Enhancing macro-economic stability with lower inflation and higher growth remains the focus of this year's socio-economic development tasks, says the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

Despite predictions that the domestic economy would continue to face difficulties, garment companies remain optimistic about growth this year.

Real estate prices in Vietnam might continue to fall this year, according to Hoa Phat Land director Pham Trung Ha. He was speaking to the media about the possible impacts of government measures to warm up the market last week.

Reforming the investment environment and improving foreign investment policies are crucial cogs in Vietnam's efforts to restructure the economy and reform growth models.

The Vietnam central bank must apply an appropriate interest rate policy and control bad debts to ensure the banking system's liquidity, while also helping businesses access loans, according to Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong at a working session with key officials of the State Bank of Vietnam and representatives of commercial banks in Hanoi on Saturday.

Vietnam on Monday cut its key interest rates for the sixth time in 2012 in an attempt to boost an economy growing at the weakest pace in more than a decade.

The price of electricity in Vietnam is set increase by 5 percent to 1,437 dong (US$0.06) excluding VAT for 1 kWh from today, following a circular issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade on Thursday.

Vietnam's disbursements of foreign investment capital could reach a total of roughly US$10.5 billion this year, the Ministry of Planning and Investment estimates.

Vietnam risks economic stagnation unless the government can reform its debt-laden banking sector and overhaul inefficient state-run companies, key donors have warned.

Over the next five years, Thailand's competitive manufacturing ranking will fall from 11th place to 15th, behind Vietnam, which will enter the top 10, according to Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu.