VN to halt illegal fishing by 2025

 VietNamNet Bridge – The National Assembly has passed a revised law on fisheries as Vietnam prepares a national plan to prevent, minimise and eliminate illegal fishing by 2025. 

Foreign investors keen to acquire stake at oil refinery

The equitization of Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical Company has drawn strong attention of big foreign investors given the company’s strong financial readings and its market position.

Digital banking grows to support new customers

 Digitalisation in retail banking is becoming a vital trend for Vietnam’s banking sector, not only to meet bank customers’ – especially young customers’ – needs, but also to help the nation achieve its goal of creating a cashless economy. 

ACV prepares for colossal divestment

 The state will divest about 20 per cent of its stake – more than 435 million shares – in Vietnam’s largest state-owned airport operator in the third quarter of next year.

Foreign diplomatic agencies informed of APPF-26

 The 26th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF-26) will be organised in Hanoi from January 18-21, 2018 under the theme of “Parliamentary partnership: Peace, Innovation and Sustainable Development”.

Mekong-Lancang foreign ministers convene third meeting in China

 The third Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Mekong – Lancang Cooperation took place in Dali, the southwest China’s Yunnan  on December 15, with the attendance of foreign ministers from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, China and Vietnam. 

Chinese furniture manufacturers relocate to Vietnam

VietNamNet Bridge - Chinese wooden furniture enterprises are considering setting up their production bases in Vietnam, raising worries among domestic manufacturers.

Village midwives give vital service for a pittance

Being a midwife in a remote, mountainous area is a thankless job. The remuneration is pitiful, even though the job is of vital importance in maintaining maternal health, especially among ethnic minority communities.

Taking care of preemies a tense ordeal and a joy

 VietNamNet Bridge – Tran Gia Han of Hai Phong often holds her breath as she stares into the room where her baby is being taken care of.

Only a fundamental mindset shift can save the Mekong Delta: expert

Well-meant but misguided climate change interventions in the Mekong Delta are set to do more harm than good, and only a change in policymakers’ mindset can reverse the damage, 

Tour firms may be fined for environmental offenses

Madelon Willemsen, head of the Vietnam office of the wildlife trade monitoring network TRAFFIC, said that the wildlife-related tourism activities that have been popular in the country for decades, such as elephant riding, 

Blind teacher wins top scholarship for social work

 VietNamNet Bridge – Huynh Huu Canh and his cousin were digging up an iron object one day when a bomb left over from the war exploded, killing his cousin and leaving Canh, then in the fourth grade, blind.

Young swimmer shine at age 15

 VietNamNet Bridge – At the age of 15, HCM City’s native swimmer Nguyen Huu Kim Son won an individual medley gold at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games held in Malaysia this year, setting a new Games record.

Social News 16/12

Kon Tum police bust illegal transport of firecrackers, Quang Ngai asked to roll out measures to end illegal fishing, Nguyen Xuan Thang assigned to take charge of PCC’s Theoretical Council

Textile-garment trade surplus may hit US$15.5 billion this year

 Vietnam’s textile and garment sector may have a trade surplus of US$15.5 billion on total export revenue of US$31 billion this year, said Vu Duc Giang, chairman of the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS).

“The AR Concert – Connecting Art” to welcome Christmas in HCM City

VietNamNet Bridge - Do you have a plan for this upcoming Christmas? Why not come to Ben Thanh Theater to join My Tam, Khoi My, Tia Chop Bac Band and FBand in "The AR Concert – Connecting Art”?

Experts find downtown vehicle restriction scheme unconvincing

 Most experts voiced their disagreements over a scheme to impose a fee on cars entering downtown HCMC to reduce traffic congestion, heard a seminar on December 12.

Reclusive award-winning film director reveals his fears

 VietNamNet Bridge – Vu Ngoc Dang won the Best Director award at the 20th National Film Festival in Da Nang recently. It was the second such award for Dang, his first coming in 2012. 

BUSINESS IN BRIEF 16/12

 Turning back the tide: Japan attracting investment from Vietnam, 33 percent of farming cooperatives efficiently operate: Ministry, Australia renews commitment to support Vietnam’s economic reform

Worms can revive polluted farms

 VietNamNet Bridge – Small earthworms hide giant benefits that have not been fully exploited in Vietnam agriculture.

Tour guides join associations so they can keep their jobs

VietNamNet Bridge - Thousands of freelancers are hurrying to join tourism and tour guide associations as the membership will give them opportunities to practice as legal tour guides.

Perilous life in the north

 The harsh reality of climate change is acutely felt in Vietnam's northern mountains.

Pianist Luu Duc Anh: Classical music has a miracle power

 Born into a family with a rich tradition in music, young pianist Luu Duc Anh, whose elder brother is acclaimed pianist Luu Hong Quang, has won a number of prestigious international music competitions.

E-commerce websites have to be registered

 A website considered an e-commerce website and must be registered or notified to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT).

Brocade weaving: dexterity of M’Nong women

 M’nong women in many hamlets in Dak Ndrung commune, Dak Nong province, are engaged in weaving brocade fabric. Their colorful products show off their dexterity and diligence and contribute to preserving M’nong tradition and culture.