Plan to prevent and control exotic species in Vietnam drawn up

The Environment General Directorate has informed that the directorate is drafting a plan to prevent and control exotic species which is believed to help settle the current problems.

Hanoi: Many bars, karaoke parlors become discos

VietNamNet Bridge – Hanoi has licensed only two night clubs, but many bars and karaoke parlors operate like discotheques.

Ha Long tourist boats may wear white uniform

VietNamNet Bridge – The authorities of Quang Ninh province have proposed to paint all tourist boats in Ha Long Bay in white after the bay becomes the new natural wonder of the world. However, this policy is not supported by boat owners.

Teachers’ additional income: decision made, but money hasn’t come

More than one million teachers have been expecting to receive the monthly allowances based on their length of services since September 1, 2011. However, they now still have to wait for money to come.

More overseas Vietnamese flock to HCM City for Tet holiday

The number of overseas Vietnamese coming back to the motherland to enjoy the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday via HCMC is projected to increase substantially over the same period last year.

The pseudo-ancient house hunt

From hundreds of millions of dong to hundreds of billions, brownish-black houses with curved point tiles and sophisticated carving details in the style of ancient generals’ mansions, or modeled after palace designs, are becoming more popular.

Hunting for Dong Cao fowls for Tet parties

It’s not easy to buy Dong Cao fowls for hearty parties nowadays. Most of the fowls available on the market are cross-bred fowls. Therefore, it always takes time and big money to hunt for real Dong Cao fowls.

HCM City artists record Tet album for soldiers

VietNamNet Bridge – A new album featuring songs by 150 famous singers in HCM City will send Tet (Lunar New Year) festival greetings to soldiers stationed on islands across Viet Nam as part of a special cultural programme.

Samsung operating profit hits new high in Q4

Samsung Electronics, the world's largest maker of memory chips, televisions and flat screens, estimated Friday that its operating profit hit a new high in the fourth quarter last year due to brisk sales of smartphones.

BUSINESS IN BRIEF 7/1

State companies found with massive losses; Ministry urges customs clearance for private jets; VN to further open market; HCM City asked to reduce loss-making businesses; Footwear sector makes efforts to stabilise production  

Vinatex goes public for cash

The Viet Nam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex) would equitise its remaining affiliates and holding group this year in a bid to raise capital, expand scale and sharpen its competitive edge in the global market.

Cold snap draws tourists to hills

VietNamNet Bridge – Icy weather brought winter chills to the Mau Son Tourism Area in mountainous Lang Son Province yesterday morning after a severe cold spell hit northern Viet Nam,

Asia to face difficult year, has ample policy space: IMF economists

Events unfolding far from Asia's shores could shape the region's economic outlook for 2012, but Asia's policymakers still have the room to respond aggressively to a deteriorating global economic scenario,

Filipino army searches for Vinaline Queen’s sailors

VietNamNet Bridge – On January 5 the coast guard and air forces of the Philippines joined the search of 22 missing sailors of the sunken Vinaline Queen. However, the search was unsuccessful.

ART & ENTERTAINMENT IN BRIEF 6/1

Next Top Model to feature circus performance on final night; Tet gathering for Overseas Vietnamese in Hanoi; Quyen Van Minh’s jazz concert at Hanoi Opera House; Pontie’s lacquer paintings touch on Yin and Yang    

The 30 richest families on the stock market in 2011

The total assets of the 30 richest families on the stock market are worth 2.3 billion dollars; half of which belong to the owners of Vincom group.

PM requests inspections on gas quality

The Prime Minister has ordered the Ministry of Science and Technology deliver results on their inspection of petroleum quality, following recent vehicle fires.

HCM City to crack down on diseases

VietNamNet Bridge – The HCM City Department of Health will continue to take measures against the spread of diseases like dengue fever, hand-foot-mouth disease, flu, chicken pox and rubella in the first months of this year.

SOCIETY IN BRIEF 6/1

High blood pressure sufferers go untreated; Second child dies of skin disease from unknown cause; President urges trade unions to protect workers

Vietnam’s economy in 2011: the impressive figures

The Vietnam Economic Forum VEF of VietNamNet reviews the 10 most impressive figures associated with the most important events that had big impacts on the national economy in 2011.

TRAVEL IN BRIEF 6/1

Cruise ship tourists arrive in Hue; Carrier offers cheap fare; Kien Giang park attracts anglers; Hue monuments free for Tet; More Viet kieu to return home

Vietnamese water puppetry staged in France

VietNamNet Bridge – Thousands of French people had a chance to enjoy the unique Vietnamese water puppetry when the Viet Nam Water Puppetry Theatre (VNWPT) toured France recently.

Federation to impose limit on foreign players

VietNamNet Bridge – The Viet Nam Football Federation (VFF) will limit the number of foreign players in the national football league from 2013 to help boost opportunities for local football talent,

GOVERNMENT IN BRIEF 6/1

 NA Chairman visits hydropower plant; Vietnam, Singapore boost all-round cooperation; President praises army cadets; Meeting marks 40th anniversary of Vietnam-India ties

Tyra Banks wants to wear Vietnamese ao dai

World supermodel Tyra Banks said she wants to appear at the final stage of Vietnam’s Next Top Model in an Ao Dai (Vietnamese traditional long dress).