* The government will require state-owned enterprises to limit to 15 percent the portion of capital invested in non-core business activities, down from the 30 percent currently permitted, Vietnam News reported, citing a Ministry of Finance draft regulation.

* Vietnam Oil & Gas Group, or PetroVietnam, will shut down its Dung Quat oil refinery from July 15 to September 14 for scheduled maintenance. The maintenance will cost PetroVietnam about US$25 million, excluding any replacement of equipment.

* National carrier Vietnam Airlines will operate direct flights from Vietnam to the UK beginning December 8. It will fly from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to London Gatwick Airport.