At a joint conference with Hanoi officials, many
businesses said the Central Bank should adjust the exchange rate of the
dong March 3. They also suggested the government’s stimulus package
should include assistance for exporters with six to eight percent of
interest payments instead four.


Officials of Hanoi People’s Committee met and
discussed with business leaders on the current economic climate and how
to prevent recession.


Hundreds of business representatives and leaders from central ministries and departments attended the conference.


A representative for the State Bank said if the dong
depreciates, it will disadvantageously affect inflation control, bank
deposits and import activities. As such, the Bank will not devalue the
dong and will instead study methods to assist export businesses.


Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade Bui Xuan Khu
said the Vietnamese government will not limit expenditure to assist
trade promotion in 2009.


He added that Hanoi can submit its own plans to the Ministry for overseas and domestic trade promotions.


Khu proposed the idea that the Ministry of Finance
provides Hanoi with more funds for teaching, training and trade fairs
at trade villages.


He said Hanoi should quickly draw up a list of projects to assign contractors for the PM’s approval.


In 2009, businesses should work with the stimulus
plan, such as building houses for workers, students and low income
people in order to prevent difficulties when there is a policy change,
the deputy minister added.