The government and the entire financial and banking system have taken drastic measures to reduce bad debts while assisting businesses in overcoming difficulties, said State Bank governor Nguyen Van Binh.

(VOV) - The total export volume of agro-forestry and aquatic products in 2012 was estimated at US$27.5 billion, up 9.7 percent over last year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

(VOV) - The rice and raw tobacco material commodity groups imported from Laos will be granted a zero tax rate from January 1, 2013.

(VOV) - The Vietnam Cashew Association (VINACAS) has set a 2013-2015 export target of over US$4 billion, equivalent to US$1.4-1.5 billion each year. 

(VOV) - The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has announced that basic interest rates will be cut by 1 percent from December 24.

(VOV) - Hanoi’s consumer price index (CPI) increased slightly by 0.26 percent in December, up 6.29 percent compared to the same period last year.

(VOV) - Japan’s Sumitomo Life Insurance Company has decided to buy Bao Viet’s stake in the Vietnamese insurance market.

(VOV) - Economists are warning the slow progress in banking reform will increase the ratio of bad debts.

(VOV) - Global Data Services JSC (GDS), a joint venture between the NTT Com and Vietnam Posts Telecommunications (VNPT), has begun supplying domestic and international network services in Vietnam.

(VOV) - The leather and footwear sector is trying to meet this year’s US$8.5 billion export earning target despite numerous difficulties in the market.