EU-Vietnam: Fostering opportunities in times of crisis

David O’Sullivan, Director General of the European Commission’s External Relations, will make a working visit to Vietnam from February 28 to March 2. VietNamNet had an interview with Sullivan before his trip to Vietnam.

Up-and-coming artist lord over music awards

VietNamNet Bridge – Emerging singer-composer Le Cat Trong Ly leads the pack in the Cong Hien (Devotion) Music Awards according to the Vietnam News Agency's The Thao va Van Hoa (Culture&Sport) daily.

Broadcasters to boost quality

VietNamNet Bridge – Ha Noi-based Viet Nam Televison (VTV) and HCM City Television (HTV) officials have promised to improve the quality of their dramatic and comedic series, including paying film studios for their production activities.

Over $123mil for afforestation to 2021

VietNamNet Bridge – The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has approved a US$123 million project on sustainable management of protective forests.

Navibank finally get off the mark

VietNamNet Bridge – Strugglers Navibank Sai Gon scored their first win at home this season when they beat Thanh Hoa 2-0 in the seventh round of the Eximbank V-League 2012 on Saturday.

Investors abandon gold

The gap between the domestic and world’s price, which was very big at 2.5 million dong per tael, has been narrowed to 1-1.2 million dong. Is this because investors have got tired of investing in gold and left the market?

SOCIETY IN BRIEF 27/2

 Seven rail bridges to be upgraded; RoK Vietnamese alumni meet in Hanoi; Rabid dogs killed seven last year; 9-year-old boy killed, thrown into creek

GM crops continue to grow

The world is witnessing strong development of commercialised biotech crops.

Central-coast unity aims to boost tourism

Central coastal provinces have been urged to work together to improve tourism activities and promote the region's World Heritage Sites.

Health sector must improve care

VietNamNet Bridge – Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan yesterday, Feb 26, urged the Ministry of Health in co-operation with the Ministry of Public Security to improve health treatment for national defence and police forces.

SPORTS IN BRIEF 27/2

Tu to fight in Asian Judo Champs; Viet Nam finish third at ISTAF Super Series; Competition tests your ball skills

Octavia Spencer wins Oscar for Best Supporting Actress

First-time nominee Octavia Spencer won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress at the 84th Academy Awards ceremony held at Hollywood & Highland Center in downtown Los Angeles Sunday night.

Tourist agent held for swindling 73,000 people

VietNamNet Bridge – Police in Hanoi have arrested a local man for cheating tens of thousands of people of US$2.7 million by promising to give them cheap tours in exchange for their membership fee payment.

Some people founded schools say one thing and do another

Some people founded universities and junior colleges have been trying to lure learners by declaring low tuitions, but then collect more than declared.

Tablets getting cheaper, but selling slowly

A lot of tablet models have seen the prices drop sharply. However, Vietnamese people have become less hot on tablets, which have made tablets sell more slowly.

2012 Oscars: stars hit red carpet

The red carpet for the 84th Annual Academy Awards is seen in Hollywood, California, the United States, Feb. 26, 2012.

Red-headed cranes flock to national park

VietNamNet Bridge – The Tram Chim National Park in Tam Nong district of southern Dong Thap province has welcomed the return of some 35 red-headed (sarus) cranes, as floodwaters have receded since late January.

Strange snails on Thi Vai River terrify local residents

A strange kind of snail has appeared on the Thi Vai River, which nibble shrimp and fish on the river.

PM Dung greets Lao counterpart

VietNamNet Bridge – Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung received his Lao counterpart Thongsing Thammavong in the central province of Binh Dinh on Saturday.

GOVERNMENT IN BRIEF 27/2

Chilean Senate President visits; VN, Armenia eye strong trade ties; VN-Vatican group to hold third meeting this week

More people diagnosed with bird flu, HFMD

VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnam’s 3rd H5N1 flu case has been recorded in Binh Duong while the number of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases has shot up to 600 in HCM City.

There are many airports, but airports lack many things

“Cranky” and “lacking everything” are the words used to describe the current situation of Phu Cat airport in Binh Dinh, Cam Ranh airport in Khanh Hoa and Chu Lai airport in Quang Nam province.

Author's cheo opera script wows critics

Veteran writer Nguyen Huy Thiep launched his new book in Ha Noi on Thursday at an event that saw the highly regarded author discuss his life and work with some of his readers.

Labor intensive industries leave cities for countryside

Textile, garment and dyeing enterprises, which cannot see any opportunities in big cities, have been heading for the countryside, where they can cut down expenses.

Argentine lawmakers reaffirm sovereignty over disputed islands

Argentine lawmakers on Saturday reaffirmed their country's sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands, called the Falkland by Britain, and called for a peaceful solution to the dispute.