Vietnam’s socio-economic performance in 2012 and the first four months of this year was high on the agenda at the National Assembly (NA)’s fifth session that opened in Hanoi on May 20.

Interest rates may not be lowered for fear that local consumers will stop depositing their money in banks.

Vietnam saw a slight recovery in industrial production with the return of a USD1 billion trade deficit in April, according to a report from the Ministry of Industry and Trade on May 6.

Vietnam’s tuna exports have earned USD154 million so far this year, a year-on-year increase of 19 percent, and the highest growth among seafood exports. However, its growth also causes concerns – a drop in tuna quality has resulted in a sharp fall in price.

Most Vietnamese footwear businesses have received steady orders, for the second and third quarters of 2013, according to the Vietnam Leather and Footwear Association (Lefaso).

Signing the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the European Union (EU) and Vietnam will create opportunities for exported Vietnamese agricultural products in the EU market.

Vietnam’s export turnover increased sharply in recent years, thanks to the great contributions from foreign direct investment (FDI), however, foreign-invested enterprises do not create high value added products.

Domestic businesses which can stand firm against all odds deserve a medal.

Although the national economy managed to weather last year’s storm, most small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are still threatened by capital shortages and high inventories.

It is necessary to take synchronous measures to ease difficulties for the real estate market, Minister of Construction Trinh Dinh Dung has said.

Since Vietnam joined the World Trade Organisation (WTO) five years ago, it has enjoyed many benefits, such as better import-export market access and increasing foreign direct investment. However, the country has faced numerous challenges, said economic experts.

The real estate market’s recovery will be led by low-cost housing and land plot segments this year, according to market analysts.

Vietnam’s economy has seen improvements in the first three months of this year but a lot of difficulties remain ahead, especially for businesses.

The Vietnamese Government will take stronger measures to save businesses, said Minister and Chairman of the Government Office Vu Duc Dam.

Many businesses have successfully overcome challenges to secure their foothold in the global market after 54,000 others were dissolved under the negative impact of the global economic crisis in 2012.

Anti-dumping and anti-subsidy lawsuits are posing a big challenge to Vietnam during its international integration process.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) projects have made important contributions to Vietnam’s socio-economic development despite several shortcomings in the slow capital disbursement process.

Global cashew demand is expected to be stronger than last year, but Vietnam’s exports are likely to diminish due to lower output and stocks, according to the Vietnam Cashew Association (Vinacas).

Developing the bauxite mining and processing industry is a very correct and necessary policy, Minister of Industry and Trade Vu Huy Hoang has said.

The sustainable exploitation of natural resources, mineral resources in particular, has always been a hot issue and priority for developing countries. Among the potential solutions to this issue is the harmonisation of exploitation and conservation of the national natural and geological heritage to promote tourism.