EU trade ministers try Friday to reassure France on its prized "cultural exception" so free trade talks can be opened next week with the United States which believes that no issues should be excluded.

VietNamNet Bridge – A number of important agreements on strengthening cooperation have been reached during working sessions for representatives from the Vietnamese, Russian and Belarusian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Agricultural products need protection after FTA; Vietnam keen on international aviation cooperation; Smuggled gold sneaking onto local market; Banks have money to lend - but few takers

 VietNamNet Bridge – The signed free-trade agreements (FTAs) would enable Viet Nam to reel in commercial and investment flows in serving its growth model restructuring.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Both domestic and foreign firms have called for lifting restrictions on advertising and promotional spending to mitigate the economic gloom.

New regulation seeks to refine urban planning process; Government approves border zone development; Balance of payment surplus estimated 10 bln USD; Ha Noi inflation double that of HCM City in first month of 2013

 VietNamNet Bridge – The second round of negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and South Korea will begin in this quarter and is likely to produce positive results.