East Sea issue tops ASEAN summit’s agenda

 VietNamNet Bridge – ASEAN leaders will discuss approaches to maintaining a stable and peaceful environment, security, and maritime freedom in the East Sea at their April 24–25 summit in Brunei.

Schmeichel arrives in Viet Nam

 VietNamNet Bridge – Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel arrived in Viet Nam this morning at the invitation of the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV).

Websites tout wild animals

 VietNamNet Bridge – Viet Nam is looking to the internet for effective solutions to prevent wild animal trafficking.

Exhibition on Hoang Sa welcomes foreign visitors

The Chairman of Hoang Sa Island District said that the exhibition of documentary affirming Vietnam's sovereignty over the Hoang Sa Archipelago will open its doors to foreign tourists on the upcoming holiday (April 30) at the museum of Da Nang City.

VietNamNet’s reporter wins award for wildlife protection

VietNamNet Bridge - On the evening of April 22, the awards ceremony of dedication to protect wildlife was held at the Hilton Hanoi Hotel. VietNamNet’s reporter Duy Tuan won the "Excellent Journalist" award.

France allows gay marriage, adoption amid criticism

 After lengthy and hot debate, France's legislators gave the green light to same-sex couples to marry and adopt children, the Socialists' strongest social reform that sparked series of violent protests and homophobic attacks.

SGXT manage score draw in Asian Cup

 VietNamNet Bridge – Sai Gon Xuan Thanh drew 2-2 with Tampines Rovers of Singapore in the fifth round match of the Asian Confederation Federation Cup yesterday, April 23, at Thong Nhat Stadium.

GOVERNMENT IN BRIEF 24/4

  Vietnam, US believe to sign TPP agreement soon; Judicial ties with Sri Lanka lifted; Deputy PM hosts visit from top IMF official; PM leaves for 22nd ASEAN Summit

Europe approves Boeing 787 battery design change

 The European Aviation Safety Agency said Tuesday it had approved Boeing's proposed battery design change for its 787 planes, after a problem with overheating grounded the jetliner in January.

Lotte cherishes ambitious business plan in Vietnam

The merger and acquisition (M&A) deals Lotte concluded recently shows its ambitious investment plan in Vietnam.

2-SIM smart phones bring fat profits to Vietnamese manufacturers

VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnamese now tend to use the low-cost smart phones adaptable to 2 simcards and powerful with strong configuration.

The schools for the rich and the schools for the poor

Since state owned schools provide different education quality, parents have to spend big money in “under-the-table fees” to obtain the seats at prestigious schools for their children.

Finding a sustainable path for Vietnam-China trade

 VietNamNet tries to find the causes and identify the hidden nature of complex interactions with many factors of the imbalance trade relationship between Vietnam and China.

Tranquil cajeput forest provides a glimpse of delicate ecosystem

 VietNamNet Bridge – The Tra Su cajeput forest in the southern province of An Giang has become a favourite tourist spot, especially for those who respect its diversified ecosystem.

Brick production damages dyke system in Nam Dinh

 VietNamNet Bridge – Part of the dyke system along the Day River in northern Nam Dinh Province's Y Yen District risks breaking due to overuse of nearby land for brick production.

Caution urged on giant PTT project

 VietNamNet Bridge – State-run PetroVietnam last week expressed great concerns about the $28.7 billion refinery and petrochemical complex in central Binh Dinh Province, proposed by Thailand’s PTT.

Erotic performances in wedding ceremonies

VietnamNet Bridge - Recently, the public has stirred by clips of girls wearing bikinis or dancing sexily in wedding parties. These vulgar and erotic performances make wedding parties look outrageous.

BUSINESS IN BRIEF 24/4

 Vietnam, China deal on farm produce trading; Hanoi and HCM City CPI down in April; Eximbank lends US$100 million to Vietnam Airlines for B787; Garment exports pick up

Train crashes into container truck in Hung Yen

VietNamNet Bridge – A passenger train on the Hanoi - Hai Phong route hit a container truck, pushing the car 50 meters away, at 5.30am this morning, April 23, in Nhu Quynh town of Hung Yen Province.

Int’l shippers allowed to transport cargo from north to south

VietNamNet Bridge – Cargoes from ports in Haiphong, Danang and Quy Nhon bound for Europe and the United States can be transported by foreign shipping lines for transshipment at the Cai Mep-Thi Vai port complex

Vietnam’s first remote sensing satellite to be launched in May

VietNamNet Bridge - VNREDSat-1 - the first earth observation satellite of Vietnam will be launched into space from a French launch pad early next month.

Killing a duck, a woman died

VietNamNet Bridge - It was the odd death of Mrs. Nguyen Thi My Hanh, 44, from Hoa Binh 2 commune, Tay Hoa district in the central province of Phu Yen.

Pregnant woman lies as a protest on the desk of commune chairman

VietNamNet Bridge – Being handcuffed and beaten, a pregnant woman lied on the desk of the chairman of Xuan Thien commune in Tho Xuan district, the central province of Thanh Hoa, as a protest.

"The birds" perch in rooms

VietNamNet Bridge - 150 birds with different styles, different sizes, made of aluminum, wood and copper of sculptor Thai Nhat Minh are on display at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi.

A series of events to celebrate April 30 victory in HCM City

Decorating Le Duan Road with an art light system, a traditional boat race on the canal of Tau Hu - Ben Nghe and a marathon competition on Hoang Sa - Truong Sa roads are among a series of activities to celebrate HCM City’s Liberation Day (April 30).