Two former Vinalines bosses face death sentence

 The Hanoi People’s Court on December 16 sentenced to death two former executives of the Vietnam National Shipping Lines (Vinalines) who went on trial on December 12.

Primitive Ganh Son beach draws adventurers

 VietNamNet Bridge – Those who have a chance to visit the central coastal province of Binh Thuan should pass by Ganh Son to enjoy its primitive and unique landscape with a range of red and orange creations and pure white beach.

Government seeks to stop ethnic nomads

VietNamNet Bridge – The Government's policy to support sedentary farming has been mostly successful, but thousands of people from several ethnic minority communities continue to lead a nomadic lifestyle,

FDI firms exploit tax loopholes

VietNamNet Bridge – A number of foreign enterprises have been accused of avoiding corporate income tax when selling shares to other companies.

Review 2013: Historic process of demarcation

The Law of the Sea of Vietnam took effect on January 1, 2013, creating a legal basis for the management, protection and effective use of the seas, islands and strengthening cooperation with other countries.

BUSINESS IN BRIEF 17/12

 CPI expected to rise 0.62%; Vietnam-Japan cooperation in software development; Rattan, bamboo processing have potential for large-scale production; SBV ends rate-lowering race; Beer prices rise as Tet approaches

Regulatory consistency really matters for EU investors

 VietNamNet Bridge – EU Ambassador to Vietnam Franz Jessen talks with The Saigon Times Daily on the sidelines of the Vietnam Business Forum 2013 that took place in Hanoi on Tuesday regarding the business environment.

International hunt for luxury-goods smuggler

 VietNamNet Bridge – The HCM City police have asked for help from Interpol Viet Nam in their hunt for the owner of two local Gucci-Milano stores, who has been absconding since being charged with smuggling.

Foreign films win top prizes at YxineFF

VietNamNet Bridge – A 24-minute film entitled Picture. Perfect by American director Winston Tao has won the highest prize, the Golden Heart Award, at the Viet Nam international YxineFF 2013 online short film contest,

Vietnam harvests seven golds on December 15

 VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnamese athletes won seven gold medals on December 15 at the ongoing SEA Games 27 in Myanmar, bringing the country’s total number of golds at the event to 36.

US eyes VN as major trade partner: John Kerry

 VietNamNet Bridge – Viet Nam has the potential to become the largest trading partner of the United States in Southeast Asia, visiting Secretary of State John Kerry said on Saturday in Ho Chi Minh City.

Tourists flock to see rare sight of snow in Sa Pa

VietNamNet Bridge – Sa Pa Town in the northern province of Lao Cai, a major national tourist attraction, wears an even more attractive look now with snowfall of more than five centimetres.

Age no object for VN athlete

VietNamNet Bridge – Ma Minh Cam failed to defend his title at the billiard and snooker men's carom 1-cushion event at the continuing Southeast Asian Games in Myanmar.

Japan to provide $1 billion in ODA for Vietnam

 VietNamNet Bridge – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced an official development assistance package valued at around 100 billion JPY for Vietnam during the December 15 talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Tan Dung.

One died, six hospitalized because of bees

 VietNamNet Bridge – A 72-year-old man in the southern province of Binh Duong died after being stung by thousands of wasps; six other people were also unconscious and hospitalized.

HCM City: Two officers fired for handcuffing a peddler

 VietNamNet Bridge – Ward 25, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City--has fired two officers who were accused of handcuffing and using electric whips against a hawker.

The driver in beer looting case free from paying compensation

 VietNamNet Bridge – It was good news for Mr. Hau, the driver in the beer looting case in Dong Nai province, that the beer company did not ask him to pay compensation for the beer.

Photos: People enjoy the banquet of light in Saigon

 VietNamNet Bridge – In the evening of December 13-14, thousands of people packed the roads around the Reunification Palace to see the light and sound effect show by the French artists, using the 3D mapping technology.

Director of Thanh Hoa Department of Natural Resources faces dismissal

Blaming the Department of Natural Resources and Environment’s loose management for the burying of a thousand tons of toxic chemicals of a pesticide firm, constituents have asked the provincial government to dismiss the department’s chief.

National Tourism Year 2013 ends

 The Red River Delta-Hai Phong National Tourism Year 2013 ended in the northern port city on December 14.

SEA Games: Women footballers cruise into semi-finals

 Female Vietnamese footballers have qualified for the semi-final match of the 27th SEA Games in Myanmar after defeating their hosts Myanmar 1-0 on December 15.

Art & Entertainment Headlines December 16

 Japanese couple brightens wall; Tenor wins annual TV singing contest; Argentina Week boosts cultural links; Documents prove VN owns islands; Ho Chi Minh City locals enjoy French food

US to assist Vietnam in climate change adaptation

 The US will continue to support Vietnam’s efforts to cope with climate change, US State Secretary John Kerry has said, adding that a $17 million project will be implemented to this end through the US Agency for International Development.

Social Headlines December 16

 Rescued fishermen return home from Hong Kong; HCM City police seize 2.2kg of heroin; Paris performance raises funds for Vietnamese flood victims; Cambodia alumni meet in Vietnam

Emirates rules out financial lifeline for Qantas

Emirates president Tim Clark said he is carefully watching developments at alliance partner Qantas, but ruled out throwing a financial lifeline to the embattled Australian flag carrier, in comments reported on Monday.