Japanese researchers develop wireless mechanical heart pump

A research team at Japan's Tohoku University has developed a wirelessly controlled mechanical heart pump, coming closer to developing the world's first fully embedded artificial heart, Japanese media reported Saturday.

150 SOEs must be equitized every year

In the first four months of 2012, only four State-owned enterprises (SOEs) were equitized, said a report of the Steering Committee for Enterprise Reform and Development.

Vietnam urged to diversify energy sources

VietNamNet Bridge – To resolve the scarcity of energy, France and developing countries such as Vietnam need to diversify and develop all sources of energy, including nuclear, renewable and fossil energies.

Businesses shut down, lawyer becomes babysitter

VietNamNet Bridge – No once could imagine that a reputable lawyer would become a babysitter one day, and a forwarder would become a taxi motorbike driver overnight.

37 dissembled bodies found in northern Mexico

At least 37 decapitated and dismembered bodies were found Sunday morning on a highway in the northern Mexican state of Nuevo Leon, local authorities said.

Science, technology boost

Viet Nam plans to spark growth in science and technology by spending more on research and development and offering incentives to all economic sectors, including private bodies, to join the work, said Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Quan.

Russian tour operators check out local tourism

Representatives from dozens of Russian travel agencies will arrive in Vietnam later this month to study local tourism services in Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, Danang and Hoi An.

Highway costs in Vietnam higher than elsewhere in the world

It’s the under table money which makes the highways in Vietnam the most expensive ways in the world.

The temple of King Le honors great warrior

The thousand-year-old temple of King Le (King Le Dai Hanh) is situated in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh Province, around 200 kilometers away from Hanoi.

Telcos look to ring the changes

Vietnam’s telecoms market is at the crossroads.

BUSINESS IN BRIEF 14/5

Binh Duong takes lead in attracting FDI; Tuna exports to Japan soar to US$26.4 mln; iPad 2012 on sales in Vietnam; Sanofi Group to build third factory in Vietnam; Coffee farmers urged to replace aging trees

Reform – Transformation through innovation

Vietnam should use personal identification cards, which are granted to foreign visitors to ensure personal and national security, that's the suggestion of two American experts.

The “Ba Den” custard apple

In Tay Ninh Province, the Ba Den custard apple is a specialty, accounting for over 40% of the custard apple market share in the whole country.

Billions of dollars needed to rescue enterprises

The Government should spend US$3 billion or so to help enterprises restructure their debts if the national economy is to be put back on the development track, said a local economist.

City to invest in hi-tech livestock farming

HCMC will develop a hi-tech production chain of breeds, and animal feeds and then transfer the modern and safe farming model to neighboring provinces in order to ensure a supply source of livestock products at stable prices.

Vietnamese businesses facing big difficulties in economic downturn

VietNamNet Bridge – A lot of businesses have to borrow money on the black market at exorbitant high interest rates to pay their due debts. However, debts generate bigger debts, and businesses have been caught in a vicious circle.

Live performances lose out to screens as fans go digital

VietNamNet Bridge – Attendance at many entertainment venues in HCM city has fallen because of competition from the numerous  on national television networks as well as the economic turndown.

Town where couples are permitted to hold wedding in certain days

VietNamNet Bridge – There are two days in month that Yen Lac town in the northern province of Vinh Phuc is in a festive atmosphere, because locals wear beautiful clothes to attend weddings.

The marriage rite of the Lo Lo

Like other ethnic minorities, the Lo Lo people regard marriage as  an extremely important event in an  individual’s life.

Odd helmet wearing style in Vietnam

VietNamNet Bridge – Owing to their custom and habit, Thai den ethnic minority women in northern mountainous provinces like Son La, Lai Chau and Dien Bien, wear helmets in their own style, which does not help protect their heads.

SPORTS IN BRIEF 13/5

Da Nang supports Olympic bid; HCM City Telecom duo triumph; Tung wins stage, green jersey; Cuong earns gold medal; Domesco extends sponsorship

Experts propose mandatory use of unbaked materials

The State should encourage and then oblige property developers to use unbaked materials in their projects, especially the housing and civilian-use ones, said experts at a recent conference held by the Ministry of Construction.

Fitch affirms Vietnam at 'B+'; outlook stable

Fitch Ratings has affirmed Vietnam's Foreign- and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings at 'B+' and the outlook for both ratings stable. 

The fascinating nature of Fansipan

Let’s enjoy the imposing and fascinating beauty of the wild in Fansipan through photos by Vncreatures:

HCM City to develop river tourism

Authorities in HCM City plan to exploit the area's river tourism potential with new programmes, including tours of Can Gio Mangrove Forest.