Vietnamese still cannot use Word, Excel on mobile phones

VietNamNet Bridge – Microsoft’s mobile Office was offered for free on November 6 but it still cannot be used on mobile devices in Vietnam.

Italian lends colours to feelings

 VietNamNet Bridge – Swirls of colour, sparkles of light and shadow and the interference of cultures are key themes at Italian photographer Maurizio Cofini's ongoing photo exhibit here.

Coal-run thermal power plant slated for Soc Trang province

 VietNamNet Bridge – Despite a warning about coal depletion in Vietnam, the Indian-owned Tata Group still plans to set up a coal-run thermal power plant in Soc Trang province in Vietnam, capitalized at $1.8 billion.

Vietnam’s international driving licenses valid for three years

 VietNamNet Bridge - Vietnam will begin issuing international driving licenses from 2015, which can be used in more than 70 countries, an official from the General Department of Roads said.

High transport costs limit VN economic growth

Logistical costs in Vietnam have been running triple that of the Republic of Korea (RoK) said Khuat Viet Hung, Vice Chairman of the National Traffic Safety Committee on November 13 at a seminar in Hanoi discussing measures to reduce them.    

An ideal tropical escape in Bai Dai

 VietNamNet Bridge – The pristine Bai Dai Beach on Phu Quoc Island is worth an idyllic place of interest for many people wanting to take retreat from the noisy urban life.

Road projects prepping for sale to investors

 VietNamNet Bridge – Viet Nam needs to invest in infrastructure while sustaining economic growth. So far, the State budget and official development assistance have contributed most of the funding for infrastructure development.

Vietnam completes spatial database on sea, islands

 Vietnam’s database of multi-temporal spatial images now covers the country’s entire territorial waters, including Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos.

Full steam ahead for foreign investment in Vietnam

 The Vietnam government has done its best to create a favorable investment environment and in the 10 months leading up to November the nation’s economy is like a locomotive gaining momentum.

HCM City to welcome New Year with $1.5 million program

 VietNamNet Bridge – This fireworks and light show celebrating New Year 2015 will receive investments of up to of $1.5 million from local businesses, according to the HCM City People's Committee.

Rooftop farming in Hanoi's centre

 Rooftop farming in Hanoi's centre; HCMC's outlying districts lack running water; Hanoi prepares to tackle year-end traffic congestion; Unsafe works face suspension;  Investigation on hijacked oil tanker expanded

BUSINESS IN BRIEF 18/11

 Fruit, vegetable exports likely to earn 1.4 billion USD; Businesses still struggle to cut through red tape; Vietnam’s retail market sees bright prospect; Vinacomin; Mekong Delta agriculture attracts foreign investors

MPI suggests raising public debt ceiling to 68% of GDP

VietNamNet Bridge – The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) has suggested raising the the average public debt for 2014-2020 to 68 percent of GDP from the current level set by the National Assembly at 65 percent.

Ha Noi at risk from water shortages

 VietNamNet Bridge – Ha Noi was running short of clean water, the two water companies serving the capital warned at a recent meeting last week.

Companies fail to protect workers' health

 VietNamNet Bridge – The overall health profile of a company's workforce plays a crucial role in the company's profitability and productivity.

PM approves central development plan

 VietNamNet Bridge – Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has approved a plan to develop culture, sports and tourism in the key central economic region through 2020 with a vision towards 2030.

Viet Nam win second Asian Beach Games gold

 VietNamNet Bridge – The duo of Le Thi Thu Mai and Thach Tuan Thanh won the second gold medal for Viet Nam at the Asian Beach Games in Phuket, Thailand yesterday, Nov 16.

Warning over plastics used in treating premature babies

 US researchers have warned that premature babies are being exposed to high levels of a potentially dangerous chemical in plastics.

PetroVietnam calls for foreign investment in eight power projects

The Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) will call for investment in eight power projects with a total capacity of 8,700 MW, including: Vung Ang, Quang Trach 1, Thai Binh 2, Long Phu 1, Song Hau 1, Dakring, Hoa Thang and Blue Whale.

Peace Culture Festival to be held on Long Bien Bridge in December

 VietNamNet Bridge – The Peace Culture street-style festival will take place from December 19 to 21 on Hanoi’s oldest bridge, offering Vietnamese and international arts.

OTT service providers reluctant to work with mobile-network operators

 VietNamNet Bridge – OTT (over the top) firms fear they will be at a disadvantage if they have to work with mobile network operators to provide services.

Thailand’s 3rd richest man wants to invest in Saigon Beer

 VietNamNet Bridge - According to the Wall Street Journal, Thai Beverage – owned by billionaire Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi – wants to buy shares of SABECO, the country's largest brewer.

Travel News 17/11

Conde Nast Traveler lists Long Bien Market a world's best; Moc Chau National Tourism Zone development plan ratified; Hai Duong’s Stork Island becomes national relic site; Local travel agents seek opportunity in Philippines

Dominant Vietnam see off Malaysia in friendly

 VietNamNet Bridge – Viet Nam defeated Malaysia, 3-1 in a friendly match at My Dinh Stadium here yesterday, Nov 16.

Will stamp policy weaken beer manufacturers?

 VietNamNet Bridge – Beer manufacturers believe the requirement that they need to stamp their products will increase their production costs and weaken competitiveness.