Chinese man expelled for catching worms with unknown chemicals

 VietNamNet Bridge – A Chinese man who used chemicals to catch earthworms was fined VND16 million (nearly $800) and expelled by the authorities of Quang Tri province.

Low-income earners burdened by high fees

VietNamNet Bridge - Vietnamese now have to spend 21.4 percent of their total monthly living expenses, according to Numbeo, the database on living costs.

Internet cafes in HCM City must close after 10pm

 VietNamNet Bridge - All Internet agents and Internet access points in HCM City are only allowed to operate from 8am to 10pm, according to new regulations that will take effect from September 24.

Annual flood season in southwestern region lowest in 17 years

 VietNamNet Bridge - Due to El Niño and the construction of many hydro-power dams in the upstream Mekong River, floods in the Mekong Delta will be lower this year.

More people become ill from drinking contaminated water

VietNamNet Bridge - Scientists have rung the alarm bell over the increasingly high proportion of people suffering from acute and chronic diseases, including diarrhea, parasitic worms and cancer, caused by the use of contaminated water.

Image: Hanoi closes streets after heavy rains

The downpour of 200 mm rainfall last night caused serious flooding on many streets in Hanoi. Some roads like Co Linh and Nguyen Son in Long Bien District were sealed off this morning to ensure traffic safety.

US, Vietnamese dance troupes to tour in Vietnam

 VietNamNet Bridge – A dance tour titled “Peace over War” of Together Higher Dance Company from Vietnam and Robin Becker Dance from the US will take place in Hanoi, HCM City and Ha Long from September 25 to 27.

Vietnam urged to export workers with master's and PhDs

VietNamNet Bridge - With the qualifications of Vietnamese scientists, Vietnam is capable of exporting highly qualified workers, analysts say.

Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park inks deal with int’l semiconductor association

 The Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park (HHTP) and the Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) association inked a deal on September 21 on joint activities to stimulate the development of the semiconductor industry in Vietnam. 

Nuclear power cheaper, only if there are many plants: scientists

VietNamNet Bridge - Nuclear power will be cheaper than other power sources only if there are many power plants, said Dr. Le Van Hong from the Vietnam Energy Institute, when asked about production costs of nuclear power.

“Pho” named most iconic dish in Vietnam

 The New York-based news website Business Insider has singled out the most iconic food to eat in 50 countries worldwide in an article, in which “pho”, a traditional meal in Vietnam, was declared a must-try.

ADB raises Vietnam’s economic growth forecast to 6.5 percent

 The Asian Development Bank (ADB) forecast Vietnam’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to expand by 6.5 percent in 2015 and 6.6 percent in 2016, according to the bank’s latest Asian Development Outlook Update report.

Da Nang: IT students trained in Japanese

 The FPT Software Da Nang company and universities in the central city will work together to train information technology (IT) students in the Japanese language.

National Assembly calls for better land management

 National Assembly deputies yesterday expressed their concerns at the waste and ineffective management of state farm and forestry land during recent years, asking the Government to reconsider its planning.

UNICEF and VN celebrate 40 years

 The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) gathered with Vietnamese Government officials yesterday to celebrate a 40-year partnership that has improved the lives and well-being of generations of Vietnamese children.

Thailand pledges to probe into fatal shooting of Vietnamese fishermen

Minister Counsellor Pham Thanh Nam at the Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand met Thai police’s Public Affairs Division director Major-General Apichart Suribunya on September 21 to discuss the recent fatal shooting of Vietnamese fishermen at sea.

Senior military officer greets US Coast Guard Commandant

 Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army Vo Van Tuan hosted a reception for visiting US Coast Guard Commandant Paul Zukunft in Hanoi on September 21, reported the Quan doi Nhan dan (People’s Army) daily.

Vietnamese army convenes 10th Party congress

The 10th Vietnam People’s Army (VPA)’s Party Congress for 2015-2020 commenced in Hanoi on September 22 with the attendance of 450 delegates representing hundreds of thousands of Party members in the VPA.

Tax loopholes

 VietNamNet Bridge – While most enterprises are struggling to earn some profit and fulfill tax obligations due to protracted economic woes, some firms may just choose to get away with huge unpaid tax sums.

Dong Cao plateau and Khe Ro Forest

 VietNamNet Bridge – Located in Van Son and Thach Son communes in Son Dong District, Bac Giang Province, Dong Cao plateau is nearly 1,000 meters above sea level and is actually a gift from nature.

Nearly 1 million overseas Vietnamese want to buy houses in Vietnam

VietNamNet Bridge – The government has issued its policy for foreigners to buy houses, but the guiding circulars have not been released.

Experts identify challenges by 2035

 VietNamNet Bridge – Local and foreign experts have projected Vietnam could face high socio-economic risks by 2035 while other countries in Eastern Asia may have made breakthroughs.

Photo book showcases southern VN's tai tu music

 VietNamNet Bridge – Photographer Nguyen A's book on tai tu music, a genre of traditional music unique to southern Viet Nam, has been released in HCM City.

Population policy to shift

 VietNamNet Bridge – It is time for Viet Nam to shift its population policy's focus from birth control to a more holistic integration of population variables in development planning,

BUSINESS IN BRIEF 23/9

 Military Bank raises $191 mln via share sale, Consultancy deal on Dung Quat oil refinery expansion signed, First LEED building project announced in Vietnam, HanesBrands Vietnam to raise investment capital