Vietnam to hold $US1 billion government bond sale

Updated November 20, 2009 12:55:52

With interest rates at record lows and stock markets around the world still looking shaky, governments all over the world are competing to attract big investment dollars, and Vietnam has entered the race, saying it will issue government bonds with a view to raising $US1 billion.

Hanoi said it plans to spend the proceeds of the sale on major public infrastructure such as roads. It is only the second time Vietnam has tried to sell bonds - the first issue was four years ago - and if it goes well, Vietnam's bond sale will add to the near record level of emerging market debt this year.

Presenter: Karon Snowdon
Speakers: Adam McCarty, chief economist, Mekong Economics; Rajiv Malik, director, India and South East Asia Economics, Macquarie Bank