Vietnam’s international integration process has entered a new and important period which will offer a new development space for the country, businesses and each citizen but also create a number of challenges, including new and unprecedented issues.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Minister of Transport Dinh La Thang suggested passengers boycott enterprises reluctant to lower fares after multiple fuel price reductions when he inspected fee reductions

 The Hue Monuments Conservation Centre undertook an US-funded project worth US$700,000 (VND14.7 billion) to restore the facade of the Trieu To Temple in the ancient imperial citadel of Hue in central Thua Thien-Hue province on February 6.

The government of Vietnam is considering raising the ceiling on foreign ownership in weak banks which are undergoing restructuring, Deputy Governor of the State Bank Nguyen Phuoc Thanh said.

VietNamNet Bridge – Scientists have warned that underground water in rural areas near industrial zones is becoming seriously polluted and depleted.

 Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his Lao counterpart Somsavath Lengsavath cut the ribbon to launch the “one-stop-shop” model at the Lao Bao (Quang Tri)-Densavan (Savannakhet) international border gate on February 6.

 Japan will continue its support for Vietnam’s Doi Moi (renovation) policy and its help for the country in human resources training and law making experience sharing.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnamese retailers are facing fierce competition from several new foreign players in the market, who also have strong financial potential and experience.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Traders at some traditional wet markets in HCMC are extending their operations until late at night in the lead up to the Lunar New Year holiday, which begins on February 19.

 A cultural strategy for Vietnam's foreign relations until 2020 with a vision for 2030 has been approved by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

 The Ministry of Health (MOH) announced on February 5 the top ten events of the sector in 2014 as follows:

 Migratory birds may be spreading viruses that cause bird flu around the world, say scientists.

 VietNamNet Bridge – The Ministry of Education and Training should place school counsellors on the payroll to motivate them more, experts said at a recent workshop.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Paying a visit to traditional craft villages such as  banh chung, peach and pomelo villages, you will feel the atmosphere of the lunar New Year (Tet holiday) in Vietnam.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Incoming remittances last year stood at around US$12 billion with 46% of it going to production and business operations, nearly 36% to expenses and the remainder to savings and health services,

 HCMC will restrict spending on public autos, seminars, meetings, groundbreaking ceremonies and overseas business trips for its officials as one of the measures to better manage the State budget and public assets at agencies.

Old Quarter exhibit recalls Hanoi's rich past; Chef club debuts in central city; Spring festival shines in Hanoi; Hanoi welcomes OVs returning home for TET; “What do you know about Vietnam” contest 2015

Ha Noi to get disabled taxi service; Chicken pox breaks out in preschool in HCMC; Electrical fault caused tourist boat fire; KOICA grants $30m ODA for central region; Severe cold weather blankets northern areas

HAGL's first Australian beef products introduced to HCM City market; Growth expected in textile, footwear export turnover;

  VietNamNet Bridge – The Gia Lam District police in Ha Noi on Thursday caught three vessels in the act of stealing sand from a section of the Duong River.

Poverty eradication remains the overarching goal of global development efforts, Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, Permanent representative of Vietnam at the United Nations said at a session of the UN Economic and Social Council.

VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam could see a trade deficit in 2015 after three consecutive years of a surplus, as prices for crude oil, which Vietnam exports, have plummeted.

  Scientists have discovered two new species of beech, scientifically known as Castanopsis grandicicatricata and Castanopsis multiporcata, in Xuan Son National Park in the northern Phu Tho Province.

 About 10 panels carrying the images of the most important new Italian architecture will be displayed in an exhibition that opens tonight in downtown Ha Noi.

Rescuers on Friday morning recovered four more bodies from the Keelung River, raising the death toll from Wednesday's TransAsia Airways passenger plane crash to 35.