Vietnam to put first observatory into operation

 Vietnam’s first astronomical observatory will be put into operation in September in the central province of Khanh Hoa.

Vietnamese gold medallist at SEA Games 29

As of 12:00 on August 24, Vietnam moved to second placeon the medal tally with 28 gold medals at the ongoing 29th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Malaysia.

Over 750 foreigners receive certificates of home ownership

 More than 750 foreigners have received certificates of home ownership in Vietnam since the Housing Law 2014 took effect, according to the Ministry of Construction. 

APEC officials interested in Vietnam’s rice production, export

Officials from APEC member economies expressed their special interest in Vietnam’s rice production and export during their fact-finding trip to the Mekong Delta Rice Research Institute on August 24. 

Domestic digital content firms ask for fair policies

Local digital content firms are claiming of unfair treatment compared to their foreign peers.

Real estate records new M&A deals in first half

 Vietnam’s real estate sector recorded several merger and acquisition deals involving foreign capital in the first six months of 2017, according to Dau Tu (Investment) newspaper.

PetroVietnam to complete divestment by 2020

 Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue has released a list of State-owned enterprises from which the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) must reduce its ownership between 2017 and 2020.

Social News 24/8

 US, German-funded projects assist locals in Thua-Thien Hue, Vietnam Airlines adjusts flight schedule due to storm Hato, Vietnam National Day marked in Hong Kong, Seminar seeks better Vietnamese language teaching abroad

McDonald's to cut global antibiotic use in chickens

 McDonald's Corp on Wednesday said that it would begin curbing the use of the high value human antibiotics in its global chicken supply in 2018, as the fast-food giant joins a broad effort to battle dangerous superbugs.

Pirated books still a concern as new school year comes

 For several months now, the market for textbooks, reference books and study kits has been abuzz with activity as the new school year approaches.

First Vietnamese recognised as ASEAN Biodiversity Hero

 Prof. Dr Dang Huy Huynh, Chairman of the Heritage Tree Council and Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment, has become the first Vietnamese to be honoured as an ASEAN Biodiversity Hero.

Traditional theatre’s performance marks World Reconciliation Day

 VietNamNet Bridge – Viet Nam Cheo Theatre will perform at a concert to mark World Reconciliation Day in Ha Noi on September 9, 

Hue’s iconic bridge gets an overhaul

The iconic iron bridge Truong Tien in the former imperial capital of Hue is getting an overhaul in an effort to return it to its design under the era of the country’s last emperor Bao Dai (1926-1945).

HCM City to implement smart interactive museums project

 A project on smart interactive museums will be piloted at the Southern Women’s Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnel Historical Complex in Ho Chi Minh City.

Nine killed, many missing, after Typhoon Hato hits Macau

 At least nine people were killed and many are still missing after one of the strongest typhoons on record barreled into the southern Chinese territory of Macau, 

Vietnam urged to create second export wave

VietNamNet Bridge - A ‘second export wave’ has been mentioned by Vietnamese experts as a response to technical barriers from importing countries. 

Japanese circus to perform in Ha Noi

 VietNamNet Bridge – Japan’s Happy Dream Circus will start performing in Ha Noi from September 1, with a special show featuring Argentinian flying motorcycle artist Dirce Lucia Reyes.

Pencak Silat artists aim to take three golds at SEA Games

At the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games two years ago in Singapore, Vietnamese pencak silat martial artists defeated strong rivals from Indonesia and Malaysia to win three golds, five silvers, two bronzes

Visitors spurn staid thematic museums

 VietNamNet Bridge – The Aviation Museum boasts a collection of more than 500 photographs, documents, and equipment that tell the story of the aviation industry’s 60 years in Viet Nam. 

Six inspection teams to check Mid-Autumn Festival products

The National Inter-sector Steering Committee on Food Safety has established six inspection teams to monitor the quality of products to be sold at the Mid-Autumn Festival (Trung Thu).

Educators seek more time to implement education reforms

 VietNamNet Bridge – A new general education programme aims to overhaul curriculum at the country’s schools, but local educators say they need more time to roll out the changes.

VN proposes big breaks for special economic zones

The Ministry of Planning and Investment has proposed major incentives including prolonged income tax exemptions for businesses and individuals working in special economic zones in three provinces.

Vietnam, Indonesia eye joint vision statement on defence cooperation

 The defence ministries of Vietnam and Indonesia are going to sign a joint vision statement on defence cooperation for 2017-2022 during an upcoming Indonesia visit by Vietnamese Defence Minister Ngo Xuan Lich.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to visit Myanmar

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong will pay a state visit to Myanmar from August 24-26 at the invitation of Myanmar President Htin Kyaw, aiming to deepen the two countries’ cooperation in trade and economics.

US, EU investors still hesitant to invest in VN: experts

 Unresolved issues in Vietnam’s regulations and the business environment have resulted in relatively low FDI inflows from US and European multinational companies, experts say.