Investment

The first Vietnam-Russia economic forum commenced on October 16 in Hanoi, bringing government officials and enterprises from both countries together to discuss measures to boost bilateral trade ties.

Business players from Vietnam and Italy were brought together at a forum in Ho Chi Minh City on October 15 to explore co-operation opportunities in trade and the manufacturing industry.

Vietnam and Belgium have agreed to work towards closer co-operation and comprehensive bilateral relations at the second session of the Vietnam-Belgium Joint Committee on Economic Co-operation in Hanoi from October 14-15.

Pledges of foreign direct investment (FDI) were estimated at US$15 billion in the first nine months of 2013, exceeding the target of US$13-14 billion for the whole year.

The 2nd Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting between Belgium and Vietnam will be held on October 14-15 in Hanoi, the Belgian Embassy in Vietnam announced on October 10.

The APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) has called on APEC to set up a centre supporting small, micro and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) in the region to promote economic development.

Vietnamese and Russian businesses have signed 10 co-operative agreements on trade in foodstuffs, agricultural processing, medicine and tourism at the Vietnam- Russia Trade and Investment Forum 2013.

The National Financial Supervisory Commission (NFSC) judged that confidence of the market and foreign investors in Vietnam's economy is being strongly recovered, after successful efforts in maintaining macro-economic stability.

Vietnam's wood export turnover may reach USD5.5 billion with a growth rate of 10-15 percent in 2013, according to the Vietnam Timber and Forest Product Association.

Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh led the Vietnamese delegation to the fourth ASEAN Maritime Forum (AMF-4) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from October 1-2.

Vietnam's export revenue for 2013 is forecast to reach US$131 billion, a 14% year-on-year increase and a 4% improvement on the National Assembly's previous estimate, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT).

The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) co-ordinated with the British Embassy to hold a forum with members of both countries' business communities in Hanoi on September 30.

The country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose 5.14 % in the first nine months of this year, according to a report released by the Ministry of Planning and Investment on September 24.

With an export value projected at USD5.5 billion this year, Vietnam is set to become Southeast Asia's biggest wood and wood products exporter, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Switzerland plans to increase its grant budget to CHF 123 million (US$132.8 million) over the next four years to promote further economic development co-operation with Vietnam.

Vietnam Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan and his Russian counterpart Olga Golodets announced they are taking robust measures to boost bilateral trade and investment, at a meeting in Moscow on September 17.

The seventh Vietnam Business Forum in Europe was held in Kharkov, Ukraine on September 14, drawing more than 200 Vietnamese entrepreneurs who operate in European countries.

Delegates participated in a button-pressing ceremony on September 14 to begin construction on a flyover at the North-South Railway crossing on National Highway 1A in Tam Diep town, northern Ninh Binh province.

The Australian Financial Review, a leading daily newspaper, published an article on September 11 entitled 'Good name helps SMEs gain foothold in Vietnam', which reflects Australia's strong desire to do business in the Vietnam market.