The most important diplomatic task in 2017: Foreign Minister

The year 2016 has drifted to an end and marked with complicated and unpredictable situations in the region and the world, in addition to the unstable global economy and the lowest economic growth in recent years.

New regulations on electronic games for foreigners

 The Government has issued Decree 175/2016/ND-CP (Decree 175) to amend and supplement some articles of Decree 86/2013/ND-CP, dated July 29, 2013 on business in prize-winning electronic games for foreigners.

Hai Phong lake colour change mystery

 Visitors have flocked to a 30-ha lake in Hai Phong City over the past month after the water suddenly changed colour.

Hanoi streets coloured with peach flowers

 Hanoi’s streets are becoming increasingly colourful as traders start transporting and displaying peach flower trees for sale in the run-up to the lunar new year.

BUSINESS IN BRIEF 6/1

 SBV asked to support prioritised sectors, Trade with UK continues to grow after Brexit, Vietnam's economy predicted fast growth, Toyota Motor Vietnam introduces new president and vice president

Nation’s retail sales jump 10% in 2016

Viet Nam’s retail sales of goods and services rose to 10.2 per cent to around US$156.7 billion in 2016, data from the General Statistics Office (GSO) has revealed.

Vietnam ranked high for expat careers

 Viet Nam has overtaken Japan, the Republic of Korea (RoK), Thailand and Taiwan on the list of most desirable locations for expat career opportunities, according to new data released by the latest Expat 

HCM City issues code of conduct for tourists

 HCM City authorities announced a code of conduct for visitors on Thursday.

‘Two Countries – Four Destinations’ tour launched

 The ‘Two Countries – Four Destination’ tour, connecting Ha Long and Mong Cai in Vietnam with Dongxing and Guilin in China, was launched at a ceremony held in Quang Ninh province on January 5.

Escapism or realism? Awards season gets serious with Golden Globes

 Independent films, diversity and the tussle between escapism or realism mark Hollywood's 2017 awards season, which swings into high gear on Sunday with the Golden Globes ceremony.

A look back at Vietnam's top news events 2016

From National Assembly elections to trade to the East Sea dispute: it’s been a turbulent year. Let's look at some of 2016’s top news events and most striking photographs.

How can Vietnam attract Viet Kieu intellectuals?

VietNamNet Bridge - A ‘clean’ political, economic and legal environment is the prerequisite for Vietnam to attract overseas Vietnamese intellectuals, experts say.

Vietnam expected to produce mixed vaccines soon

 Vietnam is expected to produce six-in-one vaccines in 2017 or 2018 and by 2020 these will be used widely in the country, according to the Ministry of Health.  

VN Music Awards 2016 announced

 The Vietnam Musicians’ Association announced the 2016 Music Awards in Hanoi on January 5.

Work to start on Saigon's Tet flower street

VietNamNet Bridge – In more than a week, HCMC will begin building the traditional flower street on Nguyen Hue Boulevard to celebrate the Lunar New Year, or Tet. The Nguyen Hue flower street is a signature event in the city during Tet. 

Coach suspended for kowtowing to referee

VietNamNet Bridge – The Viet Nam Football Federation has decided to suspend coach Van Si Son of Ha Noi FC for four matches at the upcoming V League 1 for kowtowing to referee Vo Minh Tri.

HCM City green lights 115 projects

 The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee has approved 115 projects that will cost 4.2 trillion VND (193.5 million USD).

PetroVietnam to increase oil and gas reserves

 The Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) strives to increase oil and gas reserves to 10-15 million tonnes this year, said Chairman of the Board of Directors Nguyen Quoc Khanh.

Ministry names top natural resources, environment-related events

 The issuance of a national plan to implement the Paris Agreement on climate change and the completion of maps of the Vietnam-Laos borderline are among outstanding events relating to natural resources and environment in 2016.

President urges more efforts to restructure businesses

President Tran Dai Quang has asked Party cells under the Party Organisation of the Central Business Bloc to work harder to fulfill the task of business restructuring while closely managing, protecting and developing State capital.

Vietnam-India ties eye bright future: ambassador

Vietnamese Ambassador to India Ton Sinh Thanh has highlighted the bright prospects of the Vietnam-India ties in the future in an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency.

Vietnam, Laos to further strengthen border management

Vietnamese and Lao border officials agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in border management during their 26th annual meeting in Vientiane on January 5. 

Party’s external activities help consolidate national stability

The Party’s external activities have played a crucial role in reinforcing trust, handling the relations with important partners, solidifying the country’s peaceful and stable environment.

Prime Minister bids farewell to outgoing Czech Ambassador

 Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said goodbye to Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Vietnam Martin Klepetko at a reception in Hanoi on January 5.

Trump hits Toyota in latest broadside against carmakers and Mexico

 U.S. President-elect Donald Trump targeted Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T) on Thursday, threatening to impose a hefty fee on the world's largest automaker if it builds its Corolla cars for the U.S. market at a plant in Mexico.