HANOI, Aug 10 (Reuters) - These are some of the leading stories in the official Vietnamese press on Friday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

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VIETNAM NEWS

-- A Singaporean naval ship anchored at Ho Chi Minh City, beginning an official visit to Vietnam.

-- Vietnam Electricity Construction Company <VNE.HM> became the 111th listed firm on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange <.VNI> and forecast its net profit would rise to 60 billion dong ($3.7 million) this year and 88 billion dong in 2008 from 49 billion dong last year.

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TUOI TRE

-- About 729 people have contracted a disease that infects feet, hands and mouth in Ho Chi Minh City during the first seven months, with two deaths in July alone, health authorities said.

-- Steel companies have begun reducing prices to boost consumption during the rainy season.

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THANH NIEN

-- Vietnam and the Philippines plan to implement joint navy patrols, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said in a meeting with President Arroyro in Manila.

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