Worrying Halong Bay fees

 Quang Ninh Province government has finally refrained from a plan to hike fees for visitors to the World Heritage site of Halong Bay given objections by travel firms and tourists. 

Draft SEZ law not on NA Standing Committee's agenda at Aug session

 The draft law on special administrative and economic units, also known as special economic zones, will not be put on the agenda of a National Assembly Standing Committee session set for August 8 to 13.

Consumers wary of switching to E5 gasoline

 The total consumption of the biofuel E5 in the first half of the year saw a 31.18% increase year-on-year, reaching some 1.78 million cubic meters.

Domestic firms dominant in wood exports

Domestic wood processing companies have overtaken FDI enterprises in terms of export revenue. 

Pepper prices tumble to 10-year low

 Pepper prices in the Central Highlands have plunged to VND48,000-49,000 per kilogram, the lowest price point over the last decade, reported news website Vietnamplus.

"Golden piano boy”, the Paris-based Arod Quartet to perform in Hanoi

 A classical concert featuring the Paris-based Arod Quartet and pianist Nguyen Viet Trung will take place at Hanoi Opera House on August 25.

Low-pressure system heading to East Sea

 The National Center for Hydro Meteorological Forecasting issued its latest weather forecast this morning that a low-pressure system is heading to the East Sea.

Total of 21 days for 2019 public holidays announced

 The total number of public holidays next year is set at 21 days, announced the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs on August 6.

Five major SOEs to be restructured

 The Prime Minister has approved the restructuring plans for five of the six major State-owned enterprises (SOEs), and two large corporations under his jurisdiction, in the first half this year.

Vietnam approves sustainable smart city development plan

 Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has approved the sustainable smart city development plan for the 2018-2025 period and beyond towards 2030 with a view to improving the lives of city residents.

Android Pie: Google adds Digital Wellbeing controls

 Android Pie - Google's latest version of its mobile operating system - has been released.

Lombok quake: Rescuers search collapsed mosque for survivors

 Rescue workers are searching the ruins of a mosque in Lombok, Indonesia, where it is feared people were trapped by Sunday's deadly earthquake.

New tour lures more visitors to Ly Son Island

A newly designed tour has created more opportunities for visitors to Ly Son Island to experience historic relics and enjoy fresh seafood.

Challenges facing Vietnam in ensuring energy security

 VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam needs an enormous amount of energy to feed its development, but relying on coal and hydropower is not the answer, and with new measures still at an early stage, 

Hanoi launches flood app

 HSDC Maps app provides updates on flooding around Hanoi and suggests alternative routes.

Investors pour money into co-working spaces

Co-working spaces in Vietnam only account for 0.5 percent of the office-for-lease market, but are becoming more popular. 

Vietnam's new Golden Bridge impresses the world

 The "Golden Bridge in Vietnam" has become a new key search word on the Internet.

Vietnam contributes to diversity of International Law Commission

 Vietnam has contributed to the diversity of the International Law Commission (ILC) via information and arguments towards increasing benefit balance, objectivity, fairness and justice, said an official. 

Real estate forecast to attract most M&A deals in 2018

 The real estate market is predicted to witness the most merger and acquisition (M&A) deals in 2018.

Indian firms up pharma investments

 In anticipation of future growth potential, Indian businesses are venturing further into investments in pharmaceutical production in Vietnam, with more fresh projects in the pipeline.

Trade war makes Vietnam a haven

 The increasing trade friction between the US and China will likely prompt more South Korean and Japanese firms to come to Vietnam and use Vietnam, instead of China, as a key market to produce and export their products to the US.

Private equity industry breaks records

 The Asia-Pacific private equity industry has achieved its best all-around performance to date and is setting new records, while challenges are looming on the horizon.

Japanese firms bank on M&A deals

 Japanese investors are increasingly striking up deals with Vietnamese partners to unlock new business opportunities. 

Vinalines to conduct IPO on September 5

 Vietnam National Shipping Lines (Vinalines) will conduct its initial public offering (IPO) to divest 488.818 million shares via a bid with the starting price of VND10,000 per share. The auction is expected to be organised on September 5.

Kong director remains actively involved in Vietnam’s film industry

Despite his tight schedule with new film projects in the US, the director of Hollywood blockbuster, Kong: Skull Island, Jordan Vogt-Roberts, has still managed to contribute to Vietnam’s film industry.