Vietnam PM apologises for mismanaging economy

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) - Vietnam's embattled prime minister has apologised to the nation for mismanaging the economy and is pledging to step up reforms.

Mr Nguyen Tan Dung was publicly rebuked last week by the Communist Party following a meeting of its central committee. Some reports suggested that he had survived a leadership challenge.

The growth of Vietnam's once-booming economy has slowed to around 5 per cent this year. It has been dragged down by debt-ridden banks and inefficient state-owned enterprises.

Mr Dung told the national assembly on Monday he takes personal responsibility for heavy losses run up by Vinashin and Vinalines, two state-owned shipping sector companies.