Vietnam is estimated to import over 2.2 billion U.S. dollars worth of machines, equipment and spare parts in the first quarter of this year, a year-on-year surge of 66.1 percent, according to the country's General Statistics Office on Friday.

The rise reflects higher demand of enterprises in Vietnam for technology renovation. A large amount of the imports are made in developed countries.

The country spent nearly 6.6 billion dollars importing machines, equipment and their spare parts in 2006, up 24.1 percent from 2005, said the office.

Source: Xinhua