The Ministry of Finance plans by the end of this year to complete a list of 200 State-owned enterprises (SOE) for equitization and their initial public offerings (IPO) will be launched in the third quarter of next year.

 The total foreign direct investment (FDI) registered in the country topped US$20.23 billion in 2014, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment's Foreign Investment Agency.

 VietNamNet Bridge – A recently amended master plan for developing industrial parks urges faster construction of social housing for workers.

 VietNamNet Bridge – The Government has abolished a regulation requiring foreign teachers to have at least five years of teaching experience in order to work at foreign-invested kindergartens and general education schools.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Sport is a passion for tens of millions of Vietnamese and when an international sports story breaks, they follow it with the utmost of enthusiasm.

 VietNamNet Bridge – The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) has selected the top ten domestic events for 2014 as follows:

 VietNamNet Bridge – Thien Quang Lake in Ha Noi will turn into a giant floating stage for a performance on New Year's Eve featuring famous singers Ho Ngoc Ha, Tuan Hung, Bui Anh Tuan, Hoang Thuy Linh and Kimmese

 VietNamNet Bridge – Canals in HCM City, including those under restoration and dredging, could become polluted again if no drastic measures are taken to cope with the critical issue,

 VietNamNet Bridge – The ministries of Health, Agriculture and Rural Development and Industry and Trade will increase joint food safety inspections as Tet approaches, focusing on big cities and border provinces

 Indonesian officials say search teams have spotted debris at sea in the hunt for missing AirAsia Flight QZ8501.

 Bati- Holic, a popular traditional drum troupe, will return to Vietnam for the third time for performances in Hanoi and Thanh Hoa province in January.

 Thai holy animal statues exhibited in Da Lat resort city; Phu Tho Province strives to protect singing troupes; Gia ra festival – unique custom of Cor people

 VietNamNet Bridge – The ship model test basin, once expected to be the largest one in Asia, and one of the biggest technology projects developed by Vinashin, has been shelved because of tmmismanagement.

VietNamNet Bridge – Like many Vietnamese people, Ngo Thi Thuc feels great admiration for General Vo Nguyen Giap, who served as commander-in-chief of the Viet Nam People's Army in two wars against the French and the Americans

 VietNamNet Bridge - Bui Van Niem is willing to sacrifice his own interests for the great duty assigned by the country: taking care of and operating six lighthouses in the Truong Sa Archipelago (Spratly Islands).

 VietNamNet Bridge - Besides electronics, Samsung Group also invests in industry, infrastructure, transportation, shipping, and real estate in Vietnam, reports the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

 Vietnam, Thailand military officers join first exchange; President greets ambassadors of Bangladesh, Greece, Saudi Arabia; HCM City keen to boost ties with US

 VietNamNet Bridge – Saigon has several stages to entertain foreign tourists, including AO Show, Rong Vang Water Puppetry Theater, Hon Viet, Non La Theater and newly opened Phuong Nam Theater.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Safeguarding national sovereignty is a sacred task to ensure peace and stability thus paving the way for 2015 to move forward,

 Hue invited to compete in Thai League; Volleyball teams to compete in four international competitions; Quang Ninh to play friendly match against S Korea's Busan I'park

 VietNamNet Bridge – Over the past 10 years, the number of traditional pottery villages in the southern province of Binh Duong has steadily declined due to financial constraints, lack of necessary materials and fewer orders for pottery products.

 President Barack Obama has said Vladimir Putin made a "strategic mistake" when he annexed Crimea, in a move that was "not so smart".

 A healthcare worker who has just returned from West Africa has been diagnosed with Ebola and is being treated in hospital in Glasgow.

 VietNamNet Bridge – A number of once-popular varieties of orchids are now back in vogue across Viet Nam, particularly in the southern region.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Swimmer Nguyen Thi Anh Vien is expected to defend her title at the Best Athletes and Coaches of 2014, which is being held today (Dec 30) in three cities across the nation.