The price growth rate of real estate will hit its peak in 2016, according to the Vietnam Market Outlook released recently by CB Richard Ellis Vietnam Co. Ltd. (CBRE) .

The World Bank (WB) will support Vietnam in building a road map to smoothly shift preferential loans from the International Development Association (IDA) to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). 

VOV.VN - Japanese retail giant Aeon on February 22 unveiled plans to start construction of a US$200 million shopping mall in Hanoi at the Nam Thang Long Industrial Park in the near future.

Japanese enterprises wish to expand their investment cooperation with Vietnam as the country continues to enjoy strong growth, especially after the recent signing of a number of trade deals.

The things of universal interest in Vietnam, if put in order of importance, according to market research firm Nielsen, are general economic information, bills for basic needs, job stability, food price increases and health. 

A new report recommending steps to help lift Vietnam to upper-middle-income status in two decades suggests the country build a more competitive private sector, support smart urbanization, promote innovation, and take advantage of increasing trade opportunities to enact broad structural reforms. 

The Vietnamese High-Quality Goods award will be conferred on 500 firms this year, 41 of them first-time winners. Forty-two have received annual recognition for 20 consecutive years.

Expanding into international markets to boost rice exports was the focus of a workshop held by the Ministry of Industry and Trade on February 22 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Australian trade officials are calling on food exporters to step up promotions in Vietnam to benefit from the growing market, reported Australian Associated Press (APP) on February 22.

Many home appliances retailers are planning to resume their stalled projects to open more stores given the positive market outlook this year.

VOV.VN - By February 15, the country’s total exports reached US$17.032 billion while imports were US$16.347 billion, pushing trade surplus so far this year up to US$685 million, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs.

Numerous Vietnamese enterprises’ efforts to expand operations to foreign markets have brought considerable success.

VOV.VN - Four product groups had earned an export revenue of more than US$1 billion each by February 15, according to latest statistics from the General Department of Vietnam Customs.

Russia once helped Vietnam manufacture weapons and now may transfer automobile technology to Vietnam, experts say.

 Gold prices dropped in the domestic market on February 22.

Vietnamese plastic firms that import polypropylene as production material can reduce their production costs as the finance ministry has reduced the tax on polypropylene by 2%.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the two major cities showed a slight increase in February due to the high demand for goods during Tet holidays, according to statistic offices.

Vietsovpetro is cutting 2,000 jobs in the next five years, according to newswire vneconomy.

Companies providing transport services with automobiles must further slash fares following the recent drop in petrol prices this month, Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Hong Truong urged.

Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) is seeking approval to lower tax rates at the Dung Quat Oil Refinery because of a lack of competitiveness against imported fuels.

The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) on February 22 announced the central rate for the Vietnam dong against the US dollar at VND21,894 per US dollar, a decrease of VND6 compared to the late last week.

An expert delegation from the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) has visited the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho to seek investment opportunities in the local traffic infrastructure system. 

The southern province of Binh Phuoc and the Ivory Coast Cotton and Cashew Council (CCA) have established cooperation in the cashew sector.

VOV.VN -On February 22, the Ministry of Industry and Trade organized a Conference of Trade Counselors in Ho Chi Minh city discussing trade activities.

VOV.VN - A conference was convened in Ho Chi Minh City on February 22 aiming to raise the business community’s awareness on the importance of improving their compliance with food safety and hygiene export requirements.

VOV.VN - The government is intent on ensuring that local companies in the clothing and textiles industries benefit from opportunities created by free trade agreements (FTAs), says the Vietnam Textile and Garment Association (VITAS).

The 2016 Vietnam-Myanmar Trade Service and Tourism Fair - Ho Chi Minh City Expo 2016, is scheduled to take place in Yangon city, Myanmar from April 1-4.

Domestic and foreign investors were urged to invest more in the central province of Nghe An for its geographic advantages, improved infrastructure and open investment policies during an investors' meeting held on February 21 in the province.

The real estate sector is forecast to remain the most attractive investment channel in 2015 due to the growing demand in the residential, office, and hospitality segments.

The local energy sector is expected to be the next driver for foreign direct investment growth in Vietnam this year.