As many as 26,037 cars were sold in January, marking a year-on-year increase of 28 per cent, reports the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (VAMA).

Besides short-haul tours to some Asian countries such as Malaysia, Hong Kong and China, outbound tours to long-haul destinations, such as South Korea, Japan, Australia, the United States and Dubai, are now favoured by many Vietnamese holidaygoers.

Though Việt Nam remains a big importer of textile feedstock and accessories from China, its rising exports to China is a promising sign, according to the Việt Nam National Textile and Garment Group.

The Vietnam Railway Corporation (VNR) hopes to raise at least VNĐ139 billion (US$6.2 million) in 2018 from selling its ownership in 15 subsidiary and affiliate companies.

In a policy turnaround, the Government has said it is determined to assist food and beverage importers and producers by reducing inspection times, costs and criteria, opting for businesses to make self declarations instead of being constantly watchdogged by officials.

Shares are expected to move modestly in the coming two trading sessions as investors settle trading before the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday, while concerns remain following recent turbulence in global markets.

Vietnamese shares recouped part of the week’s losses on Friday as the current massive sell-off across the stock market triggered investors to scoop up stocks at bargain prices.

Leading mobile phone service providers Viettel and MobiFone have said they are ready to cope with the expected rush during the Lunar New Year.

As demand for cash withdrawals at ATMs doubles or triples around the Vietnamese Tết holiday, banks are recommending customers use electronic payment or scan their cards at POS machines or use quick response (QR) codes instead of withdrawing cash at ATMs.