Mekong Delta rice exports up 18 percent; Trade with Bangladesh down; Real estate giant VinGroup hits record revenue; Province to revoke 8 mining licences; New opportunities for US investors

VietNamNet Bridge - 20 years ago, Australia expected that Vietnam would become an "Asian dragon" when it dedicated priorities, economic and business opportunities to Vietnam.

Exactly 40 years ago, on February, 26, 1973, shortly after the Paris Agreement on Vietnam was signed, Canberra made a decision that was later considered as a "political breakthrough."

Vietnam now absolutely can replace Japan in making garments and software. However, it’s still unclear if Vietnam can grab the opportunities.

Mai Linh to sell assets to clear VND500 billion debts; Many firms fail to pay social insurance; Power price hike hits steel, cement producers; Logistics needs 20,000 more laborers; 2013: good time for business startups

Vietnamese feel happy when Vietnamese telcos have reached a consensus in the pricing policy on international call charges. However, a new worry has been raised that the number of illicit international calls would increase.

 VietNamNet Bridge – National Assembly (NA) Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung’s visits to Thailand and Japan aim to strengthen legislative ties between Vietnam and these two countries.

 VietNamNet Bridge – State President Truong Tan Sang’s recent visits to Brunei Darussalam and Myanmar have opened up new opportunities for cooperation between Vietnam and these two countries.

Spain cuts funding for Metro Line No. 5; HCM City yet to start tunnel toll collection; Exports hit over US$104 billion in 11 months; Over US$12 billion in FDI; November CPI rises 0.47 percent; Trade surplus worth US$64 million