The appreciation of the Vietnam dong against other currencies has benefited many import/export companies.

Viet Nam needs to invest in infrastructure while sustaining economic growth. So far, the State budget and official development assistance have contributed most of the funding for infrastructure development.

 Ha Noi was running short of clean water, the two water companies serving the capital warned at a recent meeting last week.

The Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) will call for investment in eight power projects with a total capacity of 8,700 MW, including: Vung Ang, Quang Trach 1, Thai Binh 2, Long Phu 1, Song Hau 1, Dakring, Hoa Thang and Blue Whale.

Barriers to increased foreign direct investment (FDI) were discussed at a dialogue between this central city's leadership and FDI enterprises last week.

Crude oil prices have plummeted recently, affecting revenue for state coffers, which depend heavily on oil and petroleum exports and imports.