Investors told not to run at full gallop in the Year of Horse

 VietNamNet Bridge – With cautiousness--in the lives of investors, they dare not expect brisk trade and do not intend to pour big money into investment deals in 2014, the Year of Horse.

Committee set up to seek recognition for Chau van

 VietNamNet Bridge – The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has assigned the Vietnam Institute of Culture and Arts Studies to host and cooperate with relevant agencies to compile a dossier on Chau van singing

VN-Index hits four-year high

 VietNamNet Bridge – Shares in HCM City extended last Friday's gains during on Monday session (Jan 20), as the VN-Index jumped 1.85 per cent to a four-year high of 553.67 points.

Abusive sitters given jail terms

 VietNamNet Bridge – Justice has been swift for the two women caught on camera horribly ill-treating children at a pre-school in HCM City's Thu Duc District last month.

30 drug traffickers get death sentence

 VietNamNet Bridge – Northern Quang Ninh Province's People's Court handed down 30 death penalties to members of a heroin ring for drug trafficking and smuggling on January 20.

Spyware, malware risks high in 2014

 VietNamNet Bridge – Experts from Bkav, a leading Vietnamese Internet security company, have said that spyware, malware and DDoS (distributed denial of service) attacks will continue to pose major risks in 2014.

New device to test dubious food at Hanoi's markets

 VietNamNet Bridge – Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat has proposed the installation of devices to detect and quarantine food considered risky for public health at markets in Ha Noi.

Ministry wants ban on natural forest exploitation

 VietNamNet Bridge – The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has asked the Government to issue an order to stop the exploitation of natural forests in the Central Highlands region between now and 2020.

Travellers reach new heights in Ha Giang

 VietNamNet Bridge – How do you feel when you have conquered new heights? To me, it is absolutely an awesome and out-of-this-world feeling.

Hanoi streets are being "dressed" for Tet

 VietNamNet Bridge - These days, many of the main streets in Hanoi such as Dinh Tien Hoang, Hang Khay, Trang Tien, Hang Bai ... are being "dressed" with colorful flowers and posters ... to welcome the 2014 spring.

Vitamin D could slow multiple sclerosis: study

 Patients in the early stages of multiple sclerosis (MS) could "stave off disease symptoms" by increasing their vitamin D intake, U.S. researchers said Monday.

Legislators seek to include banks in national bankruptcy legislation

 VietNamNet Bridge – Viet Nam is moving to legalise bankruptcy for credit institutions, which is seen as a step in creating a more transparent and healthy money system.

Art & Entertainment Headlines January 22

 Vietnamese director joins int'l theatre festival; Vietnamese Poetry Day to be celebrated nationwide; Vietnamese choir performs in Paris; Thai Nguyen exhibition showcases Russian painter’s works

BUSINESS IN BRIEF 22/1

 Vietnam has fastest-growing middle class in SEA; VietJet Air receives new Airbus A320-200; Vietnam agriculture to be spotlighted at WEF; Trade activities aim for 10% growth; Banks urged to lower interest rates

Spring flower markets on Saigon River

 VietNamNet Bridge - From January 20, hundreds of boats carrying flowers have docked at wharves along the Saigon River, creating unique flower markets.

Vietnamese model opens Julien Fourtie’s show in Paris

 VietNamNet Bridge – Cha Mi – Top 4 Vietnam’s Next Top Model – was picked by internationally renowned designer Julien Fourtie to open his show in Paris Fashion Week 2014 on January 21.

Rescue teams sent to stop oil spill threat in Saigon River

 VietNamNet Bridge – Workers from the Dai Minh Salvage and Rescue Company are working hard to prevent about 2,000 litres of oil from spreading in the Saigon River after a hydrofoil burst into flames on January 20.

Rescuers hopeful stranded whales safely at sea in New Zealand

 Conservation officials were hopeful Tuesday that most of a pod of 46 stranded pilot whales had made it out to sea after finding one dead animal on the coast at the top of New Zealand's South Island.

Vietnam advances in FIFA standings

 Though Vietnam does not play any international matches in January, it jumps one notch in January’s FIFA standings to 143rd position.

Fencers win gold at regional championships

 VietNamNet Bridge – Viet Nam have pocketed five gold medals after the second day of competition at the ongoing Southeast Asian Fencing Federation Championships in Malaysia.

Social Headlines January 21

 Boat on Sai Gon River bursts into flames; Father arrested for selling newborn son; 800 plastic toy guns seized in Ha Noi; Boat capsizes off Thua Thien-Hue, four missing; Large Tet warehouse burnt down in capital

Iran halts 20% uranium enrichment in implementation of Geneva deal

 Iran started Monday to implement a nuclear deal reached with six world powers in Geneva late last year by halting its 20 percent uranium enrichment, a sensitive part of its controversial nuclear program.

Vietnam gets richer as middle class rises strongly

 VietNamNet Brige – The rapid increase of the Vietnamese income and the strong rise of the middle class explains why most of the big guys in the world want to sell their goods to Vietnam.

Political Headlines January 21

Viet Nam eyes increased ties with Belgium; Nation steps up RoK co-operation; Banquet held for international officials; Deputy PM affirms Vietnam’s comprehensive integration policy

Ukraine president warns Kiev protesters amid clashes

 Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has warned that the country's stability is threatened by continuing clashes between police and anti-government protesters in the capital Kiev.