Rice exports projected to reach 1.8m tonnes in Q2; Sugar industry tackles rising stockpiles; PM ratifies market development project; Vietnam requires dairy firms to set annual price caps; Vietnam opening the field for foreign firms

 VietNamNet Bridge – The introduction of a new automated customs system in select localities early this month has created problems for both officials and import-export firms, local reports say.

 High-profile foreign media outlets have sided with Vietnam after hearing China’s controversial explanations about its recent placement of an oil rig in the East Sea.

 A fishing boat from the central province of Quang Ngai was chased and attacked by Chinese ships on May 7 when it was operating in the regular fishing ground in Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago, and suffered from damage to its sides and cabin.

 Six US senators have issued a joint statement criticizing China’s stationing of its oil rig HD-981 in the disputed waters and attacks on Vietnamese ships, describing its actions as ‘troubling’ in the region.

 Tensions in the East Sea following China’s deployment of its Giant drilling rig HD-981 and escort vessels, including military ships, in the area is casting a shadow over the ASEAN leaders’ summit taking place in Myanmar.

 The Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) has released a number of photos, refuting China’s accusations of Vietnamese ships attacking its vessels in the East Sea. 

Thousands of people in the three largest cities of Vietnam took the streets on May 11, protesting against China’s illegal installation of its drilling rig HD-981 and deployment of escort vessels and aircraft in Vietnam’s territorial waters.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Despite the global economic slowdown, many young entrepreneurs have remained adventurous and found ways to excel, particularly in creating their own products for domestic and export markets.

VietNamNet Bridge – The number of enterprises that shut down in the January-April period was nearly 21,500, up 9.4% year-on-year.

 VietNamNet Bridge – More and more people are preferring to watch music shows on TV rather than go to live concerts by buying expensive tickets.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Minister of Planning and Investment Bui Quang Vinh has called for Singapore to assist Vietnam to zone and develop Phu Quoc Island off mainland Kien Giang Province into a high-end tourism and technology center in Southeast Asia.

 VietNamNet Bridge – The 26 unlisted commercial banks have been delaying their plans to list shares on the bourse, though they have been pressured to do this as soon as possible.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Interest rates of government bonds issued by the State Treasury have dropped to new lows recently, forcing institutional investors to reduce their purchase volumes.

VietNamNet Bridge – National midfielder Nguyen Van Quyet has refused to sign a contract with J.League 2 club Matsumoto.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Nearly eight years after starring in the film Ao Lua Ha Dong (The White Silk Dress), which established her reputation as a talented actress in the Vietnamese film industry, Truong Ngoc Anh has returned to the silver screen

 VietNamNet Bridge – Most ethnic families in the northern mountain province of Bac Kan still prefer to raise many children, even though local authorities say this is negatively affecting family finances and creating employment,

 VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnamese have been faithful to Nokia products, which might be the reason why a Nokia representative affirmed that Vietnam remains one of Nokia’s 10 most important markets in the world.

 VietNamNet Bridge - Located at the end of Bat Trang pottery village in Gia Lam District, Hanoi, the Van Van House, with a roof covered with creepers, has more than 400 pottery items from the 15th to the 19th centuries.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Difficulties remain, yet there is reason for optimism, Nguyen Duc Kien, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly's Economics Committee, told Thoi bao Kinh te Viet Nam (Vietnam Economics Times).

 VietNamNet Bridge – Ngo Trong Phan has successfully restored Bat dat, an ancient royal dance that has not been performed for more than 80 years.

The 37-story administrative tower of Da Nang is designed like a lighthouse overlooking the sea. Da Nang's tallest building, with a total cost of $95.3 million, will be the headquarters of all government agencies in the city.

 Ministry rejects fuel price hike proposal; Petrolimex’s announced losses turn out to be profits; Vinafood 2’s loose management at fault for massive losses; Bentley unveils official dealership in Vietnam

 VietNamNet Bridge – The Ministry of Transport has publicized a list of many incompetent contractors, including from China and South Korea, that have taken part in large infrastructure projects in the country.

 VietNamNet Bridge – Many foreigners working in Viet Nam lack work permits, Nguyen Van Tien, deputy inspector in the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs tells the Hai Quan (Customs) newspaper.