimulate private-owned enterprises and create a healthy business environment.
banks cash in on atm court victory

Banks cash in on ATM court victory

Techcombank, one of Vietnam’s largest joint-stock banks, has won the first-ever dispute in which a customer sued the bank for a loss of money from her account, a move that will clear existing doubts about the security and safety of the bank’s card system.
world bank lauds business reforms

World Bank lauds business reforms

The World Bank last week recognised impressive progress of the Vietnamese government in its reform programmes to create a more favourable business environment.
vietnam prepares to issue foreign bonds

Vietnam prepares to issue foreign bonds

A plan for bond issuances on foreign markets has been submitted to the government by the Ministry of Finance (MoF), paving the way for the first issuing session by the year’s end and coinciding with Vietnam’s anticipated WTO entry.
bank opens bond services

Bank opens bond services

Vietnam’s bond trading market is set to benefit greatly from Vietcombank’s announcement last week that it will enter bond trading services.