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.

 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

 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.

 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.

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,

 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.

 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.

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.

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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

 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.

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.

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

 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.

 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

 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.

 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 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.

 President Sang offers gifts to flood victims; Hanoi hosts two important diplomatic conferences; VN, Laos, Cambodia work together to fight drug trafficking

 VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam boasts potential for becoming the US’ big trade partner in the region, said US Secretary of State John Kerry when visiting HCM City as part of his trip to Vietnam from December 14-17.

VietNamNet Bridge – Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung joined his Japanese, Cambodian and Lao counterparts, the President of Myanmar and the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand at the Mekong – Japan Summit in Tokyo on December 14.

 VietNamNet Bridge – The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has released a document requesting to strengthen the inspection over the banks which offer the lending interest rates lower than deposit interest rates.