VIETNAMESE NEWSPAPER HIGHLIGHTS - MAY 8, 2008

HANOI, May 08, 2008 (AsiaPulse via COMTEX) -- -- Highlights of today's newspapers:

NHAN DAN:

- National Assembly deputies: Resolved to take concerted efforts to curb inflation, stabilise the macro economy and ensure social security and sustainable economic development.

- Vietnam provides US$220,000 in emergency relief for Myanmar to overcome the aftermath of cyclone Nargis.

HANOI MOI:

- Upgrading the Noi Bai International Airport to increase its capacity to 50 million passengers per year.

VNA NET:

- Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai has welcomed Ukraine businesses to join bids to supply equipment for Vietnam's hydro- and thermo-electric power projects and to transfer its mining technology to Vietnam. Deputy PM Hai made the statement while receiving Ukraine Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs V.T. Piatnhiski in Hanoi on May 7.

THOI BAO KINH TE VIETNAM:

- Positive changes in official development assistance (ODA) attraction. Vietnam's ODA capital disbursement reached US$1.8 billion in 2006, US$2 billion in 2007 and is estimated to hit US$2.2 billion this year. The 2008 target is within reach as ODA-funded projects are being carried out on schedule.

TIEN PHONG:

- The stock market has witnessed sharp decreases since early 2008 despite a series of supportive solutions. However, experts said these solutions are provisional and the market is in need of stronger and long-term measures.

TIN TUC:

- Vietnam is committed to counter-terrorism and the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction under international treaties to which it is a party and resolutions of the UN Securities Council.

KINH TE VIETNAM & THE GIOI:

- The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers has asked the State Bank of Vietnam to provide loans in foreign currency to seafood exporters. Under Decision 09/2008/QD-NHNN, the State Bank does not provide any loans for such exporters. Interest rates on loans in Vietnamese dong are 19 per cent a year while the rates on foreign currency are 6.5-7 per cent a year.

TUOI TRE:

- Foreign investment worth US$10 billion will be approved in ports and other infrastructure in Phu Quoc this year. The investors are mainly groups from the United States and Canada.

SAIGON GIAI PHONG:

- Ho Chi Minh City has approved a scheme by the Urban Investment and Development Fund to provide interest-free loans worth US$25 million to State-owned enterprises. Potential borrowers should furnish detailed business plans approved by the city Peoples Committee.

DAU TU:

- Foreign investors are allowed to own a maximum of 40 per cent of stake in aluminium projects. The Prime Minister has allowed the Vietnam Coal and Minerals Group to establish joint stock aluminium production companies.

- It is difficult to keep the US Dollar deposit interest rate stable. According to a number of banks, it is difficult to keep the US Dollar deposit interest rate at 6 per cent per year due to businesses increasing demand for foreign currency loans and scarce supply of dollars.

(VNA)

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