It is reported that Vietnam is expected to export up to 20 million metric tonnes of coal in 2009 unchanged from this year.

The ministry said that the country plans to produce 43.5 million tonnes of coal next year, up from this year's projected production of 41 million tonnes on demand from power plants and cement producers.

Government figures show that Vietnam will have imported 18.4 million tonnes of coal valued at USD 1.28 billion by the end of October down 30.0% on year in terms of volume but up by 57.4% in terms of value.