Vietnam meets with Russia, UK, Switzerland

VietNamNet Bridge - Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan had separate meetings with a Russian Deputy PM, the Duke of York and the Swiss Minister of Economics on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos.

To buy a house, state employees have to fast for 24 years

VietNamNet Bridge – The rate of housing price in proportion to income of the Vietnamese is between 24.5 to 26.6, very high compared with other countries in the world. Most state employees can’t afford to buy a house just relying on theirsalary.

The Vietnamese lecturer at Oxford University

“I have a dream called ‘Oxford’” – Nguyen Hoang Long, the author of the saying, has seen his dream come true: he has gained the doctorate from Oxford University and became the first Vietnamese lecturer at the prestigious university.

More flights for Tet

VietNamNet Bridge - Some 90 more flights using ATR 72 aircraft will be available from January 27 – Feb 1 and February 4 -14.

Food safety a major concern during Tet

VietNamNet Bridge - As Tet (lunar New Year) approaches, health authorities in Ho Chi Minh City worry about companies violating food safety and hygiene regulations.

Embattled shipbuilder bounces back

VietNamNet Bridge - Near-bankrupt shipbuilder Vinashin has gradually bounced back after four months of restructuring, a report released yesterday said.

Public transport system to be overloaded at Tet

VietNamNet Bridge – Transport authorities in many provinces and cities nationwide have said they are preparing to meet a higher travel demand than the last Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday.

Garment makers target $13b in exports

VietNamNet Bridge - The textile and garment sector has targeted a monthly export turnover of US$1 billion per month in the last five months of this year in order to realise its annual objective of around $13 billion.

Tourism slogans and logos honored

VietNamNet Bridge – On January 26 the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) announced the winning logos and slogans for the Vietnam tourism promotion program in 2011-2015.

Social networks will boom in Vietnam in 2011?

The bright success of the social network Facebook has forced Vietnam’s social networks to rethink their strategies. Experts believe that 2011 will be a year with splendid breakthroughs by Vietnam’s social networks.

BUSINESS IN BRIEF 29/1

World Bank purchases An Binh Bank bonds; Short supply to benefit rubber industry; Bank, card firms join in merchant network; Telephone smoothens Tet shopping; International agency to buy Vietnamese gamma scanners

FPT to buy 49% stake in EVN

Software giant FPT and its subsidiary FPT Telecom have received approval from the Government to buy a 49-per-cent stake in State-owned EVN Telecom, an affiliate of Electricity of Viet Nam.

How to deal with pending projects?

VietNamNet Bridge – Experts are blowing the whistle over the high number of projects that have been “pending” for indefinite time.

SOCIETY IN BRIEF 29/1

Ho Chi Minh to dig 343km of streets in 2011; Corpse found in cemetery’s well; 22 fishermen stranded as boat breaks down; Binh Dinh police probe tomb diggers; Warm weather forecast during Tet; Cold medicines in increasing demand in Vietnam     

What does the appreciation of the Chinese yuan bring to Vietnam’s exports?

The exchange rate will not be the main factor that leads to big changes in trades with China. Only the inner strength and strategic policies of Vietnam can make changes.

ART & ENTERTAINMENT IN BRIEF 29/1

Spring Flower and Beverage Festival 2011 opens in Hanoi; TV Comedy act to lure viewers; Over 30 Tet flower fairs open in HCM City; World heritage photo contest launched; Exhibition on ever-changing Indochina

Vietnam’s first Next Top Model winner to be trained in USA

VietNamNet Bridge – US-based CA Model and Wilhelmina Models on January 26 signed a contract to support the winner of the first Vietnam’s Next Top Model competition to develop her talent and career.

Investment funds’ reported losses raise doubts

The reported loss of 384.066 billion dong in 2010 for three funds VF1, VF4 and VFA makes many investors question the professional skill of the Vietnam Fund Management Company VFM.

Energy efficiency law in effect

Deputy chairman of the National Assembly’s Science, Technology and Environment Committee Nghiem Vu Khai explains how the Law on Energy Efficiency and Conservation will help reduce the tension surrounding power shortages, if imposed properly.

CPI tipped to rise next month

VietNamNet Bridge - Consumer price index (CPI) is expected to surge about 2 per cent in February, according to the Pricing Management Department.

Flu cases spike in January

VietNamNet Bridge - In the first three weeks of this year, 26 people tested positive for A/H1N1 influenza, according to the Ministry of Health's Preventive Health Department.

Banh tet village during Tet

As of the 24th day of the lunar December (January 27), Chuon village in Thua Thien-Hue province has entered the busiest time of the year. The village has supplied banh tet for local people and neighboring provinces for hundreds of years.

Export turnover tops $6b in January

Vietnam's total export and import turnovers totalled US$13 billion in January with export revenues of $6 billion, causing a trade deficit of $1 billion for the month, equivalent to 17% of the total revenue, the General Statistics Office announced.

Researchers say cholera bacterium more deadly, urge vaccination

Researchers said the cholera bacterium today is more deadly than its previous types, urging that vaccines should be considered even after an outbreak starts, according to media reports Friday.

Death toll in Indonesia's vessel blaze rises to 17

The number of deaths in Indonesia' s burned vessel serving from Merak port in Banten province to Bakauheni port in Lampung province has risen to 17. At least 16 were seriously injured and treated in Krakatau Steel hospital in Cilegon, Merak