Mekong tourism still underdeveloped

 VietNamNet Bridge – Non-professional services, poor tours and weak co-operation among provinces are the main reasons that tourism has not developed well in the Cuu Long (Mekong Delta) region,

Banks still bear risks even after selling debts to VAMC

 VietNamNet Bridge – International institutions are remaining doubtful about the ability of the Vietnam Asset Management Company (VAMC) to settle bad debts.

International stars to hit capital stage

 A concert featuring international artists will open tonight at Ha Noi's National Convention Centre.

Royal wedding restored at Hue Festival

 VietNamNet Bridge – On Tuesday evening, Royal Night, the highlight event of the Hue Festival 2014, was held in several places in the Imperial City of Hue. In the Truong Sanh Palace, a royal wedding of the Nguyen Dynasty’s princess was held.

Trial of alleged ACB swindler postponed

 The Hanoi People’s Court on April 16 afternoon decided to postpone the trial of Nguyen Duc Kien, former Vice Chairman of the founding council of the Asia Commercial Bank, because one of his alleged eight accomplices was absent due to poor health.

Political News Headlines 17/4

 US Senator begins Vietnam visit; Vietnam, Mongolia promote cooperation; NA calls for faster army promotions; Vietnam, Sudan bolster cooperation; Deputy PM Ninh continues UK visit

PM Dung greets new ambassadors

PM Nguyen Tan Dung on April 16 met with new ambassadors from the United Arab Emirates and Myanmar who paid a courtesy visit before starting their term in Vietnam.

Vietnam treasures strategic partnership with Russia

 Vietnam attaches special importance to developing its comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia, affirmed President Truong Tan Sang while receiving Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Hanoi on April 16.

Central region’s people suffering drought

 VietNamNet Bridge – No drop of rain has been felt in Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan Provinces over the last five months. People have been struggling to survive the drought, while plants have been fading under the scorching sun.

More deaths at nursery schools reported, evoking outrage

 VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnamese parents have been in a high dudgeon in reaction to a surprisingly high number of reports of deaths of children at nursery schools.

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.