Vietnam eyed as center of Asian aviation boom

 VietNamNet Bridge – The aviation boom in Asia has caught the attention of international finance groups, who are willing to provide loans to fund aircraft purchase deals. And Vietnam is attracting a disproportionate share of that interest.

First bitcoin online trading floor in Vietnam illegal

 VietNamNet Bridge – The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has warned the first online Vietnam Bitcoin Trading Centre (VBTC) is illegal and all of its trading activities are not protected by law.

Ba Be boasts magnificent fresh water lake

VietNamNet Bridge – Ba Be National Park in the northern province of Bac Kan has one of the world’s 20 biggest natural lakes, which is worth cruising to indulge into the world of crystal blue stream, magnificent limestone cliffs and mysterious caves.

Ebola outbreak in Guinea unprecedented - MSF

 The Ebola outbreak that has killed 78 people in Guinea is "unprecedented", a medical charity has said.

EVN told to pay high for biomass-made electricity

 VietNamNet Bridge – The Electricity of Vietnam (EVN), the only electricity wholesale buyer, will buy power made from agricultural waste at 5.9 US cents per kwh, which is higher by 1.8 cents per kwh than the current average price.

Social News Headlines 2/4

 HCM City plans administrative zone expansion; Kien Giang on high alert for forest fires; Police seize illegal timber; Student dies in Can Tho swimming tragedy; Journalists receive international training; Ha Noi shores up flood defences

BUSINESS IN BRIEF 2/4

New PPP law improves quality of public service; HCM City announces GDP growth target of 10%; Soursop farming sweetens lives; Mass clam deaths leave farmers in debt; Power sector needs recharge

Viet Nam Earth Hour reduces power usage by 431,000 kWh

 VietNamNet Bridge – Viet Nam saved 431,000kWh of electricity, equivalent to VND650 million (US$31,000), by switching off unnecessary lights and electrical equipment during Earth Hour from 8.30pm to 9.30pm on Saturday.

Five highlights of V-League Eximbank Round 10

VietNamNet Bridge – The tenth round of the V-League Eximbank 2014 took place this weekend, with Thanh Hoa cementing their domination. Let’s take a look at the five main highlights of this round of play.

Delta households face water shortage

VietNamNet Bridge – More than 377,000 people in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta face a fresh water shortage because of saline water intrusion in the area, .

Russia launches fourth submarine for Vietnam

 VietNamNet Bridge – A Project 636 Varshavyanka-class diesel-electric submarine, HQ-185 Khanh Hoa, was floated out at St. Petersburg –based Admiralty Verfi shipyard on March 28.

Two divas nominated for the World Music Awards 2014

 VietNamNet Bridge - Two pop stars of Vietnam – My Tam and My Linh – are named in the category "World's Best Female Artist" for the artists with impressive album consumption in the year.

Eight movies for April

 VietNamNet Bridge - "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" and "The Amazing Spider-man 2" are the first two blockbuster movies of this summer.

Tug of war, Dao Mau proposed as Vietnam’s cultural heritage

 VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines and South Korea will jointly apply for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s recognition (UNESCO) for tug of war as multinational cultural heritage.

The Government not yet decides to host 2019 Asian Games

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Vietnam Olympic Committee on March 29 explained to the Government, the second time, the financial plan for the Asian Games.

Thanh Hoa remain ‘lonely’ atop of V-League table

VietNamNet Bridge – Thanh Hoa extended their unbeaten run to nine matches at this year’s V-League season, with an away 1-1 draw against Hoang Anh Gia Lai in their Round 10 encounter at Pleiku Stadium on Sunday, March 30.

Japan whaling ban welcomed in Australia and New Zealand

 A UN court ruling that the Japanese government must halt its whaling programme in the Antarctic has been welcomed in Australia and New Zealand.

Puppeteer shortage threatens survival of traditional art form

VietNamNet Bridge – A lack of puppeteers is threatening the survival of traditional puppetry, according to the chairman of Viet Nam Theatre Artists' Association, Le Tien Tho.

Art & Entertainment News Headlines 1/4

 Int’l Kite festival to kick off in Ba Ria Vung Tau; Fish praying festival in coastal Vietnam; Photos feature wild side of life; Bao Son Paradise to hold values-honouring event; Railway to General Giap's grave to be built

VFF appoints general secretary

 VietNamNet Bridge – Le Hoai Anh has become the new general secretary of the Viet Nam Football Federation (VFF).

Ukraine crisis: Nato meeting to step up pressure on Russia

 Nato foreign ministers are due to discuss ways to help Ukraine and reassure allies in Eastern Europe, at a meeting in Brussels.

HCM City leads charge on tourism

 VietNamNet Bridge – HCM City authorities have signed a tourism co-operation agreement with 30 cities and provinces so that it can promote inter-regional tourism.

Viet Nam targets gender equality

 VietNamNet Bridge – Viet Nam has to improve provision of social protection for women and girls because current policies are not inclusive enough, officials and experts said at a policy dialogue held in the capital city yesterday.

Political News Headlines 1/4

 Regional leaders to attend MRC summit in Vietnam; UN praises Vietnam for MDG achievements; Vietnam vows to effectively use WB aid; Deputy PM welcomes World Bank Vice President Axel Van Trotsenburg

Clients angered as banks boost fees

 VietNamNet Bridge – Many commercial banks are raising their fees, but the quality of their services has not kept pace.