A host of real estate projects around Vietnam have been delayed by legal issues, a recent forum heard, adding to growing housing supply shortages and skyrocketing property prices.

In the first five months of the year, total foreign direct investment (FDI) into Vietnam reached over $18.39 billion, up 51.2 per cent year-on-year. Meanwhile, Vietnam’s manufacturing sector showed signs of improvement in May, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising to 49.8 points.

Though boasting their own appeal, Vietnam’s major cities have failed to compete with their regional counterparts in tourist numbers and return visitors.

The State Bank of Vietnam has introduced an action plan to ensure sustainability within the country’s financial system.

Ongoing global trade tensions call for Vietnam to be ready for any eventuality and to look closer at its own backyard.

On the occasion of the 79th Italian Republic Day, H.E. Marco della Seta, Ambassador of Italy to Vietnam, tells Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy’s Linh Tong about deepening Vietnam and Italy’s bilateral trade, investment, and cooperation.