ASEAN announces ICT development plan for 2015

 Ministers of Telecommunications and Information Technology from ASEAN countries agreed to give top priority to co-operation and development in a five-year road map to 2020, Minister of Viet Nam's Information and Communications.

Different views of Da Nang from Son Tra Peninsular

 VietNamNet Bridge - Located only 10 km away from the centre of Danang, Son Tra peninsula has many things to see and enjoy. It is also an ideal place to see the panorama and landscapes of Da Nang City.

US named Vietnam’s biggest export market

 The US was Vietnam’s biggest export market in the first 11 months of 2015 with a turnover of 30.6 billion USD, up 17.6 percent year-on-year, said the General Statistics Office (GSO).

Vietnam's new strategy on renewable energy development released

 The national strategy on developing renewable energy sources until 2030 and a vision to 2050 has just been approved by the Prime Minister.

Vietnam assumes presidency of Confederation of ASEAN Journalists

 The Vietnam Journalists Association (VJA) assumed the position of President and Secretary General of the Confederation of ASEAN Journalists (CAJ) for the 2015 – 2017 tenure at the CAJ’s 18th General Assembly in Hanoi on November 27.

Vietnam wants to cement ties with Bulgaria: PM

Vietnam wishes to bolster ties with Bulgaria in the fields of politics, diplomacy, economics, and education, and continue bilateral coordination at multilateral forums and international organisations, stated Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

Prime Minister urges ministers to reduce expenses

 Government members stressed the importance of the fight against corruption and waste in the country's effort to improve its national budget during the Government monthly meeting held yesterday in Ha Noi.

President welcomes DPRK defence leader

Vietnam treasures the friendship with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and wants to enhance co-operation between the two countries, President Truong Tan Sang affirmed to the DPRK's defence leader.

Vietnam objects to all coercion against its vessels: Spokesman

 Vietnam strongly objects to the use of or threat to use force against its boats and vessels, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Le Hai Binh said on November 27.

Revised legislation signed off as National Assembly session closes

 The 10th session of the 13th National Assembly concluded on November 27 after more than one month of sitting, with 16 laws and several resolution adopted and 10 draft laws scrutinised.

TV shows not enough to promote Vietnam food to foreigners

 VietNamNet Bridge – Foreign tourists may not be attracted to Vietnamese food through TV shows without tasting them, said Ly Huy Sang, deputy director of Minh Long 1 Co. Ltd.

Vietnam on track with improving investment climate

 VietNamNet Bridge – Recent positive movements in Vietnam’s investment-business climate are expected to make the country more attractive to the global business community.

Plan approved to sell 97% State stake at Vinamotor

 VietNamNet Bridge – The Ministry of Transport has approved a plan to sell out the 97% State stake at Vietnam Motors Industry Corporation (Vinamotor).

Social News 28/11

Fewer VN traffic accidents in 2015, Khanh Hoa cracks down on foreign language billboards, Da Lat to plant 60,000 pansy flowers, Nine persons face prosecution in pipeline case, Workers return home from Algeria deep in debt

What will happen to Vietnam if Japan's economy falls into recession?

The news that Japan has entered an economic downturn has raised concerns among Vietnamese exporters. Meanwhile, experts believe Japan will still be keen in providing ODA (official development assistance) to Vietnam. 

American photographer finds soul, beauty in Vietnamese life

 VietNamNet Bridge – For US photographer Lawrence D'Attilio, fate seems to have handed him many stories to share, a gift from Viet Nam.

Vietnamese Gov't targets surge in science, tech firms

 VietNamNet Bridge – Science and technology enterprises will play a more important role in the near future, especially after Viet Nam integrates more deeply into the global economy,

Hanoi traffic police to issue tickets with photos

 Starting this December, the Ha Noi Police will start sending traffic tickets home to drivers that include photographs of their traffic violations captured by the city's traffic camera system.

Expat finds diving paradise

VietNamNet Bridge – Tourists visiting the old city of Hoi An in central province of Quang Nam rarely miss a chance to explore the Cham Islands with their terrestrial and aquatic marine ecosystem.

Far-flung destinations shape expert trekker

 VietNamNet Bridge – HCM City-based photographer Ngo Tran Hai An has a passion for backpacking trips. His footprints have fallen upon every nook and cranny in the country. .

ILO: Freedom of association a feature of modern market economies

A labor relations system based on freedom of association and the recognition of the collective bargaining right is a common feature of modern market economies as it helps create a better balance of power between workers and employers,

Reports on losses and waste must be comprehensive

Nguyen Van Phuc, Vice Chairman of the NA Committee on Economic Affairs spoke to the Tin Tuc newspaper on the sidelines of the National Assembly meeting about the serious problem of loss and waste in Viet Nam's economy.

Middle-aged female barbers in Hanoi’s subsidy-period barbershops

 VietNamNet Bridge – A barbershop serving men, established in Hanoi in the 1950s, still exists today, with six barbers who are women with more than 30 years of experience.

Vietnamese youngsters learn about climate change

 VietNamNet Bridge – After her family finishes their meals, the first thing that 13-year-old Nguyen Thi Anh Duong does is to collect the remaining food and wrap it in a bag.

FDI may be double-edged sword

 VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam has emerged as an attractive destination for foreign investors in recent years, and the country’s investment outlook will be even brighter once the landmark Trans-Pacific Partnership deal comes into force.