The race to lure demand deposits, or current account savings account (CASA), among banks seems to be decelerating as it is more difficult for them to attract the cheap capital source in the context of high interest rates on term savings.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on February 21 chaired a national teleconference on the acceleration of public investment allocation and disbursement in 2023 as well as the socio-economic recovery and development programme.

The south central province of Binh Thuan aims to build brands for local products associated with the protection of geographical indications in order to increase value and affirm the brands of speciality products.

The Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre plans to invest 13 trillion VND (547.25 million) in building a 53-km coastal road this year.

The export of dragon fruit, banana and durian is expected to contribute 2 billion USD to the country’s export turnover in 2023.

The southern coastal province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau is aiming to become a gateway to the sea of the Southeastern region and the country, a national marine economic centre, a maritime service centre of Southeast Asia, and an international-class high-quality tourism centre by 2030.

As several foreign investors are eyeing Vietnam for opportunities, the country must make greater efforts to improve the investment climate.

Vietnamese longan is much welcomed in Japan although its retail prices are high, which brings a big opportunity for local farmers.

With more Vietnamese commuters choosing to cycle, the prospects for the bicycle market look promising with great opportunities for retailers.

The State Bank of Vietnam set the daily reference exchange rate at 23,643 VND/USD on February 21, down 3 VND from the previous day.

There is great potential for cooperation between Vietnam and the Czech Republic, Minister of Trade and Industry Nguyen Hong Dien said on February 20 when receiving his Czech counterpart Jozef Sileka.

Vietsovpetro should pay more attention to renewable energy, especially wind power which is Russia’s strength, First Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council of Federal Assembly of Russia (upper house) Andrey Yatskin said on February 20.

As global demand is slowing and adversely affecting export countries including Vietnam, fiscal policy will significantly help support Vietnam’s economic growth in 2023, experts said.

Nonsan city in Chungcheongnam province of the Republic of Korea (RoK) on February 20 announced the opening of its trade office in Ho Chi Minh City, becoming the RoK's first district-level locality to launch a trade office in Vietnam.

Import-export activities and customs clearance of goods via the Ma Lu Thang International Border Gate in Phong Tho district of the northern province of Lai Chau and the Jinshuihe border gate of China's Yunnan province were fully resumed on February 20.

Vietnamese apparel firms have been busy so far this year to complete orders, toward achieving the goal of earning about 47 billion USD from export this year on the back of incentives brought about by free trade agreements that already took effect.

Six projects worth over 7.4 trillion VND (310.46 million USD) are expected to begin this year serving railway infrastructure upgrade.

The State Bank of Vietnam set the daily reference exchange rate at 23,646 VND/USD on February 20, up 7 VND from the last working day of previous week (February 17).

Central Retail Corporation (CRC), the largest retailer of Thailand, has announced its biggest investment in Vietnam at 50 billion baht (1.45 billion USD) in the 2023-2027 period to accelerate its market presence in the country.

Honda Vietnam reported sharp falls in motorcycle and automobile sales in January compared to the previous month.