The Vietnam-U.S. bilateral trade agreement (BTA) has led to a remarkable rise in trade and investment activity since it came into force in December 2001, says a report on BTA implementation.

The joint cabinet meeting between Thailand and Vietnam marks a milestone in the development of bilateral relations. The meeting opened up many opportunities for businesses of the two countries.

Taisei Corp. (Japan) has defeated three other Japanese bidders to win the bid to build a tunnel through the Saigon River linking downtown HCM City and the new urban center of Thu Thiem in District 2 with an offer of VND2.23 trillion (US$150 mil.).

Tran Van Thinh, former head of the European Union delegation at WTO talks, discussed Viet Nam's preparations to join the WTO with Tuoi Tre Chu Nhat (Sunday Youth) magazine.

HCM CITY — An online master's training programme designed to produce highly qualified specialists for the nation's future IT industry will get its first enrolment this September.

HCM CITY - The People's Committee of HCM City has submitted proposals to Prime Minister Phan Van Khai that ask for the Government's help in future planning for the city's social and economic sectors.

(SGT-HANOI) Prime Minister Phan Van Khai said yesterday Vietnam was looking to attain economic growth of at least 7.5% next year and even higher levels thereafter.

(SGT-HANOI) State utility Electricity of Vietnam has announced it will seal engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts with local developers this year to implement five major hydro-power projects.

Earlier, the prime minister announced that the provinces of Long An, Tay Ninh, and Binh Phuoc had been added to the Southern Focal Economic Zone.

HCM CITY - Prime Minister Phan Van Khai wants HCM City to focus on re-structuring industrial production for the making of high-quality, competitive goods, It should also become a pivotal commercial and financial centre that led development of the country's economy and trade, he told a working session with the HCM City Party's and People's Committees on Monday.