Hanoi voiced its concern about increased Chinese naval patrols in the South China Sea, and extension of a fishing ban which Vietnam argues is a violation of its territorial rights.

The IMF slashed its growth outlook for Asia from last year's 2.7 percent to a new 1.3 percent, saying chances for immediate economic rebound are "weak".

Foreign investment into Vietnam could move to other countries as the number of overseas anti-dumping lawsuits rack up against the country.

As North Korea launched it’s Taepodong-2 satellite on Sunday morning, US and South Korean leaders condemned the act and urged international stance but UN remains deadlocked about response.

Asian currencies strengthened this week following an announcement that American banks could stand without government buyout, and optimism about new Chinese and Japanese stimulus packages.

Association of South-east Asian Nations (Asean) to give unified statement against trade protectionism at a summit next week, and will discuss details of a regional foreign reserve fund pool. Finance ministers in the Asia region are holding bilateral talks in the lead up, showing strategic cooperation to prevent trade protectionism.

Vietnam Steel Corporation (VN Steel) announced plans to speed up an electronic steel exchange platform for 2009 to help build up local distribution channels, according to Vietnam News Agency. The e-platform will facilitate transactions between vendors and buyers, getting rid of traditional channels notorious for high investment costs and low ...