Duan takes opening stage of tour

 VietNamNet Bridge – Le Van Duan won the first stage of the Ben Tre Television Cycling Tournament yesterday, Jan 7, finishing the 130km from Ben Tre City to Can Tho City in 2hr 53.49min.

Top 2012 events in culture, sports and tourism

 VietNamNet Bridge – The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announces the outstanding events in culture, sport and tourism in the past year, as chosen by journalists and officials.

Energy ties with Russia get priority

The National Assembly of Viet Nam pays great attention to the co-operation the country shares with Russia in the energy sector and is constantly working to create favourable conditions for Russian enterprises

Major enterprises named and shamed over pollution exploits

The Viet Nam Environment Administration yesterday, Jan 7, announced the country's biggest polluters, after inspections conducted by the agency last year revealed over 100 companies breaking environmental laws.

25 export markets enjoy turnovers exceeding US$1bil

 VietNamNet Bridge – In 2012, twenty-five out of Vietnam’s 80 export markets recorded a turnover of more than US$1 billion, 17 markets a turnover of more than US$2 billion, and nine markets a turnover exceeding US$3 billion.

Government budgets $115m for poor areas

 VietNamNet Bridge – The Government has decided to spend VND2.4 trillion (US$115.2 million) to support 23 poor districts nationwide to reduce poverty quickly and sustainably in the next five years.

Cruise tourism grows well but still lags decade-ago number

 VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam welcomed nearly 285,600 international tourists by cruise ship last year, rising six times from 2010, but the figure is still lower than the industry’s peak a decade ago.

The $55 million lawsuit comes to an end

On January 7, the District 1 People's Court, HCM City made the final decision on the unprecedented lawsuit between the plaintiff - Mr. Sam Ly and the defendant – Dai Duong JV (owner of the Sheraton Saigon Hotel).

Hanoi: 10 outstanding young people honored

VietNamNet Bridge – On the evening of January 6, the Hanoi Youth Union organized the "Celebrate success - Welcome the New Year 2013" and awarded the "outstanding young faces of the capital."

U.S. investment fund pours $200 million in Masan

VietNamNet Bridge – An American investment fund has doubled its investment in Masan Consumer Corporation based on its trust in the potential development of Vietnam.

$55.5 million casino case can set a world record

VietNamNet Bridge – The highest gambling win at a casino in the world so far is $40 million, and this record can be broken when the court’s judgment on Mr. Ly Sam’s $55 million lawsuit is executed.

None of Hanoi’s officials assessed with weakness and shortcoming

VietNamNet Bridge – On January 8, the Hanoi Party Committee held the vote of confidence on 20 key leaders of the city. The result is "no one is being judged too weak."

State targets memorable Tet

 VietNamNet Bridge – Many billions of dong are expected to be spent by the Government during Tet (the Lunar New Year holiday) to stabilise prices and offer gifts to disadvantaged people and war heroes.

Despite difficulties foreigners still can see MLM opportunities in Vietnam

Avon, one of the three foreign invested enterprises which distribute products in Vietnam under the mode of multi-level marketing (MLM) has announced the withdrawal from the Vietnamese market.

Is it illegal to speculate domain names?

Domain names are the national resources which need to be protected and not to be wasted. However, with the existing law loopholes, the national resources have been traded by individuals to seek profit.

Giving foreign names to products now in vogue

VietNamNet Bridge – It is now a growing tendency of giving foreign names to products and services. It is because the product and service providers believe that foreign names would help made their products more luxurious.

Clarify land-related rights in the Constitution, MPs suggest

VietNamNet Bridge - The land-related content always heats up the National Assembly meetings. In the discussion of the amendments to the Constitution at the year-end session of 2012, there were many opinions about land ownership.

More maps affirm VN’s Hoang Sa and Truong Sa

The Da Nang Institute for Socio-economic Development (DISD) has unveiled the receiving of more valuable documents affirming Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes.

BUSINESS IN BRIEF 8/1

Retail industry draws investors; MoF to refund tax on plastic bags; Garment makers optimistic for 2013; Southern trade bloc does well; Mergers, acquisitions expected to boom this year; Dung Quat oil refinery targets 6.5 million tonnes of products

Tourism Year focuses on Red River region

 VietNamNet Bridge – The rich cultural tapestry of the Red River Civilisation is being celebrated during the National Tourism Year 2013 in the delta, which kicked off on January 6 in the northern port city of Hai Phong.

Vietnam’s two hotels awarded by US prestigious magazines

The 111-year-old Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi and the Park Hyatt Saigon have just received various awards selected by two prestigious magazines Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2013 and Travel + Leisure Magazine’s 2013

Shares make gains on improved liquidity

 VietNamNet Bridge – The finished the first trading week of the new year in the black.

Armstrong may admit to doping - report

 Disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong, who was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles for doping, is weighing whether to admit he used performance-enhancing drugs, The New York Times reported.

H1N1 death toll rises to 25 in Jordan with new fatality this year

Jordanian Health Ministry announced on Sunday that a 26-year-old Jordanian man died in the northern city of Irbid after suffering from the H1N1 influenza strain known as swine flu. 

Danish embassy displays Vietnamese paintings

VietNamNet Bridge – The meeting hall inside the Danish Embassy in Ha Noi has turned into a display place for a selection of artwork by Vietnamese painters.