Hanoi, Oct. 9 -- Vietnam's foreign currency issuer credit rating has been upgraded from BB+, with a positive outlook, to BBB-, with a stable outlook, by Rating and Investment Information, Inc. (R&I) on October 8, the Ministry of Finance announced. This marks the first time Vietnam has entered the investment grade category. According to the ministry, the upgrade reflects R&I's positive assessment of Vietnam's economic growth fundamentals, structural reform prospects, fiscal headroom and resilience to external shocks. It expects strong growth to continue, supported by a shift towards a productivity- and innovation-driven growth model, expanded public investment and sustained foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows. During the sovereign cred...