Vietnamobile commercializes 3G service

Vietnamobile on Tuesday became the country’s final mobile operator to commercialize the third generation (3G) network service, in the context that it is now left with only half of the license to deploy the service.

17th Vietnam Film Festival opens in Phu Yen

VietNamNet Bridge – The festival’s opening ceremony took place last night, December 15, at the Sao Mai Theatre in Tuy Hoa city, Phu Yen province, attracting many senior actors.

SSC kicks off plans to restructure stock market

Securities companies would be re-arranged and classified in a plan to restructure the stock market set up by the State Securities Commission SSC.

The academic, the motorbike and chaos

VietNamNet Bridge – A few years ago an American academic was writing a paper on chaos theory. He based his research on the flow of traffic in Ha Noi. Two weeks after arriving in Viet Nam, he was hit by a motorbike and seriously injured.

Putin defends fairness of election

The results of Russia's parliamentary elections on Dec. 4 reflected the views of Russian voters, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Thursday in his annual Q&A session.

U.S. auto imports face anti-dumping duties

Anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties will be placed on vehicle imports from the United States for two years, the Ministry of Commerce said on Wednesday.

Remarkable statements by Vietnamese officials in 2011

This year some high-ranking officials made memorable statements, which raised great controversies on the media and in the public. VietNamNet Bridge makes a review.

Regular nonstop flight launched between Beijing, Lhasa

A new regular nonstop flight was launched between Beijing and Lhasa on Thursday, cutting the previous travel time by nearly two hours.

Hanoi: 33-storey tower on fire, 24 workers suffocated by smoke

VietNamNet Bridge – The fire broke out at the 33-storey twin tower of the Electricity of Vietnam Group at 4pm, December 15, but until 9.30pm, rescue workers took all 40 victims out of the building.

Egypt starts 2nd phase parliamentary vote

Egyptians went to the polls on Wednesday morning in the second stage voting for a new parliament, after the first stage concluded with the Islamic parties being the biggest winners.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping to visit Vietnam

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping will pay an official visit to Vietnam from December 20-22, at the invitation of the Vietnam Communist Party Central Committee and Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan.

BUSINESS IN BRIEF 16/12

Halt called on second-rate petrol processing; Oils and aromatic spice industry needs help; Provinces pull the plug on slow projects; Fast food foreign firms race to dominate Vietnamese market; Foreign producers interested in local building market

Death toll from illicit liquor disaster in India rises to 121

The death toll from the illicit liquor disaster in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal has risen to 121, while 100 are being treated of poisoning in hospitals, said local media reports.

U.S. not completed mission but making progress in Afghanistan: defense chief

The United States has not won and completed the mission in Afghanistan, said U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta in a joint press conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai held in Afghanistan's capital city Kabul on Wednesday.

Vietnamese couples struggle to have son in 2012

VietNamNet Bridge – Many obstetrical consulting rooms in cities are overloaded with women who need professional advices of how to have a son in 2012, the Year of Dragon.

Ministry bans use of poisonous chemical

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) will ban from aquaculture use--20 kinds of plant protection substances containing cypermethrin.

Jury for Vietnam Film Festival announced

VietNamNet Bridge - The ongoing 17th Vietnam Film Festival in Tuy Hoa city, Phu Yen province, has revealed the jury for the feature film category.

Death toll from illicit liquor in India rises to 63

The death toll from illicit liquor in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal rose to at least 63 people, mostly dirt poor rickshaw pullers and laborers, while 80 others were struggling for their lives, reported local media Thursday.

V-League to have a new name

VietNamNet Bridge – The shareholders’ meeting of the Vietnam Professional Football JS Company on December 14, voted Vo Quoc Thang, Chairman of the Dong Tam Long An football club as VPF Chair.

World Best Football Player 2006 to visit Vietnam

VietNamNet Bridge – Fabio Cannavaro, the captain of Italian national football squad that was the champion of the World Cup 2006, will arrive in HCM City on January 6, 2012.

HCM City to welcome New Year 2012 by light and firework shows

VietNamNet Bridge – The New Year’s Eve in HCM City on December 31 will be brilliant thanks to a special light show, fireworks and an international food festival.

Soldiers help civilians cope with flood tide

VietNamNet Bridge – In the past two days, more than 400 soldiers have been mobilized to assist people in the central provinces of Phu Yen and Quang Ngai to resist flood tide.

Girl falls ill after accepting free drink in Berlin Christmas market

A 15-year-old girl fell ill after accepting a free drink from a man dressed as Santa Claus on Sunday evening at a Berlin Christmas market, local police said on Monday.

Sale of big office buildings on offer

Market for leasing office buildings in HCM City has already witnessed some transferal transactions in recent years and this trend is increasing.

ART & ENTERTAINMENT IN BRIEF 15/12

600-year-old wall found at heritage site; Vietnam Idol participants to gather for concert; Scrap dealers find ancient ceramic jar; Bosom-shaped luffas found in Hanoi’s Goethe café; Fun, frolics and felicitations at Ha Noi Rock City