Vietnam seeks best possible scenario for rice exports

 VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam is placing high hopes on its bid to supply rice to the Philippines. However, it has been warned that Thailand, which has announced that it will clear its stocks at any cost, will be a formidable rival.

Construction of nuclear center in Da Lat unready

The Ministry of Science and Technology and Lam Dong Province have not been able to reach a consensus on the construction of a nuclear science and technology center in Da Lat City. The Prime Minister will make a decision on this project.

Authorities declare country bird flu-free, warn of foot-and-mouth epidemic

 VietNamNet Bridge - The Animal Health Department has reported that Vietnam is free from bird flu, with no new outbreaks detected in the last two weeks. However, foot-and-mouth disease has appeared in some locations.

Businesses salvage ships underground while awaiting amended laws

 VietNamNet Bridge – If deferring to current law, no business in Vietnam can satisfy the requirements for salvaging retired ships for scrap.

Five Deputy Ministers to select VN Road Administration’s chief

 VietNamNet Bridge – The Ministry of Transport has announced a jury - the first-ever of its kind in Vietnam - to conduct examinations that will lead to the choice of a new chief of the Vietnam Road Administration.

$100 for a royal meal at Hue Festival

 VietNamNet Bridge - Leading Vietnamese chefs displayed their refined cooking techniques and the use of unique ingredients featuring royal delicacies, bringing alive the traditions and flavors of the Nguyen Dynasty at the Hue Royal Palace on Tuesday.

Japanese police drop hostess of Vietnam Airlines

 VietNamNet Bridge - According to Japanese media, the police have released a stewardess of the national air carrier Vietnam Airlines who was accused of smuggling.

Health Ministry denies hiding measles epidemic

Responding to the rumor that authorities are suppressing information about the outbreak of measles, the Health Ministry insists that there have been only 25 deaths due to measles and that the agency has not hid information about the epidemic.

Car crash on Trung Luong highway kills seven, including one French

 VietNamNet Bridge - At least seven people died after a coach carrying 13 passengers, including two French, crashed into a tank truck on Trung Luong Expressway in the southern province of Tien Giang this morning.

Binh Hung Island awaits nature adventurers

 VietNamNet Bridge – Binh Hung Island off mainland Khanh Hoa Province is where adventure lovers should explore owing to its stunning beaches, splendid coast sceneries and culture of local fishermen.

Retail sector holds opportunities

 VietNamNet Bridge –Viet Nam is a promising market for foreign retailers and will have more competition on the local retail market next year which is the deadline of opening the domestic retail market.

Social News Headlines 17/4

 A foreigner killed in rear-end collision in Tien Giang; Blaze ravages HCM City garbage ground; Southern farmers face drought; Over 23,000 workers sent abroad in Q1; Three arrested for drug trafficking from Laos

BUSINESS IN BRIEF 17/4

 Vietnam in global top 10 for foreign remittances; Vietnam wins rice export contract to Philippines; Switzerland backs Vietnam business reforms; Dung Quat Oil Refinery sets new safety record

Vietnam group invests in agricultural projects in Laos

 VietNamNet Bridge – Hoang Anh Gia Lai Group has invested approximately $1.2 billion in Laos to plant corn, sugar cane, rubber and palm in an area of 40,000ha.

Vietnamese retailers’ circular firing squad

 VietNamNet Bridge – While foreign retailers have been making big leaps to expand their businesses in Vietnam, domestic retailers have been busy playing tricks on each other to scramble for others’ clients.

Samson makes difference for Hanoi T&T

Naturalised striker Hoang Vu Samson scored his second hattrick of the season to help Ha Noi T&T overcome hosts Hung Vuong An Giang 4-3 in the late match yesterday.

Art & Entertainment News Headlines 16/4

 New heritage tree in central Quang Ngai; HCM City promotes reading; Summer book fair held at museum; Beauty of Ao Dai shines at Hue Festival; 2014 Hue Festival attracts numerous tourists; 2014 Hue Festival attracts numerous tourists

Four women athletes to train in the US

 Four young runners of the national athletic team will leave for a four-month training period in the US in early May.

Vaccine scare blamed on sensationalised coverage

 Many mothers are taking to the internet to complain about the press's handling of the news about outbreaks of measles.

Japan considers visa exemption for Vietnamese visitors

 The Japanese government is considering an initiative to grant visa exemption for citizens from Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines, in an effort to turn Japan into an attractive tourist destination.

Environmental laws necessary

 VietNamNet Bridge – Viet Nam needs to support efforts to protect the environment with forceful laws, Colonel Doan Huu Chau, head of Ha Noi's environment police, told newspaper Kinh te & Do thi (Economic and Urban Affairs).

Political News Headlines 16/4

 Deputy PM encourages Vietnam-US environment cooperation; Vietnam strengthens ties with Morocco; German Parliament Vice President visits Vietnam; Vietnam attends high-level global development meeting

Vietnam, Japan exchange note on double tax avoidance agreement

 Vietnam and Japan signed and exchanged a diplomatic note on the enactment of their agreement on double tax avoidance and tax evasion prevention, at a ceremony in Hanoi on April 15.

Policies for talented scientists need to be reviewed

 VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam has abundant human resources in agriculture, but has not utilised them properly, Nguyen Van Bo, director of the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences, told Nong thon Ngay nay (Countryside Today) newspaper.

The village of 70 sets of twins

 VietNamNet Bridge – This small community in the southern province of Dong Nai has earned itself the moniker, “Twin village”. Located on National Highway 1A, Hung Hiep Village makes itself home to 40 sets of twins.