Shares put on warning lists as firms post losses

 HCM City and Hanoi stock exchanges this week put shares of many companies on the warning list or under supervision, due to their losses.

Government, experts have mixed feelings about export of laborers

VietNamNet Bridge - Exporting laborers must not be seen as a long term solution to the economy, experts have recommended.

HSBC lowers economic growth forecast for Vietnam to 6.3%

VietNamNet Bridge - In its macro report on Vietnam market outlook in April, HSBC Vietnam lowered its forecast for Vietnam’s 2016 GDP growth from 6.7% to 6.3%.

Large underground water reservoirs to be built in HCM City

The HCM City authorities have given the nod to the Saigon Water Supply Company (Sawaco) plan to build underground water reservoirs in some parks in the city which would help ensure water supply after earthquakes and other natural calamities.

Da Nang unveils new hotline for public feedback

 People in the central city of Da Nang who want their information and opinions to be dealt with now only have to send them via one hotline.

Texting campaign raises funds for drought, salinity-hit areas

 A texting campaign to raise funds for people affected by drought and saline intrusion was launched at a ceremony in Hanoi on April 7.

Parents are insecure about school environment

VietNamNet Bridge - Articles about school violence and student abuse appear in local newspapers, causing concern among parents.

Vietnam, Timor Leste seek increased cooperation

 National Assembly Vice Chairman Uong Chu Luu hosted a reception in Hanoi, on April 7, for Timor Leste’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Hermani Coelho da Silva.

Vice President, Chief Judge, Prosecutor General relieved from duty

 National Assembly deputies voted to relieve the Vice State President, the Chief Judge of the Supreme People’s Court and the Prosecutor General of the Supreme People’s Procuracy of their posts during the 13 th NA’s last meeting in Hanoi on April 7.

New Prime Minister vows to build strong, united government

 New Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has pledged to build a transparent, strong and united government which will take drastic, creative and effective actions and do its best to serve the people.

Vietnam asks China to stop actions complicating East Sea situation

 Vietnam requested China to cancel its oil drilling plan and promptly remove its Haiyang Shiyou 981 drilling rig out of the mouth of the Gulf of Tonkin whose delineation is under negotiation, said Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Hai Binh.

$7 billion to be spent on electronics annually

Higher per capita income lays significant platform for greater spending, according to GFK Vietnam research.

Grocery boats on Da River

VietNamNet Bridge – People living along the banks of the Da River in the north have been familiar with large grocery boats loaded with various types of goods, from daily necessities such as rice, sugar and salt to household appliances,

Social News 8/4

 Ministry releases info on preventing the Zika virus, Thanh Hoa Police smash online gambling ring, Travel safety must be guaranteed as holidays near: ministry, HCM City tightens food hygiene in school lunches

Banks’ interest rate war could hurt economy

VietNamNet Bridge - Economists have voiced their concern about the new bank deposit interest rate war, saying this would affect the national economy recovery.

Competition not cooling down in Vietnam’s electronics retail sector

Vietnamese electronics retailers expect growth and expansion in 2016, as the country continues to present ample opportunities.

Popular singers earn big money for wedding performances

 Many famous Vietnamese singers make tens of thousands of dollars performing at wedding parties of rich families.

Illegal ports on Day River worry locals

 VietNamNet Bridge – Locals in this northern province are concerned about the spontaneous appearance of ports and quays that pose a serious threat to waterway transport safety and disrupt the locals’ lives.

M&As pave way for projects

 Real estate developers are raising their land funds via mergers and acquisitions as well as stock purchases, instead of conducting land clearances and compensation, which often take time and money.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s first ever speech

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the National Assembly for electing me as Prime Minister. This is my great honor and huge responsibility delegated by the Party, the State and the people, said PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

Judge dismisses Kesha's bid for release from recording contract

 A New York judge on Wednesday threw out pop star Kesha's legal bid to scrap her recording contract with Sony Music and her producer, Dr. Luke, whom the singer has accused of rape and other forms of abuse.

Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh nominated as Vietnam's Vice President

 On April 7, President Tran Dai Quang summited a proposal on electing the positions of Vice State President, Chief Justice of the Supreme People's Court and the Head of the Supreme People's Procuracy.

Train crash blocks North-South railway

 A Hanoi train crashed into a truck at about 10am today in Dien Chau District of central Nghe An Province, interrupting traffic on the railway line.

Brain scans of microcephalic babies suggest Zika disrupts development

 Brain scans of 23 Brazilian infants with the birth defect microcephaly showed widespread and severe abnormalities suggesting that Zika may invade fetal nerve cells and disrupt brain development.

National Assembly's deputies propose to ease luxury tax on cars

VietNamNet Bridge - National Assembly deputies, when consulted by the Finance & Budget Committee about the luxury tax law amendment, have proposed to lower the tax on cars.