The green light has been given for the country’s first joint venture express delivery service to stride ahead, with licensing for the DHL and VNPT-managed venture expected to be approved soon.

In a bid to become a modern industrialised nation, Vietnam has joined a number of regional economic organisations including ASEAN, AFTA and APEC, however, it is the country’s bid to join the World Trade Organisation, which is proving to be the biggest challenge to economic reformers. VIR’s Mai Anh explores the challenges and opportunities for the nation on the road to integration, as well as the positive outcomes that have already come about since Vietnam started its renewal process.

THE capital-thirsty economy may gain a much-needed boost if a new Ministry of Planning and Investment plan is approved.The ministry’s (MPI) plan for the development and completion of the capital market to 2010, which is to be submitted to the government by the end of next month, focuses on maximising the competitive edge of the banking system and sourcing capital for the domestic economy via the securities market.

THE nation will once again hear the clink of coins from December 17 – for the first time in 20 years – and for the first time in the country’s history, VND500,000 notes will be put into circulation.